Separating an object/picture from within a JPEG file to add a drop shadow

C
Posted By
craigadams
Nov 24, 2003
Views
529
Replies
6
Status
Closed
I’m a novice designer learning Adobe Photoshop on my own.

I have hi resolution JPEG files that require a drop shadow. How can I separate an object in the picture to apply a drop shadow? I’ve used the magic wand to select the image separate from the rest of the picture but don’t know how to save just the image I want to add a drop shadow to.

Thanks,
Craig
Related Tags
add drop shadow file object picture separate shadow

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M
matrixrose
Nov 24, 2003

1. Use whichever selection tool you prefer to select the object you want a drop shadow behind.
2. Copy the object into it’s own layer
3. Add a drop shadow to the new copied layer
C
craigadams
Nov 24, 2003
How do I copy the object into it’s own layer? I don’t want a drop shadow on the entire object. Only the picture within the object. How can I select only the picture and how do I copy this into it’s own layer?

Thanks again.
JH
Jake_Hannam
Nov 24, 2003
Craig,

Matrixrose is correct. Here is what he/she was saying in a little more detail:

You need to select the object first (you can use the lasso tool, magnetic lasso, polygonal lasso, magic wand, etc.). Once you have the object selected (you will know because you will see the ‘marching ants’ surrounding it), use Edit-Copy and then Edit-Paste. This will paste just the object you have selected onto a separate layer (you will see a new layer in the Layers pallet). If you don’t see the Layers pallet, click on Window-Layers. You can turn off (click the eye icon) the original layer so only the layer you just created is showing. You should see just your object. Then you go to Layer-Layer Style-Drop Shadow and fiddle with it until you get the drop shadow to look the way you want it.

Jake
C
craigadams
Nov 24, 2003
Thanks Jake and Matrixrose. This is exactly what I needed assistance with.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!!

Craig
JH
Jake_Hannam
Nov 24, 2003
You are welcome!
L
LenHewitt
Nov 24, 2003
Craig,

Having selected it CTRL+C to Copy, CTRL+N for a New Image. Make the dimensions a bit larger than the ‘default’ that appears.

CTRL+V to paste.

Your selected area is now in a new file on a layer by itself and you can apply the drop shadow layer style.

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