Creating a shadow effect in Photoshop
This tutorial creates a simple cast-shadow effect by duplicating a shape, filling the copy with black, transforming it and fading it with a layer mask.
1. Create the original shape
Start by drawing the object that will cast the shadow. The original example uses a Custom Shape.
2. Create a black duplicate
Duplicate the object onto another layer and fill the copy with black.
3. Transform the shadow layer
Use Ctrl+T / Free Transform and distort the black copy into the direction and angle of the shadow.
4. Apply a layer mask
Add a Layer Mask to the transformed shadow layer so the shadow can be faded.
5. Finish the shadow
Adjust the mask until the shadow blends naturally with the original shape.
Further Reading
Subhendu Mohapatra
Author & Instructor at plus2net
I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.
