decorative banner

Adding a shadow


    You can create an adjustable shadow for text or graphic objects. A slight shadow can help distinguish type from its background. However, a shadow tends to make small type less legible. You can apply color, transparency, or a gradient to a shadow. See Using color, transparency, and gradients.

To create a shadow:

  1. Select the object to which you want to add a shadow.
  2. Drag the Shadow Offset control in the toolbox to specify how far the shadow falls from the object. To constrain movement to 45-degree increments, hold down Shift as you drag.
  3. Before (left) and after (right) adding a shadow
    Before (left) and after (right) adding a shadow

To specify the kind of shadow:

  1. Select an object that has a shadow.
  2. Choose Title > Shadow and choose a type of shadow from the Shadow menu:
    • Single creates a basic drop shadow.
    • Solid simulates a three-dimensional shadow.
    • Soft creates a soft-edged version of the Single shadow.

To remove a shadow:

  1. Select an object that has a shadow.
  2. Drag the Shadow Offset control either outside or to the center of the control area. When the Shadow Offset control displays the message "No Shadow," you have successfully removed it.