December 19
18 min. to read
You can also use shadows to focus the viewer's attention on a particular object in an image and make it look more important. Just choose the right way to add drop shadow in Photoshop and create your own awesome pictures with our tutorial.
Shadows are one of the most important components of the composition, making the scene more realistic and alive. If you don't take care of this element when adding a new object to a photo, the subject will "hang" in the air and the picture will look unnatural.
When creating a shadow, it's important to remember that it must appear on the side opposite to the light source and fall at the used angle as other similar parts that are already in the image.
With our step-by-step guide, you will know a few ways how to add drop shadows in Photoshop in many different ways. Let's look at the most popular ones.
How to add shadow to the image in Photoshop? Let's find out!
1. Creating a Shadow Along the Contour of a Silhouette
One of the easiest and fastest methods to create a shadow over the entire outline of a silhouette. It doesn't always look good in public, but on the text and the images, and specific objects, it's very nice.
Open Your Project: Start by launching your Photoshop project and selecting the layer where you'd like to add a shadow.
Access Layer Styles: Click the 'FX' button at the bottom of the Layers panel and select 'Drop Shadow'.
Customize Your Shadow: Adjust settings like opacity, angle, and distance in the dialog box to get the desired effect.
Apply the Changes: Click 'OK' to apply the shadow and enhance your image's depth.
Open your image and add a new layer by holding Shift + Cmd + N or by clicking the plus button at the bottom of the window.
Select a soft brush. Then, set opacity and pressure to around 35% and draw the shadow.
If needed, cancel the action by pressing Cmd + Z. For more convenience and accuracy, adjust the scale with a combination of Cmd and +, Cmd and -.
This option is good for cases where the light source is on top, and is also good for soft, diffuse Photoshop shadows effect without a clear transition from the dark areas to the light areas.
If necessary, you can create a drop shadow in Photoshop softer by reducing the transparency of the layer. Export the finished image and you need to ensure that you save changes.
Now we will tell you how to create a drop shadow in Photoshop of a person, animal, or any other object. The principle is the same as with the styles method, but it gives a better result.
Following these few simple instructions step-by-step, you will know how to make a drop shadow in Photoshop to text or an object:
Usually, photo editing is taken that serves as a background and a new image for creating a drop shadow in Photoshop. If you have a weak computer or laptop, this method may not work due to low power or a lack of OpenGL support.
On the left side of the tool menu, choose Quick Selection (W key). Select the pixel size in the range from 7 to 20 units and hold down the left mouse button to select the object or area for which the shadow will be created. If the area is large, you can hold down the key.
Now you need to select small details. To do this, change the pixel size in the range from 1 to 3 units. After you have selected the entire object, copy it with CTRL+C and paste it into the desired image with CTRL+V.
In the Layers menu on the right, unlock the background image by double-clicking the lock and pressing OK in the window that pops up.
Next, select the object layer to which you want to create a drop shadow in Photoshop (on the right side of the "Layers" menu), copy it by pressing CTRL+J and turn it off by clicking on the eye icon and select the layer "Object" In the top Menu, select 3D then New 3D Extrusion from the selected layer.
Since our drawing was flat, Photoshop will automatically give it a 3D wireframe. Here you can align the plane to the terrain and set the depth behind the object, as well as set the light source. The process of changing the 3D image can change a lot, but we need only its shadow.
If there are no objects on the background image which to determine the location of the light source, we will be guided by the Photoshop shadows under the object.
On the right side of the 3D menu at the very bottom, we choose the "Infinite light" layer and we get a sphere that will imitate the light source. With the left mouse button, we set the and change the angle of the light.
Going back to the "Infinite Light" layer above it has a "Properties" panel where we can set the "intensity" and the gaussian blurring of the shadow. How to make drop shadow in Photoshop from splitting into a mosaic? You can do a "Rendering" of the image by clicking on the cube icon in the square.
We can add Photoshop shadows effect where they are needed manually on the layer "Object copy", to do this we choose a brush with parameter B and select size 5 (you can adjust yourself) with an opacity of 15%, Press 30% base color black. Start applying dark shades on the areas with the brush.
Now that you know how to drop a shadow in Photoshop, let's talk about how to do it with Luminar Neo!
This method is useful when there is an overabundance of shades of one color and will not always be necessary. You can skip this item if you don't have such a problem.
Now you know where is drop shadow in Photoshop. Don't underestimate the importance of shadow in an image. It is one of the most important aspects that sets the accent of the whole image. Now that you've read our guide you can apply it to the fullest extent and create your own photographic masterpieces!
Adding shadows creates depth and dimension, making objects or text appear more realistic and visually engaging.
Select the layer you want to add a shadow to.
Go to the Layers Panel and double-click the layer to open Layer Style.
In the Layer Style window, check Drop Shadow.
Adjust the Opacity, Angle, Distance, Spread, and Size to your preference.
Click OK to apply the drop shadow.
Yes, Luminar Neo is a simpler alternative. Its AI-powered tools make adding shadows easy, automating much of the process for professional results without complex steps, perfect for beginners.