Quick links to procedures on this page:

Adding drop shadows to objects

There are three types of drop shadows: glow, flat, and perspective. Glow drop shadows silhouette objects and are centered horizontally and vertically; they simulate a light source shining straight onto an object. Flat drop shadows simulate the effect of directional light, so shadows are offset. Perspective drop shadows create three-dimensional depth. You can add a drop shadow to any object, including text.

The object on the left has a flat drop shadow, while the object on the right has a perspective drop shadow.

You can create and adjust drop shadows in the image window. You can also change the color, position, direction, and transparency of a drop shadow directly in the image window.

You can also apply preset drop shadows. When you apply a preset, you can modify it to create a custom drop shadow. For example, you can change its direction and distance from an object, its color, and its opacity. By default, the edges of drop shadows feature squared feathering. You can choose another feathering type, such as a Gaussian blur which creates a realistic-looking drop shadow. You can also copy a custom drop shadow or save it as a preset.

When you change the shape or transparency of an object that has a drop shadow, the drop shadow automatically also changes.

You can remove a drop shadow at any time.

To add a flat or perspective drop shadow Back to Top

 

Drag the triangular Transparency handle on the drop shadow arrow.
Drag the triangular Feather handle on the drop shadow arrow. By default, squared feathering is used, but you can choose another type from the Feather edge picker on the property bar. For example, the Gaussian blur creates a realistic drop shadow.
To add a glow drop shadow Back to Top

 

Drag the triangular Transparency handle on the drop shadow arrow.
Drag the triangular Feather handle on the drop shadow arrow. By default, squared feathering is used, but you can choose another type from the Feather edge picker on the property bar. For example, the Gaussian blur creates a realistic drop shadow.
To add a preset or custom drop shadow Back to Top

 

Click the Add preset button on the property bar, and type a name for the drop shadow in the Save preset as box.
In the Save as preset dialog box, enable the Shadow relative check box.

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After you choose a preset, you can modify many drop shadow attributes by adjusting the nodes and triangle handles on the drop shadow arrow.

To copy a drop shadow Back to Top
To remove a drop shadow Back to Top

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You can also remove a drop shadow by choosing None from the Preset list box on the property bar.


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