Quick links to procedures on this page:

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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.

Photo Paint obj dropshadow Adding drop shadows to objects

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 interactively 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 an interactive drop shadow

Photo Paint btnbacktotop Adding drop shadows to objects
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In the toolbox, click the Interactive drop shadow tool Photo Paint pgx dropshadow tool Adding drop shadows to objects.
2.
 
Select an object.
If you want to create a flat drop shadow, drag from the center of the object.
If you want to create a perspective drop shadow, drag from the edge of an object.

You can also
Change the color of the drop shadow
Drag a color swatch from the color palette to the end node on the drop shadow arrow.
Move the drop shadow
Drag the start node on the drop shadow arrow.
Change the direction of the drop shadow
Drag the drop shadow arrow head.
Adjust the drop shadow’s opacity
Drag the triangular Transparency handle on the drop shadow arrow.
Adjust the edge feathering
Drag the triangular Feather handle on the drop shadow arrow. By default, squared feathering is used, but you can choose another type from the Shadow feather edge picker Photo Paint pgx shadow edge Adding drop shadows to objects on the property bar. For example, the Gaussian blur creates a realistic drop shadow.

To add a preset or custom drop shadow

Photo Paint btnbacktotop Adding drop shadows to objects
1.
 
In the toolbox, click the Interactive drop shadow tool Photo Paint pgx dropshadow tool Adding drop shadows to objects.
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Select an object.
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Choose a preset from the Preset list box on the property bar.
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Open the Shadow color picker on the property bar, and click a color.
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On the property bar, type values in any of the following boxes:
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Shadow direction — lets you specify the angle of the shadow in relation to the object
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Shadow offset — lets you specify the distance of the shadow from the object’s point of origin
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Shadow fade — lets you specify the percentage by which a perspective drop shadow fades as it moves away from the object
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Shadow stretch — lets you specify the length of a perspective shadow
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Shadow transparency — lets you specify the transparency of the shadow
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Shadow feather — lets you specify the number of pixels on the edge of the shadow that are feathered to create a soft edge. By default, squared feathering is used, but you can choose another type from the Shadow feather edge picker Photo Paint pgx shadow edge Adding drop shadows to objects on the property bar. For example, if you want to create a realistic drop shadow, choose the Gaussian blur. You can also specify a direction for the feathered pixels from the Shadow feather direction picker Photo Paint pgx shadow direction Adding drop shadows to objects.

You can also
Save a custom drop shadow as a preset
Click the Shadow add preset button Photo Paint pgx add plus button Adding drop shadows to objects on the property bar, and type a name for the drop shadow in the Save preset as box.
Specify the offset and the feather width of the offset as a percentage of the size of the drop shadow
Enable the Shadow relative check box.

Photo Paint tip Adding drop shadows to objects

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

To copy a drop shadow

Photo Paint btnbacktotop Adding drop shadows to objects
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Select the object to which you want to apply a drop shadow.
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In the toolbox, click the Interactive drop shadow tool Photo Paint pgx dropshadow tool Adding drop shadows to objects.
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Click the Copy shadow properties button Photo Paint pgx copy shadow button Adding drop shadows to objects on the property bar.
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Click the object that has the drop shadow properties you want to copy.

To remove a drop shadow

Photo Paint btnbacktotop Adding drop shadows to objects
1.
 
In the toolbox, click the Interactive drop shadow tool Photo Paint pgx dropshadow tool Adding drop shadows to objects.
2.
 
Select an object with a drop shadow.
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Press Delete.

Photo Paint tip Adding drop shadows to objects

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

Adding drop shadows to objects