NEWBIE question!

[mo1971]

This is probably something I should probably be able to do by now & it is probably really easy, but how do I add a drop shadow to my picture? I have tried several different things, but nothing seems to work. What am I doin' wrong, anyone know?
Thians,
Michelle

[Byron Gale]

Michelle,

A Drop Shadow is a Layer Style... so you don't apply it to the whole image, but to something that is on a layer, so that the shadow is cast on the lower layers or background.

For example, if you have a white background, and a layer with a blue square on it, you would apply the Drop Shadow to the blue square's layer, so that the shadow would be visible against the white background.

That being said -- the location of Layer Styles is different depending on the version of PSE you have. I am currently using PSE5, and I find it if I open the Artwork and Effects palette, then click the middle icon across the top, and then pick "Layer Styles" in the left field, and "Drop Shadows" in the right.

HTH - post back if you need more.

Byron

[ljameso1]

Also, if you want to give the whole picture the appearance of a drop shadow; 1st make a duplicate layer. Then on the background layer increase the canvas size and fill canvas with white. Then add a new layer. Use the rectangular marque tool to make a selection slightly bigger than your pic on the new layer and fill the selection with black. Drag this layer below your pic layer but above the background and adjust opacity if want softer shadow.