You can add a drop shadow in Photoshop Elements by using the Effects panel and applying a Layer Style.
How to Add a Drop Shadow Using the Effects Panel
Adding a drop shadow effect to your layers, such as text or shapes, can give them depth and make them stand out from the background. Photoshop Elements provides various pre-set drop shadow styles through its Effects panel.
Here are the steps to apply a drop shadow using the reference provided:
- Navigate to the Effects panel. This panel contains various effects you can apply to your images and layers.
- Within the Effects panel, click the Layer Styles button ( ), which is located as the second button from the left. Layer Styles include effects like bevels, strokes, and shadows.
- Look at the drop-down menu situated in the upper-right corner of the Effects panel. From this menu, choose "Drop Shadows". This filters the list of layer styles to show only drop shadow options.
- To apply a specific drop shadow effect, such as the Soft Edge Drop Shadow, simply double-click its thumbnail in the list. This action will instantly apply the selected drop shadow effect to your currently selected layer. Note that the reference specifically mentions applying this effect to a selected type layer.
This method quickly adds a pre-configured drop shadow, allowing you to enhance the visual appearance of elements on your canvas without manual adjustments.
