If you’reediting a product photo, creating a realistic drawing, or simply want to add depth to an object, consider applying a shadow effect.
There are two easy ways to add shadow inAdobe Photoshopincluding a drop shadow on the outside of the object or an inner shadow on the inside of it. Let’s look at how to create both of these effects in just a handful of steps.
Difficulty
What You Need
Adobe Photoshop
Add a drop shadow in Photoshop
You can give an object, subject, or text the appearance of light from above casting a shadow. This is called a drop shadow, which is common effect that we see in everyday life. The shadow is offset on the outside of the item.
As an example, we’ll add a drop shadow to a simple shape, but you may use it for subjects in photos ortext in images.
Step 1:Select the object and unlock its layer in theLayerspanel on the right.
Step 2:Open theAdd layer stylemenu (FX icon) at the bottom of the panel and chooseDrop Shadow.
Step 3:In the pop-up, choose the settings for the drop shadow in the Structure section. As you make your adjustments, you can see a preview on the right as well as on your image.
In the Quality section, optionally adjust theContourandNoiseper your preference. You’d normally leave these at the defaults but can experiment with different settings.
Step 4:SelectOKwhen you finish to apply drop shadow.
If you want to edit the drop shadow after you apply it, double-clickDrop Shadowin the object’s layer to reopen the pop-up box and make your changes.
Add an inner shadow in Photoshop
Opposite of a drop shadow in Photoshop, you can add an inner shadow. This type of effect has the shadow on the inside of the object or text rather than the outside as with a drop shadow. It can create an interesting and unique appearance.
Step 2:Open theAdd layer stylemenu at the bottom of the panel and chooseInner Shadow.
Step 3:In the pop-up, choose the settings for the inner shadow in the Structure and Quality sections. These are the same as those above for the drop shadow but instead ofSpread, the setting is calledChoke.
Step 4:SelectOKwhen you finish, and you’ll have your inner shadow.
To edit the inner shadow after you apply it, double-clickInner Shadowin the object’s layer to reopen the pop-up box.
How do you add highlights and shadows in Photoshop?
Different than drop and inner shadows, you may adjust the lightest and darkest elements in an image with the highlights and shadows tool, often used forimproving silhouette photos in Photoshop. OpenImagein the menu, move toAdjustments, and selectShadows/Highlights. Use the pop-up window to edit the amount, tone, and radius for the shadows and highlights.
Why add shadow to an image?
Shadows add depth to an object making it look more realistic. This can be important when marketing products, for example. Even with text, you can add shadow to make it appear as if it’s raised off the page or sunken into it.
How to you delete a shadow layer in Photoshop?
If after you add a shadow effect, you decide to remove it, you can do so in just a few steps. Select theEffectslayer containing the shadow, right-click, and chooseClear Layer Style.
While Photoshop is a powerful tool, it isn’t the only option for your photos. Check our list of thebest Photoshop alternativesto try something new.
