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How to apply a drop shadow

Steps

Select the frame

Click the text frame, image, or shape you want to apply the shadow to.

Open the Appearance panel

In the right sidebar, scroll to the Appearance section.

Select the frame

Enable Drop shadow

  • Check the Drop shadow box.
  • A default shadow will appear behind the object.

Customize the shadow

  • Color: Click the color box to choose a custom color or a saved swatch. Adjust opacity as needed.
    Color picker for Drop shadow
  • Blend mode: Open the dropdown and select how the frame (including shadow) interacts with the background.
  • Angle: Enter a degree value or drag the angle dial to position the shadow.
  • Distance: Set how far the shadow is offset. The unit (px, mm, in, …) follows the layout’s intent (units).
  • Blur: Adjust between 1–500. Lower values = sharp shadow, higher values = soft shadow.

Preview the result

Watch the changes live on the canvas. Refine settings until the shadow matches your design intent.