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CSS Triangle Generator Generate CSS triangles using the border technique with direction and color controls.

CSS Triangle Generator illustration
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CSS Triangle Generator

Generate CSS triangles using the border technique with direction and color controls.

1

Choose direction

Select which direction the triangle should point: up, down, left, or right.

2

Customize size and color

Adjust the triangle size and pick your desired color.

3

Copy the CSS

Preview the triangle and copy the border-based CSS code.

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What Is CSS Triangle Generator?

The CSS Triangle Generator creates triangles using the CSS border technique, one of the most clever tricks in CSS. By setting an element's width and height to zero and using transparent borders on three sides with a colored border on one side, a triangle shape is formed. This tool lets you choose the triangle direction (up, down, left, right), adjust its size, and pick any color. The generated CSS is lightweight and requires no images or SVG. CSS triangles are commonly used for tooltip arrows, dropdown indicators, breadcrumb separators, and decorative design elements. The preview shows the triangle in real-time, and the code is ready to copy into your stylesheet.

Why Use CSS Triangle Generator?

  • No images needed—pure CSS border technique
  • Four direction options with customizable size
  • Lightweight and performant alternative to image-based arrows
  • Instant preview and one-click code copy

Common Use Cases

Tooltip Arrows

Create the arrow pointer for CSS tooltips and popovers.

Dropdown Indicators

Add triangle indicators to dropdown menus and selectors.

Breadcrumb Separators

Use triangles as visual separators in breadcrumb navigation.

Decorative Elements

Place geometric shapes in section dividers and design accents.

Technical Guide

The CSS triangle technique exploits how borders meet at element corners. For example, border-bottom: 50px solid blue with transparent left and right borders creates an upward-pointing triangle. The triangle size is controlled by the border width values. For equilateral triangles, all border widths should be equal. For isosceles triangles, the colored border can have a different width. This technique can also create right triangles by making only one adjacent border transparent. CSS triangles render crisply at any resolution and are supported in all browsers.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    The triangle points opposite to the colored border direction
  • 2
    Use matching border widths for equilateral triangles
  • 3
    Combine with ::before or ::after pseudo-elements for inline arrows
  • 4
    CSS triangles can be rotated with transform for custom angles

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How does the CSS triangle technique work?
By setting width/height to 0 and using transparent borders on three sides with a colored border on one side, the borders form a triangle shape.
Q Can I create triangles pointing at custom angles?
Use CSS transform: rotate() on a standard triangle to point it at any angle.
Q Are CSS triangles responsive?
Border widths in pixels are fixed. Use viewport units (vw, vh) or JavaScript for responsive sizing.
Q Can I create other shapes with borders?
Yes, by varying border widths and transparency, you can create various shapes including arrows and chevrons.
Q Is there a modern alternative to border triangles?
Yes, clip-path: polygon() offers more flexible shape creation with better readability.

About This Tool

CSS Triangle Generator is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.