How to Add Drop Shadow in After Effects

When it comes to creating eye-catching typography, drop shadows are a versatile and effective technique for adding depth and dimension to your designs. In this article, we will explore the process of adding a realistic drop shadow effect in Adobe After Effects.

The first step is to prepare your text by ungrouping each letter with Shift + Command + G. This will allow you to convert each letter into individual vector shapes using Object > Expand Appearance. Once converted, you can adjust the Extrude Depth and Surface settings to create a three-dimensional look reminiscent of a subtle drop shadow.

When selecting a font for your design, stick to mono-weight sans-serif styles like Montserrat or bold slab serifs like Zilla Slab. These fonts are often easier to read with drop shadows applied. Additionally, consider setting your text in all caps or lowercase styles depending on the font's readability.

To add a realistic drop shadow effect, start by activating your text object and navigating to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. This menu allows you to quickly manipulate the look of vectors with unique three-dimensional effects, such as drop shadows or isometric projection.

The key to creating a believable drop shadow lies in adjusting the Extrude Depth and Surface settings. For a subtle effect, aim for depths between 6-8 degrees and set your measurements to around 100 points or less. This will help maintain readability while still adding depth to your design.

For a more dramatic effect, you can experiment with larger depths and adjust the surface settings to achieve the desired level of dimensionality. Remember, when working with drop shadows, it's essential to balance readability with aesthetics.

Finally, consider adding gradients to your drop shadow to create points of light typically seen in 3D shapes. This will add a touch of realism to your design and help draw attention to your typography.

By following these simple steps, you can easily add realistic drop shadows to your typography using Adobe After Effects. Whether you're looking to elevate the appearance of your text or add an extra layer of depth to your designs, this versatile technique is sure to deliver impressive results.

Add drop shadow in after effects