Blur the edges of the shadow

This changes the size of the shadow. A small blur gives the effect of a sharp light source; a large blur, a diffuse or distant light source. We recommend always blurring the shadow slightly as this is more realistic.

To blur the shadow edge

1. Select the object (see Selecting objects). (See Notes.)

2. Choose the Shadow Tool.

3. On the Shadow Tool Infobar either drag the Blur slider or type a value into the text box to the right.

Notes:

You can also use the Shadow Tool to select objects - more details.

You can change the opacity of the center of the shadow (and hence the opacity of the inner edge of the blur) - more details. The outer edge of the blur is always totally transparent.

You can profile how the transparency changes across the blur. See Changing the shadow profile.

If you have several shadowed objects selected, any changes apply to all the shadows.

Movies (not working in this version)

Using shadows

Related Topics

Modifying shadows

Applying a shadow

Removing a shadow

Shadow Tool