How to Create Long Shadows in After Effects

When it comes to adding depth and dimensionality to your layers, text, and videos in After Effects, long shadows are a crucial tool. In this article, we'll explore how to customize long shadow settings in the Effects Control panel and create stunning drop shadows using presets.

To get started, you can find the Long Shadows preset under the Animation Presets inside the Effects & Presets panel or by typing 'EditingCorp Long Shadows' into the search bar. Once installed, simply drag and drop the preset onto the layer you want to apply the long shadow effect to.

One of the key benefits of using After Effects for long shadows is that it allows you to customize various settings to achieve the desired look. However, if Affinity were to implement this feature, it would be essential to ensure that each subsequent shadow is only added to the original object and does not take into account existing shadows or add them to the total shading. This would help reduce resources and make the process more efficient.

Compared to Photoshop, creating specific long shadows in After Effects can be a bit tricky. However, with practice and patience, you can achieve stunning results. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the steps of how to create long shadows using presets and customize their settings to suit your needs.

The Problem with Adding Multiple Shadows

One common issue that arises when adding multiple shadows in After Effects is that each subsequent shadow is added to a grouping of the original object plus any previous shadows. This can result in an unsightly accumulation of shadows, which can be difficult to manage and edit.

To avoid this problem, you can use symbols or duplicate objects with different fill settings and apply individual shadows. However, this approach requires significant changes to your workflow, which may not be feasible for everyone.

A Real Solution

In reality, a more practical solution is to duplicate an object and set its fill to 0. You can then apply different shadows to the duplicated object. This approach allows you to maintain control over each shadow and edit them independently. However, it does require some additional steps and may not be suitable for all projects.

Grouping Layers

When working with long shadows in After Effects, it's essential to group layers correctly. You can group a single layer by selecting the object and using the 'Group' function. This allows you to manage multiple elements within a single layer and apply effects like drop shadows more easily.

By following these steps and tips, you can create stunning long shadows in After Effects that add depth and dimensionality to your projects. Whether you're working on motion graphics, video editing, or animation, the right long shadow effect can make all the difference between a good design and an outstanding one.

After effects 2 drop shadows