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Paint Shop Pro has built a reputation in the professional graphics
world for its easy to learn interface and powerful capabilities. PSP
also provides an almost boundless supply of editable effects that you
can apply to your image, or sections of you image. The Drop Shadow command
falls into the effects category.
I am using Paint Shop Pro 7 for this article. I will make note of differences
in technique between PSP 6 and 7 for a while yet, to give everyone a
chance to upgrade, so don't worry if you have not made the leap. There
is little difference in the Drop Shadow command between the two versions,
which should help keep any confusion down.
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You can apply a shadow to a layer, as in the top sample,
or to a selection as shown in the lower image.
Two drop shadows with nothing but opacity blur changed.
The lower sample is much easier to read.
Proof (eye) and Auto Proof (next to the eye) are new
features in the PSP 7 Drop Shadow window.
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PSP can create shadows in two different ways. You can apply the shadow
to an entire layer, or you can select an area, and apply the shadow
to just the selection. It is important to note that the selection will
override the layer method. In other words, if you have a selected area,
the drop shadow will automatically be applied to that selection. To
use the layer shadow, you must be sure there is no active selection.
Drop shadows must be applied to raster layers. If you are working with
a vector object, you will have to convert the layer to raster in order
to apply any effect, including drop shadows.
No matter how you make your selection, though, the same principles
apply. The first thing, in my opinion, is to understand that a shadow
can do damage to your image. They must be carefully planned and adjusted
to achieve a great look.
Many people use only default values to apply drop shadows. This is
a serious mistake, since the default values are almost never a good
choice for any object. Almost all programs offer defaults that are too
dark, or two defined. Look at the sample at the left to see how much
you can improve the look of a shadow by changing a few values.
The absolute basics
Although most of you will know how to apply a shadow, let's start with
a quick rundown. There has been a small change in how shadows are applied
between version 6 and 7.
To create a shadow to an entire layer, make sure there is no selection
and that the layer you wish to add the shadow to is active.
PSP 7: Select Effects>3D Effects>Drop Shadow.
PSP 6: Select Image>Effects>Drop Shadow.
The Drop Shadow window will open. Adjust the Opacity to make the shadow
lighter or darker, and the Blur to make the edges softer or more distinct.
The horizontal and vertical offset affect how close the shadow will
be to the object. You can also change the color of your shadow –
not all shadows are gray. See the sample at the left with a brown-toned
shadow.
PSP 7 Note: The Drop Shadow window now offers a Proof and Auto
Proof function. Make sure that you can see your canvas when you are
applying a drop shadow. Press on the eye icon (Proof) and the Auto Proof
icon to the immediate left and you will be able to see any changes you
make to the drop shadow on your document as well as in the preview.
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Apply a drop shadow to a selection
You can apply a shadow to any selection as well as to the entire layer.
See Paint Shop Pro Selections to learn
how to make any selection. This gives you a great deal of control over
where your shadow will be placed and opens up some interesting effects.
The image at the left was created from a simple filled rectangle. The
star selection shape was used to create a selection. I then applied
a drop shadow to the selection in exactly the same was as described
above for the layer shadow. Think of the possibilities for subtle enhancements.
The second image was created with a background pattern. The top graphic
is a dingbat font applied as a selection, and a drop shadow effect applied.
The text below was also created as a selection, filled with black, with
a drop shadow added to the text selection. Quick, easy and versatile.
Pause for a few moments to think of where you could apply selection
shadows to add dimension to your work.
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An perfect example of a poorly applied shadow. Your
eye must really focus in order to make out the words. When it is brought
to your attention like this, you may think this is an exaggerated example.
However, keep your eyes open. This is a default setting in many graphics
programs ... you will not travel far before you find samples like this.
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My plea to you
I would be much happier while viewing Web sites if designers would all
do one thing, and that one thing is to make sure that they are placing
drop shadows with a purpose. Shadows should reflect light coming from
a source and hitting an object. That is what a drop shadow is and how
it should be treated. If you go to place a shadow just because your
image "needs something," please stop and reconsider. It only
takes a few minutes to ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish.
Just the simple act of asking yourself what you are simulating will
improve your shadows dramatically. Do you want your object to look like
it is floating, and if so how far above the surface? Where is the light
coming from to create the shadow?
And when you are applying a shadow to text, please, please, make sure
you are not interfering with the legibility of your text. This is a
personal pet peeve. When I have to concentrate hard on a menu item or
headline because a carelessly applied shadow prevents my eye from making
out the words in a natural way, I find it really annoying and has led
me to leave a site. A visitor should never have to work hard to read
your message.
Now that we have covered the basics of drop shadows, let's move on
to how you can enhance your shadows for dramatic effect, or more lifelike
appearance.
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