Search

How to Add Drop Shadow in Canva to Images, Elements, & Text

How to add drop shadow in Canva - Images, Graphics, & Text - Youtube Thumbnail

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links.

If you don’t have a Canva subscription yet, start with a 30-day trial. There are also other ways to get Canva Pro for free.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your design in Canva is by adding a drop shadow.

This feature can add depth to your images, graphics, and text, making them stand out and improving the overall aesthetic of your project.

In this guide, we will explore the steps involved in adding drop shadows to various elements in Canva.

How to Add a Drop Shadow to Images and Graphics in Canva

To add a shadow to an image or graphic, click the element in your Canva design, then select Edit, and then click on Shadows. Select the type of shadow you want, like Drop Shadow, and customize the settings for blur amount, shadow distance, and angle to achieve the desired effect.

Here are the detailed steps for adding drop shadows in Canva.

Step 1: Select Your Image or Graphic

First, click on the image or graphic within your Canva project that you want to edit. Make sure it is selected so that the editing options are accessible.

Step 2: Access the Editing Menu

With your image or graphic selected, navigate to and click on Edit found in the upper toolbar to access the editing features.

Step 3: Choose ‘Shadows’

In the editing menu, select the Shadows option. This opens a range of shadow types you can apply to your selected item.

how to add drop shadow to images in canva select the graphic then Edit photo. and then shadows

Step 4: Select Your Shadow Type

Choose the type of shadow effect you wish to apply from the’ Shadows’ menu.

Here are the options available:

  • Glow: Adds a soft halo that appears to emanate from the image, enhancing visibility against similar backgrounds.
  • Drop: Creates a traditional drop shadow, giving the illusion that the image is raised above the background.
  • Outline: Encircles the image with a shadow that traces its borders, offering a standout silhouette effect.
  • Curved: Applies a shadow that curves around the image, adding a unique 3D effect.
  • Page Lift: Mimics the effect of a page curling up at the edges, adding a realistic tactile aspect.
  • Angled: Projects the shadow at a specific angle, adding dynamic depth and perspective.

The Drop Shadow is the most versatile one, and that is the one I am applying to my image here.

how to add drop shadow to images in canva choose different types of shadows

Step 5: Customize Your Shadow

After selecting a shadow type, customize it to fit your design needs. Each shadow type has several adjustable settings:

  • Size: Adjusts the overall size of the shadow effect.
  • Blur Amount: Controls how blurry or sharp the edges of the shadow are.
  • Angle: Changes the angle at which the shadow falls, affecting how the shadow projects from the image.
  • Distance: Moving the shadow farther from or closer to the image affects perceived height and depth.
  • Curve: Modifies how the shadow bends around the image, applicable to certain shadow types like ‘Curved’.
  • Rotation: Rotates the direction of the shadow around the image, which is useful for achieving specific lighting effects.
  • Color: Choose a color for your shadow to match or contrast with your design scheme.
  • Intensity: Controls the opacity of the shadow, from subtle to bold.

customize drop shadows in canva for size transparency intensity and more

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva PRO features

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva Pro features 

You can apply drop shadows to graphics and other image-based elements in Canva in the same way. Click on the element, click on Edit photo, and choose Shadows.

how to add drop shadow to graphics and elements in canva select the graphic then Edit photo. choose the shadow you want

Want to know about other effects you can apply to images and graphics in Canva? You can:

How to Add Shadow to Text in Canva

Click on the text box you want to modify and hit the Effects button; choose the ‘Shadow’ effect to apply it to your text. Adjust the shadow’s offset, direction, blur, and color to get the text effect you want.

Read the steps below for the detailed process.

Step 1: Select Your Text

First, click on the text box containing the text to which you want to apply the shadow. This activates the text editing tools.

Step 2: Open the Effects Menu

With the text box selected, navigate to the top toolbar and click on the Effects button. This will open the Effects panel for text styling.

Step 3: Apply the Shadow Effect

In the Effects panel, you will see several styling options. Click on the Shadow button to choose the shadow effect for your text.

Choose the text click effecs and then shadow How to add drop shadow to text in Canva

Step 4: Customize the Drop Shadow

Once you select the Shadow effect, you will be presented with several adjustable settings:

  • Offset: This controls how far the shadow extends from the text. Adjust this slider to increase or decrease the distance of the shadow.
  • Direction: This slider lets you set the angle at which the shadow falls, giving you control over how the shadow projects relative to the text.
  • Blur: If you want the shadow’s edges to be softer, increase the blur. A lower blur value will make the shadow edges sharper.
  • Transparency: This slider can adjust how opaque or transparent the shadow is.
  • Color: Click on the color box to choose a color for your shadow, allowing you to match or contrast it with your text color.

If you want to explore other effects that you can apply to text in Canva, check out my post on highlighting text in Canva.

Canva Creative Effects Mastery Main Visual - 1 - DCH

Create unique, scroll-stopping designs in minutes!

Learn pro-level techniques with 44 Canva apps that make your visuals stand out, with just a few clicks.

How to Add a Shadow to a Shape in Canva

Take a screenshot of the shape, paste it as an image, and use the Background Remover tool. Then, apply a shadow effect under Edit > Effects > Shadows and customize the settings.

Unlike with an image or a graphic element, for shapes, there is no shadow option in the editor. So, the workaround is to convert the shape to an image and then drop the shadow.

Step 1: Select Your Shape

Go to Elements and pick the shape you want (e.g., a circle, square, or more complex designs).

Place the shape on your Canva page and resize it as needed.

Step 2: Take a Screenshot of the Shape

Use a snipping tool (e.g., Snipping Tool on Windows or SnagIt for higher resolution) to take a screenshot of the shape. Make sure the whole shape is covered in the screenshot.

If you want a high quality screenshot, you can also zoom in slightly.

 

Step 3: Import the Screenshot Back Into Canva

Paste the screenshot directly onto your Canva page (Ctrl+V) or upload it manually.

The screenshot will now appear as an image rather than a shape.

Step 4: Remove the Background

With the screenshot selected, click on BG Remover. It will remove any white or unwanted background, leaving just the shape.

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva PRO features

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva Pro features 

Step 6: Add the Shadow

Select the image which you just created from the shadow.

Go to Edit > Effects > Shadows and choose the shadow style you want (e.g., drop shadow, glow, etc.).

Adjust the shadow settings

Step 7: Refine and Layer

Now you have two options

  • Option 1: Use the shadowed image as is and delete the initial shape you created.
  • Option 2: Layer the shadowed image beneath the original shape.
    1. Place the shadowed image behind the shape (Right-click > Send to Back).
    2. Align the original shape on top to achieve a precise layered look.

Conclusion

Adding a drop shadow is a simple technique that can significantly enhance the visual impact of your designs in Canva. Whether you are working with images, graphics, or text, the shadow effect can add depth, highlight key elements, and make your design more visually appealing.

Try it out in your next Canva project and see the difference it makes!

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva PRO features

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva Pro features 

Other Canva tutorials you may like: 

Pages & Elements

Fonts & Text

Print & Business

FAQ: How to add shadows in Canva

Canva currently allows only one shadow effect to be applied to an image or graphic at a time. However, you can achieve more complex effects by duplicating the image and applying different shadows to each layer.

To remove a shadow effect from an image, select the image, go to the ‘Shadows’ option under ‘Effects’, and choose ‘None’. This will remove any shadow effects previously applied to the image.

While Canva does not allow you to save custom shadow settings as presets, you can duplicate existing projects or elements within a project to reuse customized settings in new designs.

Shadow effects are available on both free and paid Canva plans. However, some advanced editing features might be limited to Pro or Enterprise accounts.

Currently, Canva does not support applying shadow effects directly to video elements. Shadows can only be added to static images, graphics, and text within your video projects.

Canva Creative Effects Mastery Main Visual - 1 - DCH

Canva Creative Effects Mastery with Canva Apps

Learn how to use 44 Canva Apps to create unique designs and content – in just a few clicks! 

Related Posts

how to fade an image

How to Fade an Image in Canva in 1 Min

You can fade images in Canva effortlessly using the Easy Reflections app. Find the app, select your image, and choose the position and opacity to blend images smoothly with the background.

How to flip text in 15 secs

How to Flip Text in Canva in 15 Secs

To flip text in Canva, take a screenshot of the text, paste it onto your design, and use the Background Remover tool (Pro feature) to make it transparent. Then, use the Flip option to flip it horizontally or vertically. Quick, simple, and effective!

How to Cut Out an Image in Canva

How to Cut Out an Image in Canva: 3 Ways

Cut out images in Canva by using the Background Remover or Magic Grab tools. Or try the Choppy Crop app for a free, manual cutout option. Export your edited design as a high-quality file.

How to Insert a Table

How to Insert a Table in Canva In 1 Click

Go to the Elements tab, scroll to find the Table option, and click to add it to your design instantly. Customize it by adjusting rows, columns, colors, and formatting as needed.

HOW TO ADD AN OUTLINE TO AN IMAGE in Canva

How to Add an Outline to an Image in Canva: 3 Ways

You can outline fixed-shape images in Canva using a basic image border or the Can Border app. For adding borders to cutout images, use the background remover tool to remove the background, and then apply a basic border.

HOW TO ADD AN OUTLINE TO AN IMAGE in Canva

How to Create a Gang Sheet in Canva

Set a custom canvas size to 22 inches wide by your desired height, add and arrange your design elements neatly, and export the file as a high-quality PNG with a transparent background using Canva Pro. Ensure proper margins for printing and send the file to your DTF printer.

How to Invert Colors in Canva - YouTube Thumbnail

How to Invert Colors in Canva – 5 Ways

You can invert colors in Canva using features like filters, the Duotone option, the ColorMix app, and Magic Edit. You can also choose specific colors and invert them manually.

Don't Miss Out!

canva logo horizontal

Get access to all PRO features

FREE for 30 days

Canva logo

30-Day Free Access

Try out all Canva's
premium features, content, templates, AI, & planning tools

canva logo horizontal

Get a 30-Day Free Trial for Canva Pro

Best design tool for creating digital content

canva logo horizontal

PRO

30-Day FREE ACCESS