You add a drop shadow to a rectangle (or any layer) in Photoshop primarily through the Layer Style options. Here's how:
- Locate the Layers Panel: Make sure your Layers panel is visible (Window > Layers).
- Select the Rectangle Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer containing the rectangle to select it.
- Access Layer Styles: There are a few ways to access the Layer Styles:
- Double-Click: Double-click on the layer in the Layers panel (but not on the layer name).
- "fx" Button: At the bottom of the Layers panel, click the "fx" button (Add a Layer Style).
- Layer Menu: Go to Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow.
- Choose "Drop Shadow": In the Layer Style dialog box that appears, select "Drop Shadow" from the list on the left. This will open the Drop Shadow options. Make sure the checkbox next to "Drop Shadow" is checked to activate the effect.
- Adjust Drop Shadow Settings: Within the Drop Shadow settings, you can customize the appearance of the shadow:
- Blend Mode: Determines how the shadow interacts with the layers underneath. "Multiply" is a common choice.
- Opacity: Controls the transparency of the shadow.
- Angle: Sets the direction of the light source and thus the shadow's direction. You can click and drag in the circle to adjust, or enter a numerical value.
- Distance: Specifies how far the shadow is offset from the rectangle.
- Spread: Controls the hardness or softness of the shadow's edge. A higher spread creates a softer, more diffused shadow.
- Size: Determines the overall size of the shadow.
- Contour: Affects the shape of the shadow's fade.
- Noise: Adds a grainy texture to the shadow.
- Click "OK": Once you are satisfied with the drop shadow's appearance, click "OK" to apply the effect.
The drop shadow effect will now be applied to your rectangle layer. You can edit the drop shadow settings at any time by double-clicking on the "Drop Shadow" effect listed under the layer in the Layers panel.
