Creating Long Shadow Effect in Photoshop the Easy Way

Recently a new emerging design trend called “Long Shadow Design” in seen in most of app icons or logos. Even the new Google App logos in the new Android L have the long shadow effect. There are various ways of long shadow design implementations. I am going to show you the easiest way to create one in just 5 steps.

Steps

1. Download Long shadow generator

2. Open the .psd in Photoshop, you will find 2 group folders, which allow you to create long shadow in 45 degrees in both the direction, left and right.

3. Chose one of the folders, you will find layer named “You design here“. Now, you should insert our design here, within this layer. To do so, right-click on the layer and select “Edit contents”.

4. This will open a new file .psb (Smart object) tab. Clear the contents and put your design in this file.

5. Once done with design change, save the file. The smart object will be updated, and the shadow will reflect our inserted design. Then go back to the original PSD file, and change the background colors etc.

Also, you check the flat shadow generator for icons.

Note: I would recommend this method, if your short on time and all. The best way to create a long shadow effect is by using the 3D effect tools of PS. This takes couple of minutes as the 3D image has to be rendered. (tutorial link)

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