# Foundations · Elevation

Five-step shadow scale tinted with the brand ink so shadows read **warm** against the canvas — not cold slate.

## Scale

| Level | Shadow | Use |
|-------|--------|-----|
| `0` | none | Flush surfaces, page background |
| `1` | `0 1px 2px rgba(26,21,48,0.04)` | Cards, list rows, buttons |
| `2` | `0 4px 12px -4px rgba(26,21,48,0.08)` | Dropdowns, popovers |
| `3` | `0 16px 40px -16px rgba(26,21,48,0.18)` | Modals, dialogs |
| `4` | `0 24px 80px -24px rgba(26,21,48,0.22)` | Toasts, command palette |
| `focusRing` | `0 0 0 3px rgba(107,53,167,0.18)` | Any focusable element |

`rgb(26 21 48)` is `brand.ink`; `rgb(107 53 167)` is `brand.primary`.

## Rules

- ✅ Treat the scale as discrete. Hover may bump elevation one step, never two.
- ✅ Use `focusRing` consistently — never invent a per-component focus style.
- ❌ Don't use elevation for decoration. Reserve it for hierarchy and affordance.
- ❌ Don't use grey / black shadows; they look dirty on the warm canvas.

## Dark theme

In dark theme, elevation is communicated primarily through **lighter surface tints** rather than darker shadows. Shadows still exist but with reduced alpha (0.3–0.4 of brand.ink). See `themes/dark/theme.json`.