CSS Clip Path Generator

The CSS clip-path property creates a clipping region that defines which part of an element is visible. Anything outside the clipping region is hidden, effectively cropping the element into a custom shape. It supports several shape functions: circle() for circular masks, ellipse() for oval shapes, polygon() for multi-point shapes like triangles and hexagons, and path() for arbitrary SVG path shapes.

Unlike border-radius which only rounds corners, or overflow: hidden which only clips to rectangles, clip-path can create any arbitrary geometric shape — triangles, pentagons, stars, arrows, and complex custom polygons defined by percentage-based coordinate points.

The polygon() function accepts a list of x,y coordinate pairs in percentage units: polygon(50% 0%, 0% 100%, 100% 100%) creates a triangle. circle(50%) creates a circle clipped to the element. ellipse(50% 40% at 50% 50%) creates an ellipse. inset(10px 20px) creates a rectangular inset clip. Each coordinate is relative to the element's bounding box, so 0% 0% is top-left and 100% 100% is bottom-right. This generator lets you drag handles to visually position polygon points and see the CSS output in real time.

Clip-path enables design patterns that were previously only achievable with SVG or background images. Use polygon() to create diagonal section cuts on landing pages — the classic angled hero section. Use circle() to mask images into circles for profile photos without the border-radius approach. Use custom polygons to create arrow-shaped navigation tabs, hexagonal image galleries, or chevron-shaped dividers between page sections. Combined with transitions, clip-path enables stunning shape-morphing reveal animations.

CSS clip-path and SVG masking both create shaped elements, but serve different purposes. Clip-path is simpler and better for geometric shapes defined by CSS functions — it is applied directly on HTML elements with a single CSS property. SVG masking (<clipPath> element) supports more complex paths, bitmap masks, and gradient masks that clip-path cannot achieve. For standard polygon shapes and geometric designs, CSS clip-path is the most convenient approach. For complex, irregular shapes, SVG masking provides more power.

• Diagonal section dividers on landing pages using an angled polygon clip
• Circular image masks for profile photos and avatar displays
• Hexagonal image grids for portfolio galleries with a geometric layout
• Arrow-shaped navigation tabs or breadcrumb indicators
• Animated shape morphing reveals on scroll or hover using CSS transitions
• Decorative hero section backgrounds with non-rectangular shapes