CSS Basics: spreadMethod

In CSS, the spreadMethod property is used in conjunction with the linearGradient() and radialGradient() functions to define how the gradient colors are spread within a shape or element. This property allows you to control the distribution of colors in a gradient, giving you more control over the visual appearance of your designs.

Understanding spreadMethod

The spreadMethod property has three possible values:

• pad: This is the default value. It extends the last color of the gradient beyond the shape's boundaries, creating a solid color fill.
• reflect: This value reflects the gradient colors at the shape's boundaries, creating a mirrored effect.
• repeat: This value repeats the gradient colors beyond the shape's boundaries, creating a seamless pattern.

By using these different spread methods, you can achieve various visual effects and enhance the overall design of your website or application.

Examples

Let's take a look at some examples to better understand how the spreadMethod property works:

Example 1: pad

.gradient {
  background: linear-gradient(to right, red, blue);
  spreadMethod: pad;
}

In this example, the gradient colors will extend beyond the shape's boundaries, creating a solid fill. The colors will smoothly transition from red to blue within the shape, and the last color (blue) will continue beyond the shape.

Example 2: reflect

.gradient {
  background: linear-gradient(to right, red, blue);
  spreadMethod: reflect;
}

With the reflect value, the gradient colors will be reflected at the shape's boundaries, creating a mirrored effect. This can be useful when you want to add depth or dimension to your designs.

Example 3: repeat

.gradient {
  background: linear-gradient(to right, red, blue);
  spreadMethod: repeat;
}

Using the repeat value, the gradient colors will repeat beyond the shape's boundaries, creating a seamless pattern. This can be particularly effective when you want to create a background with a repeating gradient.

Conclusion

The spreadMethod property in CSS allows you to control how gradient colors are spread within a shape or element. By using the pad, reflect, or repeat values, you can achieve different visual effects and enhance the overall design of your website or application.

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