10 Top CSS3 Code Generators

New online tools and web applications allow developers to quickly create websites without having to manually write code line by line. Currently, new frameworks and code libraries are constantly emerging in the field of front-end development.

However, this also makes many developers forget about code generators and the role they play when building websites. The following resources are completely free web applications that can be used to generate CSS3 code for patterns, gradients, and even browser prefixed properties. If you write front-end code, then these resources can save you a lot of time and provide repeatable snippets for future project work.

1. CSS3 Generator

One of everyone's favorite web applications for code generation is CSS3 Generator. It has different pages for different categories of code generators, including RGBa, transform, flexbox, etc. In addition, each code generator also includes an icon to explain which browser version fully supports the property.

Official website: http://css3generator.com/

2. Enjoy CSS

For more dynamic applications, try the Enjoy CSS website. It is meant to be a complete code generator for custom input fields or CSS3 buttons in dynamic projects. It provides custom code for transformations and transitions, and pre-built items for common page elements like CSS3 buttons.

Official website: http://enjoycss.com/

3. Patternify

Unless you already know Photoshop, learning how to create a tiling CSS pattern from scratch can be a daunting task. Thankfully, Patternify is a free tool that generates everything you need to create a tiling CSS pattern.

Backgrounds are generated when added to CSS using Base64 code. You can draw your own patterns using raw pixel data or even choose from a bunch of preset patterns. Photoshop is undoubtedly a better choice, but Patternify is also good if you don't have experience with PS or other graphic design programs.

Official website: http://www.patternify.com/

4. ColorZilla Gradients

CSS3 gradients are one of the most complex features in the language. It's easy to end up with code that becomes incredibly verbose. ColorZilla's Gradient Editor is a free generator for CSS3 background gradients.

The setup is very similar to the color picker interface in Photoshop or other places. You can set multiple breakpoints for a large number of colors in the same gradient, and you can choose the output option from HEX or HSL or RGBa code.

Official website: http://www.colorzilla.com/gradient-editor/

5. CSSmatic

Another free and versatile web application is CSSmatic. I call it a "multi-purpose" application because it can generate 4 different CSS properties: gradients, rounded borders, rounded corners and box drop shadows, and BG noise. The entire site is completely free, and there is hope that more features will be added in the future.

Official website: http://www.cssmatic.com/

6. CSS Type Set

It’s easy to forget about typography when we’re immersed in design, but it’s one of the most important aspects of any website. Resets are great, but sometimes we just want to automate the process. CSS Type Set does just that by previewing your text in real time and providing the CSS code to copy to your own website.

Official website: http://csstypeset.com/

7. Prefixr

Every developer has suffered the pain of writing custom prefixes to handle all web browsers. Thankfully, the standards have come a long way and now not all prefixes need to be added - but many still do. Prefixr is a free tool that updates your CSS code to include all required prefixed properties.

Official website: http://prefixr.com/

8. Pleeease Play

Another alternative to Prefixr is the Pleeease Play web app. This is another CSS prefix generator that can also perform other advanced CSS3 updates. Most notably, you'll find that it's backwards compatible with updates to CSS3 opacity, filters, and pseudo-elements, among other neat effects. Plus the interface is super easy to use, making it a great assistant for developers to double-check their code.

Official website: http://pleeease.io/play/

9. CSS3 Button Generator

Traditional buttons and input elements have always been limited to the default styles of the operating system. Now it is easier than ever to customize unique buttons - the only problem is translating your design from Photoshop/Sketch to CSS3.

Once you learn all the CSS properties, it will become easy, but you still need to write a lot of lines of code. CSS Button Generator is a free tool for customizing button styles and label text. Just modify the settings and the code will be automatically generated and updated.

Official website: http://css3buttongenerator.com/

10. Best CSS Button Generator

For button code, another option is Best CSS Button Generator. This is also completely free and has a simple interface. Best of all, you can choose from preset buttons and use the templates for your own designs. If you are a Chrome browser user, you can also access this free browser extension from outside the website.

Official website: http://www.bestcssbuttongenerator.com/

The more you practice CSS, the easier it will become. However, at some point, when you reach a level of proficiency, automation does have its place.

Feel free to share your thoughts.