How to Create Overlapping Drop Shadows from Photoshop to After Effects

Overlapping drop shadow effects are a popular design trend that can add depth and dimension to your graphics. In this article, we will show you how to create an overlapping drop shadow effect in both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects.

Creating an Overlapping Drop Shadow Effect in Photoshop

To start, open a new layer in Photoshop and apply a Gaussian Blur filter to it. Then, offset the layer by dragging it down and to the right. This will create a soft, natural-looking shadow that can be used to add depth and dimension to your designs.

Creating an Overlapping Drop Shadow Effect in After Effects

To create a long shadow effect in After Effects, you can use the Set Matte effect and set some expressions that will allow you to rotate them easily. The key is to get the shadow edges running in parallel, which is a unique look. Before you start, you may want to explore a couple of possible alternate methods for creating the long shadows in After Effects and discuss why they are not as effective.

In this tutorial, Mikey Borup shows a new and clever technique for creating long shadows in After Effects using simple effects and tying it all together with expressions. This is a much more flexible and masterful way to create the long shadow look that is quite popular these days.

Creating overlapping drop shadows from Photoshop to After Effects is a great way to add depth and dimension to your designs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a soft, natural-looking shadow effect that will make your graphics stand out.

Drop shadows from Photoshop to After Effects: How to Create Overlapping Drop Shadows

Drop shadows from photoshop to after effects