Think Bigger From Filmora User Guide

Applying Drop Shadow for Mac

This guide will show you how to apply the drop shadow feature on a video.

Drop shadow is an effect that is commonly used in photo and video editing. It is created by separating the subject and/or object from the background and adding a custom shadow.

Add Drop Shadow to Image and Video

Here are the steps for adding the drop shadow feature to your image or video.

Step 1: Add the media to the timeline

Launch the application. Then, import your video from the stock to the timeline, and drag the PIP video or image to the above track. Adjust the size, position, and mask of the PIP video accordingly.

Step 2: Activate the drop shadow feature

Click the PIP clip in the timeline. A pop-out window will appear on the right side of the interface. In the Video>Basic section, scroll down to find Drop Shadow. Click the button beside Drop Shadow to activate the feature.

activate the drop shadow feature

Step 3: Adjust settings

• Adjust the settings of the drop shadow. You can choose the Type of drop shadow between Soft, Regular, or Retro.
• Rotate the dot in the circle to set the angle of the drop shadow.
• If you need to change the color, you can select an ideal color from the drop box of Color.
• Then, change the value of Distance, Blur, and Opacity to meet your needs.

When you are done, click Ok in the bottom right corner of the window.

change detailed values of drop shadow

Add Keyframes on Drop Shadow

You can apply keyframes if you want to add the drop shadow in only a short part of the video or add the changes to the drop shadow. The following are detailed steps.

Step 1: Add the start keyframe

Drag the playhead back and forth to where you want to set the start keyframe. After adjusting the settings of the drop shadow, click the diamond icon beside the feature.

add drop shadow keyframe

Tip: If you click the diamond icon beside Drop Shadow in the toolbar, then all features of Drop Shadow will be set in the keyframe.

Step 2: Add more keyframes

Then, repeat the above steps to add as many keyframes as you like in the video. Please note that there must be at least two keyframes. One for the start and the other for the end. When you are done, click Ok.

Filmora will analyze the differences between the keyframes and automatically form the natural animation effect.