DROP SHADOW Meaning and
Definition
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Drop shadow is a visual effect commonly used in graphic design and digital artwork, where a duplicated and slightly offset version of an object or element is created, resulting in the appearance of a shadow being cast "underneath" the original subject. This technique gives the illusion of depth and helps to separate the object from its background.
Typically, a drop shadow is created by adding a blurred or darkened shape or outline below the original object, imitating how a real-life object might cast a shadow on a surface. The shadow is often elongated in the direction opposite to the light source, simulating the effect of light hitting the subject from a specific angle.
The purpose of drop shadows is to enhance the visual appeal of an object, making it appear more three-dimensional and grounded. They can provide a sense of realism and depth in visual representations, bringing a sense of visual hierarchy and separation from the background. Drop shadows are prevalent in various forms of media, including graphic design, web design, illustrations, and even user interfaces.
Graphic design software and image editors usually provide tools that allow users to easily add and adjust drop shadows to their designs, enabling them to control parameters like the size, intensity, angle, and color of the shadows. The process of manipulating drop shadows provides designers with greater control over the overall composition and visual impact of their work.
Common Misspellings for DROP SHADOW
- srop shadow
- xrop shadow
- crop shadow
- frop shadow
- rrop shadow
- erop shadow
- deop shadow
- ddop shadow
- dfop shadow
- dtop shadow
- d5op shadow
- d4op shadow
- drip shadow
- drkp shadow
- drlp shadow
- drpp shadow
- dr0p shadow
- dr9p shadow
- droo shadow
- drol shadow
Etymology of DROP SHADOW
The word "drop shadow" originated from two terms.
Firstly, the term "drop" comes from the Old English word "droppa" which means "a small amount of liquid falling in a rounded shape". As shadows are created by objects obstructing light sources, the term "drop" is used metaphorically to describe the action of casting a shadow onto a surface.
Secondly, the term "shadow" comes from the Middle English word "schadwe" which later became "shadow" in modern English. This term refers to the dark area created when an object blocks light.
When these two terms are combined, "drop shadow" refers to the technique used to create a shadow effect that appears as if an object is lifted off the background surface, with the shadow appearing to drop below the object. The term is commonly used in graphic design, photography, and visual arts to describe this specific type of shadow effect.
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