How to Create Perfect Shadows in Photoshop

How to Create Perfect Shadows in Photoshop

A shadow helps any subject look grounded in its background. This tutorial makes creating the perfect shadow easy and fun!

Shadows are complex, so use many layers.

Shadows can be difficult to create in Photoshop because they are very complex. Shadows start out dark and fade out as they move farther from the object. The easiest way to replicate the complexities of a shadow is by creating multiple layers with multiple shadows and blending them together.

Learn how to use the Gradient Tool and a few layers to create realistic shadows in this episode.

Use the Gradient Tool to Create Shadows

Shadows are darker at their core and fade out as they get farther from the center. You can achieve the same effect using the gradient tool.

Start by selecting the gradient tool and picking the ‘Foreground to Transparent’ gradient in the ‘Gradient Editor’. Next, choose a radial gradient and on a new layer, click-and-drag outwards to create a radial gradient.

Next, transform the gradient by pressing ‘CTRL/CMD + T’. Flatten the radial gradient out and size it accordingly to the object. If needed, change the opacity of the gradient or use the eraser tool to remove excess shadow.

Opacity and Hardness

The areas closer to the object will cast harder, darker shadows and the areas farther will have lighter, softer shadows. To replicate the effect, create different layers with different gradients on them. Move the layers into place to achieve a realistic shadow.

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[lynettemcg]

I’ve watched Aaron for years - his tutorials are so detailed & easy to follow. Such a brilliant teacher. I’m forever grateful. This is just what I needed 👏🏻👏🏻

[santospoland]

over and over, Phlearn is has proven itself to arguably be the best channel on all things Photoshop. Masterfully done lessons. A true resource for the Photoshoper.

[Tom]

Helpful tutorial.
Besides the light direction issue it may be helpful to set the shadow layers to "multiply". A must if the background is colored.

[balamina]

As always awesome and very informative! I learnt a lot! Thank you so much Aaron! God bless and good luck!

[kukuman]

You are the best tutor on youtube ....!!!! I love ur energy and enthusiasm keep up the good work

[TheUntamd]

Really like this method of slowly building the shadow layer by layer! Cool !

[MacPhisto]

Yes!! I've been waiting for this tutorial. Always had difficulty making my own shadows. This helped a ton. Thanks Aaron!

Any way we could get some more photography based tutorials? Or even the Q&A segments where you answer 10 questions from your audience.

[SumedhBorkar]

Perfect video tutorial on shadows! Really happy to see that you guys pay attention to detail in every aspect! Thank you! :D

[rania-design]

What a wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much

[ShreyButle]

I'm genuinely curious as to who dislikes these. I mean how can you NOT love these tutorials, they're perfect, second to none and the host is pretty F#$*ing awesome!!!

[truckingpix]

Wow that is a great tip, looks super realistic.. THANK YOU!!

[Petterhoi]

Good video and tutorial as always Aaron.

[richfarnsworth]

This was very intuitive and well taught! Aaron you are a great instructor! Thank you!!

[aboabdullah]

Good ideas & tactics for shadows that will help us better than brushes thank you

[morgan]

This was incredibly helpful. So well-explained and easy to follow along as I worked. Thanks a million!

[fionanokelly]

another great tutorial. Thank you Aaron... !

[awonderrr]

Great tutorial. very nice style of delivering the essential information!
Thanks for posting.

[mehedihasan-nwhg]

this is the only tutorial i was searching for a long. thanks a lot :*

[TotalSinging]

another trick I use is creating a gradient and using the motion blur filter to stretch the gradient out along the horizontal plane so the fade has more variances of blend from in the inside to the outer edge.

[kimhuff]

best shadow tutorial I've ever watched!