Creating Shadows.

[jammer2000]

I want to create shadows for some simple objects.
I want to keep the drawings as vector graphics, so I can keep file sizes optimised in my Flash work.

Can anyone recommend how I should do this?

I can do it in Photoshop or Fireworks. But, then I can only save as a jpg or gif - which makes my Flash file too big.

Can you save as vector graphics in Photoshop or Fireworks?
Or, is there an easy way to achieve similar effects in Flash?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.


Jam

[oz]

to create a shadow for say a circle, make 2 circles one black and the other circle the one you want to put the shadow under, make them both the same size.

fill the black circle black and delete the stroke. select the circle and goto modify>curves>soften edges and make both about 10.

now make both symbols and place the black underneath the "simple object".

[Snowfox]

In Flash you can use gradients to do create a shadow effect.
That's the easiest way. Just don't make the shadow too heavy.

Robert

[jammer2000]

yeah... that's ok when you've got a square or something.

but i also want to create shadows for picture cut outs, where you've got irregular shapes.

a package like photoshop or firworks creates a gradient uniform to the outline of the shape... to create the shadow.

but how do you create the effect in flash?

i'll have to stick with what oz suggested above...
unless you can suggest different?

[Snowfox]

Hmmm ...
What you can do is to replicate the form in a gray tone and put it in a layer under the original and then offset it a bit, like 5 pixels down and 5 pixels right. it's a simple shadow effect, but that's the most I can make of it, since Flash doesn't have Photoshop capabilities.

I just wondered if Illustrator can make shadows, because then you could import the illustrator file into Flash ...

Just figured out that Illustrator can make shadows !!!
I don't know if you have it, but Illustrator can make complex shadows for you

Robert

[jammer2000]

kewl... thanks for that... i have got illustrator... i'll give it a go.

[Snowfox]

No problem

I just thought of it while writing the reply.
I checked it right away et voila ...

Happy shadowing

Robert