,

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.

A translucent text title with a manually-created cast shadow.

Topic $TipTopic

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.


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