How to make a shadow in Photoshop

Shadows are one of the most important components of the composition, which makes the scene more realistic and alive. If you do not take care of this element, adding a new object to the photo, then the object will “hang” in the air and the frame will turn out to be unnatural.

When creating a shadow, it is important to remember that it must appear from the side opposite the light source and fall at the same angle as other similar details that are already in the image.

In Photoshop, you can make shadows in many different ways. Consider the most popular of them.

How to make a shadow in Photoshop using styles

One of the simplest and fastest methods, which is suitable for creating a shadow around the entire contour of the silhouette. On the people it does not always look good, but on the text and some individual objects it’s even nothing.

Open the file with the object on a transparent background and double click on the layer to display the style menu.

Turn on the Shadow style and play with the opacity, offset, and other settings until you get the desired result, and then click OK.

Now add a new layer by pressing Cmd + Shift + N, drag it to the very bottom and fill it with some color. If you plan to move the object with the shadow to another image, then just save the photo with a transparent background.

How to make a shadow in Photoshop using a brush

Yes, you can simply draw! This option is good for cases where the light source is from above, and is also suitable for soft, diffused shadows without a clear transition from dark areas to light areas.

Open the image on which you want to make a shadow, and add a new layer with the combination Shift + Cmd + N or by clicking on the plus button at the bottom of the window.

Choose one of the soft brushes among the available options.

Set the Opacity and Pressure to around 35% and draw a shadow. Experiment, and if the result does not suit you, undo the actions by pressing Cmd + Z. For greater convenience and accuracy, adjust the scale with a combination of Cmd and + (plus), Cmd and - (minus).

If necessary, make the entire drawn shadow softer by lowering the layer's opacity. Export the finished image.

How to Make a Shadow in Photoshop Using Transform

Pretty easy way to create a sharp drop shadow of a person, animal or any other object. The principle is the same as the method with styles, but gives a better result.

Open the image with the object on a transparent background and double click on the layer.

Check the box next to the Shadow style and set the desired options by moving the sliders, and then click OK.

Select the shadow in the list of layer effects and right-click, select "Generate Layer" from the context menu.

Select the new layer with the added path, press Cmd + T. Then right click on the selection and select Distort.

Grabbing the key points, resize and position the shadow according to the light source and press Enter.

Now add a new layer with Shift + Cmd + N or by clicking on the plus button and fill it with some color. If you are going to transfer the object to another photo, do nothing else and immediately save with a transparent background.

Artyom Kozoriz