Cast shadows (direction, softness)
Set cast-shadow direction, length, shape, and edge softness to match the light source and the surfaces receiving the shadow.
What it is
Cast shadows are shapes formed when an object blocks light from reaching another surface. Their placement depends on the light source, the casting object, and the surfaces the shadow reaches.
Trace a straight line from the light source through points on the casting object until each line meets a surface. The resulting points define the shadow's direction and shape. A single sun angle produces consistent shadow direction across the scene.
Shadow softness describes the sharpness of the edges. A small, distant light produces harder edges, while a large or nearby light produces softer edges. Edges can be harder near the contact point and softer farther away. Shadows also wrap over curves, bend at corners, and change shape when they cross from one surface to another.
Why it matters
Cast-shadow direction and softness help objects sit in the scene and show spatial relationships. Weak control can make objects appear to float, make forms stop reading where shadows cross them, or make shadows bend incorrectly across surfaces.
You can check it when
- ✓Choose one light direction and place every cast shadow so its direction and length follow that choice.
- ✓Vary edge sharpness within a shadow, with harder edges near contact points and softer edges farther away when the light source supports that change.
- ✓Change a shadow's shape as it crosses corners, curves, or different surfaces.
- ✓Check that cast shadows place characters and props against the environment without making them appear to float.