Tip #1115: Add a Cast Shadow – Manually
… for Apple Final Cut Pro X
Tip #1115: Add a Cast Shadow – Manually
Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com
A cast shadow copies the source object, colors it black, then distorts it for position.

We can use the Drop Shadow effect to create a variety of shadows, but sometimes, it’s more flexible to create one manually. Here’s how.
NOTE: In this example, I’m using text, but any object that is smaller than full frame will work.
- Copy the image
- Colorize it black.
- Add a Gaussian blur.
- Lower the opacity of the shadow to, say, 70%.
- Enable Video Inspector > Distort and lean the shadow back to match the angle of the background surface.
Done. Sit back and enjoy your handiwork.
EXTRA CREDIT
In the screen shot, I lowered the opacity of the foreground clip to make the shadow a bit more obvious. For most things, that would not be appropriate.
Very nice…and easy!