The short answer
Why use Shadow?
A shadow lifts a cutout or a screenshot off the page, but building one in a layer editor takes several steps. Here it is one slider and a color.
Size sets the shadow blur from 1 to 160 pixels and starts at 24. The shadow is also moved down and right by one third of that value, so 24 gives an 8 pixel offset. Color starts at a deep red; for most uses pick black or a gray. The shadow has no separate opacity, so a lighter gray is how you make it fainter.
The canvas does not grow. Instead the image is drawn at 94% and centered, leaving a 3% transparent margin on each side. On a small image with a large Size, the blur can run past that margin and get cut off at the edge. If that happens, lower Size, or add space first with Add Border in a matching color.
With a transparent PNG cutout, the shadow follows the shape of the subject, which suits product photos. With an ordinary photo it is a rectangle. Rounded Corners before Shadow gives the familiar app screenshot look. Glow is different: it brightens the highlights inside the photo rather than casting anything behind it.
Where Shadow fits
Product cutouts
Ground a background-free product photo so it does not float on a white page.
Slide screenshots
Lift a screenshot off a slide background with a soft gray shadow.
Sticker previews
Show how a die-cut sticker sits on a surface before printing.
Start to finish
How to use Shadow
- 01Tap Choose image and open the cutout PNG or screenshot that needs depth.
- 02Change Color from the red default to black or gray, then set Size, the blur, from 1 to 160 px.
- 03Tap Apply changes, check the shadow is not clipped at the edge, then Download result.
What to expect from Shadow
| Check | What it means here |
|---|---|
| Supported input | JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, SVG and browser-supported AVIF images |
| Main controls | Text, color, size, opacity, or layout, depending on the tool |
| Output | A PNG image, or a ZIP when the tool makes several files |
| Working limit | 50 MB and 50 megapixels per image; jobs with several images also depend on memory |
Shadow tips
- Size 24 also shifts the shadow 8 px down and right.
- A light gray Color gives a softer shadow, since there is no opacity slider.
- Large Size on a small image can clip at the 3% margin.
- Transparent cutouts get a shadow shaped like the subject.
Shadow FAQ
Something missing? Ask us.
Why is the default shadow red?
Does the shadow make the image bigger?
Does Shadow upload my file?
Is Shadow free to use?
Why did Shadow fail or look wrong?
Related tools
More in Add Elements.