post #2676294 post #3215051 post #2425567

A drop shadow is one of two basic shadow effects applied in drawn imagery, the other being cast shadows. A drop shadow is placed in an area nearby, and slightly offset to whatever the shadow applies to. This gives the appearance that the subject whether character, object, or narrative element is above (in front of) the region containing the drop shadow. Contrast with cast shadows, which appear roughly where light is supposed to be blocked, often appearing underneath a character in some kind of basic shape.

The drop shadow effect can be manipulated to create shadowy instances of figures on the screen in ways that mimic an afterimage. It is uncommon, but drop shadows are sometimes colored.

For narrative elements featuring drop shadows, see element_drop_shadow

See also

• afterimage
• shadow
• cast_shadow
• drop_shadow