How to Make a Gradient Shadow in Photoshop?

Creating a gradient shadow in Photoshop involves using the Layer Styles and Gradient Overlay features. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Steps to Create a Gradient Shadow:

Select Layer Styles: Start by accessing the Layer Styles options for the layer you want to add the gradient shadow to.
Choose Gradient Overlay: Within Layer Styles, select the "Gradient Overlay" option. This will open the Gradient Overlay settings.
Create a Black to Gray Gradient:
- Click on the Gradient to open the Gradient Editor.
- Set the starting color to black.
- Click on the gradient stop and select a mid-gray tone for the other end of the gradient, this will create the desired effect and the appearance of a gradient shadow.
- This will give you a smooth transition from dark to light, creating the illusion of depth.
Adjust Settings: You can further adjust the gradient's angle, scale, and blend mode within the Layer Style to achieve the precise effect you want.
- The light part should be on top to make it look like a shadow.

Experiment with Colors: While black to gray is a good starting point, you can experiment with different color combinations to create unique effects.
Use Blend Modes: Experiment with various blend modes to make the shadow blend more naturally with the underlying image.
Adjust Opacity: Lowering the opacity of the shadow can make it appear more subtle and realistic.
Layer Positioning The layer to which you apply a gradient shadow on should be positioned correctly in the layers panel.
Gradient Angle The angle of the gradient should also be adjusted correctly to reflect the intended direction of light.

By following these steps, you can easily create gradient shadows in Photoshop.