SVG feMerge Filter Primitive
feMerge stacks multiple filter primitive results in order, letting you layer effects like a blur beneath the original graphic.
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Supports PNG, JPG, BMP, WEBP up to 5MB
Stacking Filter Results with feMergeNode
feMerge contains a list of feMergeNode child elements, each referencing a filter result via its in attribute, and stacks them in the order listed from bottom to top — this is the standard way to layer a blurred shadow copy beneath the crisp original graphic in a single filter pass.
- feMergeNode children each reference a prior result via the in attribute
- Results stack in listed order, with later nodes drawn on top of earlier ones
- The standard technique for layering a blur shadow beneath the original graphic
Building a Drop Shadow with feMerge
A classic drop shadow filter chain uses feGaussianBlur and feOffset to create an offset blurred copy, then feMerge with two feMergeNode elements — one referencing the blurred shadow and one referencing SourceGraphic — to composite the shadow beneath the original crisp artwork in the correct visual order.
- feGaussianBlur and feOffset create the offset blurred shadow copy
- The first feMergeNode references the shadow, drawn on the bottom layer
- The second feMergeNode references SourceGraphic, drawn crisply on top
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the order of feMergeNode elements matter?
Yes, feMergeNode elements stack in listed order from bottom to top, so the first node is drawn first and later nodes are drawn on top of it.
Can feMerge combine more than two layers?
Yes, feMerge accepts any number of feMergeNode children, allowing complex multi-layer effects like a shadow, a glow, and the original graphic stacked in one pass.
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