You can add a drop shadow to text in Procreate by duplicating the text layer, modifying the duplicate to create the shadow effect, and then positioning it behind the original text. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Method: Using Layer Duplication
This is a common and effective method.
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Duplicate Your Text Layer: In the Layers panel, swipe left on your text layer and tap "Duplicate." This creates an exact copy of your text.
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Select the Bottom Layer (Shadow Layer): Tap on the duplicated layer to select it. This will be the layer that becomes your shadow.
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Lower the Opacity: Reduce the opacity of the selected layer. Tap on the layer thumbnail, and a slider will appear allowing you to adjust the opacity. A lower opacity will make the shadow more subtle. Experiment with values between 20-50% to start.
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Change the Color (Optional): If you want a colored shadow, use the Adjustment menu (the magic wand icon) and select "Hue, Saturation, and Brightness" or "Color Balance" to change the color of the duplicated layer. Alternatively, simply fill the layer with a different color using Layer > Fill Layer after selecting your shadow color. Black or a darker shade of your original text color often works well.
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Apply a Gaussian Blur (Optional): To soften the shadow, go to Adjustment > Gaussian Blur. Slide to the right to increase the blur. A subtle blur adds realism.
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Position the Shadow: Using the Selection Tool (the arrow icon), ensure you're on the "Uniform" setting at the bottom. Then, slightly move the shadow layer down and to the right (or whichever direction you prefer) to create the offset for the drop shadow effect. You can also use the "Transform" options at the bottom like "Distort" or "Perspective" for a more dramatic shadow effect.
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Merge or Group (Optional): Once you're happy with the shadow, you can either merge the shadow layer and the text layer together, or group them for organizational purposes. To group them, select both layers in the Layers panel (tap one, then swipe right on the other and tap "Select"), and then tap "Group" at the top.
Alternative Method: Using the "Gaussian Blur" as a Drop Shadow
This method creates a softer, more diffused shadow.
- Duplicate Your Text Layer: Same as above. Swipe left and tap duplicate.
- Select the Bottom Layer.
- Fill with a Darker Color: Select the bottom layer, choose a darker color (usually black or a darker shade of your original color), and then tap on the layer thumbnail and select "Fill Layer."
- Apply Gaussian Blur: Go to Adjustments -> Gaussian Blur. Increase the blur significantly until the text is barely recognizable. This creates a wide, soft shadow.
- Position: Use the Selection Tool to position the blurred layer behind and slightly offset from the original text. You will likely need to adjust the placement after applying the blur.
- Adjust Opacity (Optional): You may want to reduce the opacity to make it less intense.
