This function allows the creation of shadows – both offset and drop shadows. This function is available for display frames and graphic objects, but not for text. It is accessed through the context menu.

When the shadow function is applied to display frames, the width of the display area does not change. Only the width of the display frame is altered. Objects within the display frame, such as text frames, do not automatically change in width or position.

For all other graphic objects, the shadow has no effect on the original width. Shadows can be selected from the sub-menu, which can be predefined through the Stylo configuration. A description of how this is done can be found here. Otherwise, existing shadow shapes can be modified or created through the options dialog.

In the shadow dialog, color and position can be selected. On the left side, a shadow type can be pre-selected. There is also a visualization of what the shadow will look like.

Color

The color dialog of Stylo opens, from which the color of the shadow can be selected.

X-Offset

Specifies the horizontal offset of the shadow.

Y-Offset

Specifies the vertical offset of the shadow.

Blur

With the blur, you determine how soft the edge of the shadow fades. At 0, the shadow has a hard, clear edge, like in bright light. The higher you set the value, the wider the zone in which the shadow gradually fades. This acts like soft, diffused light. The value in points or millimeters roughly corresponds to the width of this transition.

Spread

With the spread, you make the shadow larger than the object itself. It grows evenly in all directions by the specified value in points. Corners remain sharp. The spread only changes the size, not the edge: An extended shadow without blur still has a hard edge.

Examples of Shadows

Spread and blur complement each other. The spread determines how large the shadow is, while the blur determines how soft it fades. For a subtle, soft shadow, choose a small spread and a medium blur. For a "glow" around text or objects, set the X and Y offsets to 0 and combine spread and blur. Below are some examples of shadows with and without the drop shadow effect.

	x	y	Blur	Spread
	1.5 mm	1.5 mm	0	0
	1.5 mm	-1.5 mm	0	0
	1.5 mm	-1.5 mm	0.5 mm	0
	1.5 mm	-1.5 mm	1.0 mm	0
	1.5 mm	-1.5 mm	1.0 mm	0.5 mm

Shadows for Text

If you have selected a text frame and define a shadow, you also have the option to apply this shadow to the text.

The shadow acts in addition to the shadow on the text frame. This is not significant if you have a transparent text frame. However, it is with filled text frames. If an area behind the text with the shadow is necessary that should not have a shadow, please check the following method: Keep the text frame transparent and place another graphic object behind the text frame.

Shadow Gallery

Option to select shadows created in the Stylo configurator.

Only if the object has a solid background will the shadow be displayed solidly. Otherwise, only the outline of the shadow will be shown.