How to Create a Cast Shadow in Adobe Photoshop CC

Add realistic shadows to photos with Adobe Photoshop CC

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Updated on March 6, 2021

What to Know

Select object with Lasso tool, then right-click > Layer Via Cut. In Layers > Fx > Drop Shadow. Enter Angle, Distance, and Size.
Try these settings first: Angle = -180 degrees, Distance = 69 px, Size = 5 px. Next, right-click Fx > Create Layer > OK.
Select shadow layer > Edit > Free Transform > Distort. Adjust placement, then duplicate layer, blur, add mask, and adjust opacity.

This article explains how to add realistic cast shadows to images in Photoshop CC 2019 by selecting an object from the background and then moving it to a separate layer.

How to Create a Cast Shadow in Adobe Photoshop CC

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, you'll begin by adding a drop shadow and then use the Free Transform tool to adjust it:

Use the Lasso tool to select the object.

Use the Refine Edge tool with the Lasso tool to refine your selection.
Right click the object and select Layer Via Cut.
Select Fx at the bottom of the layers panel, then choose Drop Shadow from the list.

If the layers panel isn't visible, select Window > Layer.
Enter the follow settings, and then select OK:
- Angle: -180 degrees
- Distance: 69 px
- Size: 5 px
You can experiment with these settings to adjust the shadow effect.
With the shadow layer selected, right click the Fx beside the layer name and select Create Layer from the list.
Select OK to ignore the warning.
Select the shadow layer, and then select Edit > Free Transform.
Right click on the object and select Distort.
Drag the handles to adjust the position of the shadow, then press Enter when satisfied.
Right click on the shadow layer and select Duplicate Layer.
Select OK.
With the shadow copy layer selected, select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
Move the slider to the right to blur the edges of the shadow, then select OK.
With the shadow copy layer selected, select the Add Layer Mask icon (beside Fx at the bottom of the layers palette).
With the mask selected, select the Gradient tool and set the color of the foreground to white and the background to black.
Draw a gradient from about ¼ the distance from the bottom of the shadow to the top to make the shadow fade into the distance.
Adjust the Opacity in the layer's palette to make the shadow appear more natural.

Once you're satisfied with the result, save your image as a PSD file or in your preferred format.

A blue sign on a pole casts a shadow on a white background. — Yevgen Romanenko / Getty Images

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