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How to add a shadow in After Effects

A Drop Shadow effect adds depth and separation so your text or graphics don’t blend flat into the background.

Steps to add a shadow

Select your layer and go to Effect → Perspective → Drop Shadow.

Applying the Drop Shadow effect in After Effects

Adjust Distance and Direction to place it where you want it, then tweak Softness and Opacity to taste.

Effect Controls panel in After Effects showing Drop Shadow effect settings

One more thing

Duplicate the effect and use a lighter opacity plus larger softness for a subtle ambient outline sitting behind the main one. Creates dimension without looking fake.

Related how-tos

How to add stroke around text in After Effects
How to make glowing text in After Effects
How to create a blur effect in After Effects

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