CSS Function

brightness()

The brightness() filter function adjusts the brightness of an element's rendering, making it lighter or darker.

Syntax

filter: brightness(amount)

Parameters

NameTypeRequiredDescription
amountnumber | percentageYesBrightness multiplier: 0 (black), 1/100% (original), >1 (brighter)

Examples

Darken on hover

Slightly darkens the card on hover.

css
.card:hover {
  filter: brightness(0.9);
}

Brighten image

Makes the image 30% brighter.

css
img {
  filter: brightness(1.3);
}

Tailwind utility

Tailwind provides brightness-{value} utilities.

html
<div class="hover:brightness-90 transition">Hover me</div>

Browser Support

Chrome

v18++

Firefox

v35++

Safari

v6++

Edge

v12++

Opera

v15++

Tailwind Equivalent

You can achieve similar results in Tailwind CSS using the following utility classes:

brightness-{value}: brightness-50, brightness-100, brightness-150, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can brightness exceed 100%?
Yes. Values above 1 (100%) increase brightness. Very high values wash out colors toward white.
Is this the same as adjusting lightness in HSL?
No. brightness() is a post-render filter that multiplies all pixel values. HSL lightness adjusts the color definition before rendering.

Explore CSS Color Tools

Try our free tools to work with brightness() and other CSS color functions.

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