3D Compositing with Action > Action: Surfaces >

# Adding Drop Shadows

In Action, drop shadows are are cutouts based on a surface's matte. A drop shadow can be fully opaque or slightly transparent to simulate a real shadow.

Shadows cast by lit objects are also supported in Action (see Casting Shadows).

To add a drop shadow:

1. Select the surface that you want to use.
2. Do one of the following:
   - Drag the shadow node from the node bin and place it in the schematic. An axis and a shadow are created and linked together.
   - Drag the shadow node from the node bin to the Result view, so you can see its effect on the scene before placing it exactly where you want.
   - Double-click the shadow node. An axis and a shadow are created and linked together. You do not need to be in Schematic view to add a node in this manner.

   If a surface node is selected in the schematic, the axis of the shadow node is automatically connected to the surface.

#### Topics in this section

- Adjusting Shadow Softness
- Adjusting Shadow Colour and Transparency
- Moving a Shadow
- Using Shadow Mix