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+---
+'@backstage/ui': minor
+---
+
+**BREAKING**: Simplified the neutral background prop API for container components. The explicit `neutral-1`, `neutral-2`, `neutral-3`, and `neutral-auto` values have been removed from `ProviderBg`. They are replaced by a single `'neutral'` value that always auto-increments from the parent context, making it impossible to skip or pin to an explicit neutral level.
+
+**Migration:**
+
+Replace any explicit `bg="neutral-1"`, `bg="neutral-2"`, `bg="neutral-3"`, or `bg="neutral-auto"` props with `bg="neutral"`. To achieve a specific neutral level in stories or tests, use nested containers — each additional `bg="neutral"` wrapper increments by one level.
+
+```tsx
+// Before
+...
+
+// After
+
+ ...
+
+```
+
+**Affected components:** Box, Flex, Grid, Card, Accordion, Popover, Tooltip, Dialog, Menu