Shadow & Elevation
A shadow is a visual effect. Elevation is the depth relationship that the shadow may explain between surfaces.
Another example
A menu gets a light shadow because it floats above the page. A field pressed into the page gets none.
Main parts
- 01Content surface
- 02Distinct visual treatment
- 03Action and readability check
Use it when
Use it to show which surface overlaps, holds focus, or sits higher.
Do not use it when
Never shadow every card. Show only heights that match how each surface works.
Name used in code
box-shadow + elevation tokens Before you ship
Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience.
Outcome: Use or define Shadow & Elevation to make the visual experience clear and easy to use. User context: A menu gets a light shadow because it floats above the page. A field pressed into the page gets none. Design concept to apply: Shadow & Elevation. Why it fits: Use it to show which surface overlaps, holds focus, or sits higher. Do not use it when: Never shadow every card. Show only heights that match how each surface works. Design requirements: Set the content order, shared design values, and reusable components. Define how the layout changes by screen size and state. Keep useful design choices separate from decoration. Inclusion and resilience: Check contrast, zoom, languages, themes, and reduced motion when needed. Do not use color or effects as the only way to show meaning. Acceptance criteria: The design stays clear on phones and desktops, at zoom, in every theme, and in all supported languages. Interactive states stay clear and consistent. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): No single official standard controls the whole term. Its meaning may change across teams, platforms, or frameworks. Unknowns to confirm: Brand limits, amount of content, supported themes and languages, target devices, and design-system rules.
Check this request
Review the current use of Shadow & Elevation. Definition: A shadow is a visual effect. Elevation is the depth relationship that the shadow may explain between surfaces. Release checks: Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.