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How Do I Make a Realistic Drop Shadow in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 11:21 am

Photoshop is a great program for creating graphics and images for the web. One of the most common effects that people want to create is a drop shadow. This can be done quite easily in Photoshop.

First, open up your image in Photoshop. You will need to have two layers – the background layer and the layer with your image on it. If you only have one layer, click on the ‘Duplicate Layer’ button in the ‘Layer’ palette.

Now you should have two layers – the background layer and the duplicated layer. Select the duplicated layer and go to ‘Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur’. Apply a small amount of blur – around 2 pixels should be enough.

PRO TIP: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a realistic drop shadow in Photoshop. However, it is important to note that creating realistic drop shadows can be time-consuming and requires a bit of practice.

Next, change the ‘Blend Mode’ of this layer to ‘Multiply’.

You will see that your image has become darker. This is because the blurred pixels are now blocking some of the light from the background layer.

Now you need to create a new layer between the background layer and the blurred layer. To do this, click on the ‘Create a new layer’ button in the ‘Layer’ palette.

With this new layer selected, go to ‘Edit > Fill > Black’. This will fill your new layer with black. Now change the ‘Opacity’ of this layer to around 50%. You will see that your image now has a realistic drop shadow.

The process of creating a realistic drop shadow in Photoshop is actually quite simple once you know how to do it. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create this effect for any image that you have.

Kathy McFarland

Kathy McFarland

Devops woman in trade, tech explorer and problem navigator.