DROP SHADOWS AND CAST SHADOWS

Let’s begin by understanding the need of shadows in graphic designing. Designers incorporate shadows in their designs to create an illusion of depth. It is used to make a flat page appear three-dimensional.

To have a better understanding of shadows, consider the analogy when light strikes an object. The objects cast a shadow in the opposite direction of the light source. Adding interest and realism to a printed page is achieved by using fake shadows from an imaginary light source. Two common effects used to add interests to graphics and text in page layout are Drop shadows and Cast shadows.

Shadows serve a very important purpose in graphic designing. They help in determining the spatial relationship between objects and backgrounds. They show the difference whether an object is floating above the surface or sitting on it. They are used to add contrast or color. They even help in revealing the shape of objects. In this article, we discuss about Drop shadow and Cast shadow.

Drop Shadows

While using this effect, designers place the drop shadow behind the object and offsets depending on the imaginary light source position and the imaginary distance of the object from the background. It replicates the shape and size of the object and makes it appear as if the object is floating.

Cast Shadows

This is also called a perspective shadow. It is a more realistic approach. It gives an illusion of being in front of another surface. It’s like a shadow cast by a person or a tree. Instead of making objects appear as if they is floating (as in the case of a drop shadow), cast shadow detaches behind the object and extends from the object to one or more surfaces.

Other Shadow Effects

Graphics software helps in designing other special effects like a glow effect, wind or motion blur etc.