-webkit-box-reflect Property: Creating Reflection Effects in CSS
Tags: css, tutorial, codepen, design
Published: 2023-08-26 17:41:26

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  <figcaption>Cover Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@juanster?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Juan Davila</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/P8PlK2nGwqA?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
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Have you ever come across web designs that feature stunning reflection effects on text or image elements? These captivating designs often leave us wondering about the underlying sorcery that brings them to life. Enter the `-webkit-box-reflect` CSS property&mdash;lesser-known gem that allows you to conjure reflection effects on your web content. 

In this post, we'll delve into the magic of `-webkit-box-reflect` and explore how it can be harnessed to create eye-catching reflections in your designs.

Below is a live demo where you can see the `-webkit-box-reflect property` in action:

{% codepen https://codepen.io/mike-at-redspace/pen/WNLQBOx %}

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## The Power of Reflections
Reflections add depth and elegance to your web designs. They create an illusion of elements being displayed on a reflective surface like glass or water. This technique has been used to add sophistication to various user interfaces, product showcases, and artistic displays.

The `-webkit-box-reflect` property, although prefixed for WebKit browsers like Safari and older versions of Chrome, lets you achieve these effects with ease.

At the time of writing we are still waiting for support in Firefox & Opera, and it limited to only newer versions of Edge [full support details](https://caniuse.com/?search=-webkit-box-reflect).
 
![broswer support for -webkit-box-reflect](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/txlrxg2o3zz2mk6en55o.png)

***

## Basic Syntax

`above`, `below`, `right`, `left`
Are keywords indicating in which direction the reflection is to happen.

`<length>`
Indicates the size of the reflection.

`<image>`
Describes the mask to be applied to the reflection.

![reflection syntax](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d88v1tdrbg3ed6xngm5o.png)


***

## Basic Reflection
This code snippet below adds a basic reflection effect below the element's content.

![css Basic Reflection](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pv42rg4jz8cqrgjpiwv2.png)

***

## Right-Side Reflection
This snippet creates a reflection on the right side of the element.


![css Right-Side Reflection](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pmyradfnbcunof7twrwz.png)

***

## Masking the Reflection Source
In this snippet, the reflection is masked by the element's box, and the reflection source is stretched to fill the reflection area.


![Masking the Reflection Source css](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2fr2v6fbjeirgczyx1v8.png)

***

## Repeating the Masked Reflection Source
The masked source image is repeated within the reflection area. This reflection effect resembles ripples in water.

![Repeating the Masked Reflection css](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/dhio0s7vz4roxrijeffw.png)

***

## Combining Reflections
To achieve a dual reflection both above and to the right of the element use this approach.

![css Combining Reflections](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0lqxe2y7uph1jkapsgvj.png)

***

## Limitations and Considerations
Despite its enchanting capabilities, the `-webkit-box-reflect property` has a few limitations to keep in mind:

- **Browser Support:** This property is mainly supported by older WebKit-based browsers. Modern browsers might not consistently render the effects.
- **Responsiveness:** Reflections created using this property aren't inherently responsive. Media queries might be needed for different screen sizes.
- **Limited Customization:** Compared to other techniques, customization options for reflections are somewhat limited.

***

Feel free to tinker with the [CodePen](https://codepen.io/mike-at-redspace/pen/WNLQBOx) and experiment with different reflection effects to get a hands-on understanding of how the `-webkit-box-reflect` property works. 

Enjoy the journey of adding captivating reflections to your web design toolkit!

{% user mike-at-redspace %}