Drop Shadow Effect

Drop Shadow Effect

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

Drop Shadow Effect is a powerful and intuitive ScriptUI tool for Adobe Illustrator that allows you to apply a live Drop Shadow effect to your selected artwork. It features a customizable user interface with interactive controls and a robust preset manager, providing an efficient alternative to the default Illustrator dialog.

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Features

  • Live Preview: See your drop shadow adjustments directly on the canvas in real-time before applying.
  • Synchronized Offsets: Link horizontal and vertical offsets to adjust them simultaneously.
  • Angle and Distance Input: Switch from X/Y offsets to a direction and distance; the script calculates the native offsets automatically.
  • Presets Management: Add, load, rename, and delete custom drop shadow configurations for quick reuse.
  • Resolution Control: Easily set the rasterized effect resolution directly from the script interface.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Nudge parameter values with Up/Down Arrow (±1), Shift + Up/Down Arrow (±10), or Cmd/Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow (±0.1).
  • Reset Values: Right-click scrollbars or use the dedicated reset buttons to quickly revert to defaults.

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Installation

1. Download the Drop Shadow Effect.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator (Version)/Presets/(Language)/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator (Version)\Presets(Language)\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Drop Shadow Effect

5. Alternatively, run it directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location

Tip: You can also drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the Illustrator workspace to run the script instantly – no installation needed.

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Using the Script 

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Launch the Script

  • Select one or multiple objects in your Adobe Illustrator document.
  • Navigate to File > Scripts and choose the script to launch the interface.

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➊ Configure Settings

Use the provided options in the Settings panel to fine-tune your drop shadow appearance:

  • Blending: Select a blending mode.
  • Opacity (%): Adjust the transparency.
  • X and Y Offset (pt): Change horizontal and vertical distance.
  • Set Angle: Select the checkbox beside Mode to use angle and distance instead of separate X/Y offsets. In this mode, 0° points right and 90° points up.
  • Blur (pt): Adjust the softness of the shadow edges.
  • Darkness (%): Control the shadow darkness.
  • Resolution (ppi): Set the desired raster resolution.

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Toggle helpful visual and linking settings from the bottom checkmark options:

  • Link Offsets: Check this to synchronize your X and Y Offset values.
  • Preview: Toggle this to see live changes on your canvas.
  • Fit in Window: Zoom your active view to fit the artwork with the shadow.
  • Hide Edges: Hide the selection outlines for a clearer look at the drop shadow.

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➌ Manage Presets

Save your frequently used drop shadow settings in the Presets panel for faster access later:

  • Add: Save the current configuration as a new preset.
  • Load: Apply a selected preset from the list (or double-click the preset).
  • Rename: Select a preset and rename it (or right-click the preset).
  • Delete: Remove a selected preset from your saved list.

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➍ Apply Effect

Click the OK button to finalize and apply your drop shadow. You can click Cancel at any point to discard changes and revert your artwork to its original state.

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☻ Wrap-Up

The Drop Shadow Effect script transforms how you handle drop shadows in Illustrator by bringing essential settings, real-time feedback, and a presets manager into one cohesive UI. By adopting this tool, you can significantly accelerate your design workflow and achieve consistent, professional results with ease. ㅤ

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Drop Shadow Effect

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Drop Shadow Effect

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2026 (30.3)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

Quick access to toggle Adobe Illustrator's built-in panels

➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

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Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Drop Shadow Effect.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Drop Shadow Effect.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Drop Shadow Effect script to run it.
    5. The Drop Shadow Effect script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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