How to Rotate Shadows in Photoshop
To rotate shadows in Photoshop, especially those applied via Layer Styles like Drop Shadow, you typically use the Angle control within the Layer Style dialog box.
According to the provided reference, you can control the shadow's angle using a specific interface element:
- Look for the "Control" which is a circle with a line in it.
- To rotate the angle of the shadow, click and drag the line within this circular control using your mouse.
This circular control allows you to visually set the direction from which the virtual light source is hitting your object, thus determining the angle of the shadow.
Steps to Rotate a Shadow (via Layer Styles)
While the reference specifically mentions the control itself, the general process involves accessing the shadow settings:
- Right-click on the layer containing the shadow effect (e.g., a text layer or an object layer with a Drop Shadow applied).
- Select "Blending Options..." from the context menu.
- In the Layer Style dialog box, ensure the shadow effect you want to modify (like Drop Shadow or Inner Shadow) is selected on the left.
- On the right side, locate the options for that shadow effect. You will find the "Angle" setting, which includes the circular control described in the reference.
- Click and drag the line on this circle to visually adjust the shadow's angle, or type a specific degree value into the angle input box next to it.
Global Angle Option
The reference also mentions an option to "use Global." This refers to the "Use Global Angle" checkbox found within the Layer Style dialog box.
- When "Use Global Angle" is checked, the angle you set for any layer style (like Drop Shadow, Inner Shadow, Bevel and Emboss) that has this option enabled will be linked. Changing the angle for one shadow will automatically update the angle for all other shadows and effects using the global angle across your entire Photoshop document.
- When "Use Global Angle" is unchecked, you can set a unique angle for that specific layer style instance on that particular layer, independent of other effects or layers.
Using the Global Angle is useful for ensuring consistent lighting direction across multiple elements in your design.
Quick Summary
| Control | Function | How it Works (based on reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Angle Control | Sets the direction of the shadow. | Click and drag the line within the circle. |
| Use Global Angle | Links the shadow angle to a document-wide setting. | Checkbox option next to the Angle control. |
Adjusting the angle is key to making your shadows look realistic and consistent with the implied light source in your composition.
