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How to Add Drop Shadow in Canva?

Published in Canva Effects 3 mins read

Adding a drop shadow in Canva is a great way to make elements pop and add depth to your design. You can easily apply shadows to images and graphic elements directly within the editor.

Here's how to add a drop shadow effect in Canva:

Steps to Add a Drop Shadow

Based on the provided information, the process is straightforward:

  1. Select the Element: In your Canva design, click on the image or graphic you want to add a shadow to.
  2. Access Edit Options: With the element selected, look for the editing options. Select 'Edit photo' from the toolbar that appears above or next to the element.
  3. Find Shadow Effects: Within the 'Edit photo' options, click on 'Shadows'. This will reveal different shadow types you can apply.
  4. Choose Drop Shadow: From the list of shadow options, select the 'Drop shadow' type.
  5. Customize the Effect: After selecting 'Drop shadow', you can customize the settings. These settings typically include options for:
    • Blur Amount: Adjusts how soft or sharp the shadow edges are.
    • Shadow Distance: Controls how far the shadow is offset from the original element.
    • Angle: Changes the direction from which the light source appears to be coming, affecting where the shadow is cast.

By adjusting these settings, you can fine-tune the shadow to perfectly match your design's aesthetic. This method allows you to create realistic depth or a stylized floating effect for your visuals.

Tip: Experiment with different shadow settings to see how they affect the appearance of your selected element.

Understanding Shadow Customization

Customizing the drop shadow gives you precise control over its look.

  • Blur: A higher blur creates a softer, more diffused shadow, common for elements that are further away or under diffused light. A lower blur makes the shadow sharper, like an element closer to the surface or under a direct light source.
  • Distance: Increasing the distance makes the element appear lifted higher off the background. Decreasing it makes the element seem closer to the surface.
  • Angle: Changing the angle rotates the shadow around the element. This is useful for simulating light coming from a specific direction (e.g., top-left, bottom-right).

Adding a drop shadow is a quick yet effective technique to add dimension and visual interest to your Canva designs, making key elements stand out.

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