*Program Basic
PROGRAM BASIC: Drop Shadows
By Lynne Stacey
Feb 8, 2005, 17:41

By and © 2004 Lynne Stacey

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This tutorial will explain how to create drop shadows using Photoshop 7.0.

1. Select the layer you want the drop shadow to appear.   Then, select Add Layer Style (this is the small f with a circle around it at the bottom, left-hand side of the Layers Palette). Go down the drop down list and select Drop Shadow .   See image below:

2. After selecting Drop Shadow , this box will appear with the drop shadow option highlighted:

3. At this point, adjust the Distance, Spread, and/or Size by using the sliders or entering the numeric values.   NOTE : The larger the objects, the larger you may want to make the drop shadows. You may also want to play around with the Blend Mode, Opacity, Angle, and Quality Features.   NOTE :   It's more realistic if the light hits all objects from the same angle direction, therefore, you may want to check the Use Global Light option.   Experiment with all these options to find what you prefer.   Select OK .

4. If you would like to make the drop shadow on its own layer, go back to the Layers Palette and right-click on Effects located under the active layer.   Select Create Layer .

5. You will then see the next screen:

6. Press OK .   You will now see your shadow on a separate layer and linked with the original layer.   You can now go back and add another drop shadow, maybe with the light at a different angle, so uncheck Use Global Light .