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Cool Backgrounds

Generates hero images — gradients, particles, triangles, topography — at whatever resolution you need, free to download.

Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.

How to get the most from it

Cool Backgrounds sits in Design Playgrounds under Make, filed as instant.

  • Just open it. It pays off within seconds, with nothing to read first.
  • It works on a phone or a desktop, so open it on whatever is nearest.
  • It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
  • No account needed — you can start without signing up.
  • Go in expecting something useful and beautiful.

About this category: Palette builders, type playgrounds, background generators and gradient tools. Half of professional design is trying things quickly, and these are for trying things quickly.

Good for

  • A five-second distraction
  • Getting something practical done
  • Looking at something lovely
  • A quiet break at your desk
  • Killing time on your phone
  • Trying it with zero commitment

Cool Backgrounds: quick answers

Is Cool Backgrounds free?

Yes. Cool Backgrounds is free to use and needs no account.

Do I need an account to use Cool Backgrounds?

No. You can use Cool Backgrounds without signing up for anything.

Does Cool Backgrounds work on a phone?

Yes. Cool Backgrounds works on phones as well as desktop browsers.

Is Cool Backgrounds safe for work?

Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.

How long does Cool Backgrounds take?

We file it as "Instant": Good within five seconds of loading.

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