Image Layer Properties

You can now adjust the layers of your project with the multiple layer properties options to create a Border, Drop Shadow, Glow Effect, and Outline. To apply any of the layer properties to your layer, select your desired layer so that the Properties box appears.

Border

You can now add a Border to Image Layers

Step 1: Click an image layer on the canvas to select it.

Step 2: Once you have the layer selected, choose Border from the layer properties on the left.

Step 3: Select the color swatch to select the color of your Border. You can input a color hex code, manually choose a color from the color spectrum, as well as use the eyedropper tool to select a color that’s already within your image.

Step 4: Adjust the Thickness slider to the desired size.

Understanding Shadow/Glow Menu Options

When using drop shadows, glows, or outlines, the Shadow/Glow menu will show the most recently applied effect. Here’s a quick breakdown of the available options:

• Drop Shadow – Adds a shadow behind your layer for depth.
• Glow – Creates a soft, diffused highlight around your layer.
• Outline – Adds a line around the shape or edge of your layer.
• Last Modified – Applies the most recent non-default setting to newly selected layers.
• Custom – Indicates the layer was edited with custom settings prior to applying a Last Modified preset.

How to Add a Drop Shadow

You can apply a Drop Shadow to all layer types: text, images, graphics, and shapes.

Step 1: Click a layer on the canvas to select it.

Step 2: Once you have the layer selected, choose Drop Shadow from the layer properties on the left.

Step 3: Use the sliders to adjust the Distance, Angle, Blur, Size, Density, and Opacity.

Step 4: Select the color swatch to select the color of the drop shadow. You can input a color hex code, manually choose a color from the color spectrum, as well as use the eyedropper tool to select a color that’s already within your image.

Create a Glow Effect

Glow effects can also be applied to any layer, and are perfect for soft, radiant highlights.

Step 1: Select the text layer you want to edit. The Text Properties or Image Properties panel will appear.

Step 2: In the left-hand panel, click the arrow to select and expand the Shadow/Glow settings.

Step 3: Choose Glow from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Use the sliders to adjust the Distance, Angle, Blur, Size, Density, and Opacity. You can also type in specific values if preferred.

Step 5: Select the color swatch to change the glow color. You can enter a hex code, pick a color manually, or use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your image.

Creating Outlines on Image Layers With Transparencies

Step 1: Click a layer on the canvas to select it.

Step 2: Once you have the layer selected, choose Drop Shadow from the layer properties on the left and select Outline from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Use the sliders to adjust the Distance, Angle, Blur, Size, Density, and Opacity.

Step 4: Click on the Color box to select the color of the drop shadow. You can input a color hex code, manually choose a color from the color spectrum, as well as use the eyedropper tool to select a color that’s already within your image.

Removing a Layer Property

If you'd like to remove a layer effect, simply select the layer, then deselect the property box in the left-hand panel.

Have questions about the different layers that you can use and how to use them?  Head over to our Introduction to Layers article to learn more!