#AFTER EFFECTS TYPE DROP SHADOW EFFECT HOW TO#

Use a Gradient Fill to create a realistic shadow.‍ Realistic Drop Shadow After Effects - 3 Simple Tricks Lastly, if you want to make the shadow spread wider than the original object, you can use the Spread setting. If you want to change the angle of the shadow, use the Angle setting. With the Size Shadow setting, you can adjust the size of the shadow. On the other hand, if you're dealing with transparent text or objects, the Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow setting stops the shadow or allows it to be seen through the object. If you want to ensure that the light sources for all objects correspond and the shadows align, use the Use Global Light setting. You can also add “noise” to your shadow to give it a gritty appearance with the Noise Shadow setting. For instance, you can choose the Blend Mode that works best for your shadow, such as Linear Burn or Multiply. Within this menu, you can make even more adjustments to your drop shadow effect. This method offers more property adjustments compared to the first method. Next, select the Layer tab and navigate to Layer Styles > Drop Shadow. Once you have done this, click on the “T” text function and type the text you want. ‍ Layer Styles Method For Creating Better Shadowsīegin by creating a new composition in After Effects. See the templates below to find inspiration on how direction among other properties are adjusted to create eye-catching designs. You also have the ability to animate any parameter of the drop shadow effect by keyframing certain properties. Distance: Moves the shadow further away or closer towards your layer.Opacity: Controls the transparency of the shadow.Color: Adjust the color of the shadow (we recommend sticking to either black, grey or white).Direction: Changes where the shadow points towards.Some of the variables you can control with the drop shadow effect are:

Adjust the direction, opacity, softness and other effect controls of the drop shadow to your preference.

You can also drag the drop shadow effect directly onto the layer.

apply the drop shadow effect onto the desired layer by selecting the layer, then double clicking the effect.

Open the effects panel and search for 'drop shadow'.

#AFTER EFFECTS TYPE DROP SHADOW EFFECT HOW TO#

‍ How To Add Drop Shadow In After Effectsįor text, PNGs and other simple motion graphics, shadows can be achieved easily using the drop shadow effect. This method of drop shadow creation may also require knowledge about After Effects 3D cameras and light positioning. Usually, drop shadows aren't meant to be realistic looking as they are only used for decoration, however, if you're trying to achieve a real-life look, you can do so by using separate black or dark solid layers as a drop shadow instead of the drop shadow effect itself. ‍ What Are Drop Shadows In After Effects?ĭrop shadows in After Effects (and in general design) are used to add depth and dimension to an object in your video, which ultimately accentuates the appearance that a foreground element is positioned above another element. This could be text in front of a plain background, or even a transparent object nestled In front of other layers. When used correctly, shadows can dramatically enhance the feel of your video sequence, and best of all, they're easy to use even if you're just a beginner! This post will not only teach you the technicalities of creating shadows, but it also help you master the art of creating visually appealing designs by using pre-made templates that are created using complex effects and expressions.Īdding a drop shadow element to your foreground elements such as text, solid layers and images can add a sense of depth to your video. We've created this in-depth guide on creating various drop shadow effects in Adobe After Effects to help beginner and experienced users create more aesthetic depths to their videos.

After effects type drop shadow effect