Detach Shadow

[Sheff]

Sometimes, it would be helpful to detach a shadow and edit its shape independent of the object that was used to create it. I would like to be able to hit a button and then have the shadow become an object that retains the transparency and feathering that it initially had.

Also, I would like a new shadow type called inner shadow or inner glow where the shadow comes inside the object rather on the outside. Think of this as the opposite of glow as it currently exists.

[Soquili]

I think this would be difficult to implement because currently the Shadow Tool creates a raster effect and not a vector shape.

Creating your own shape and applying transparency and feathering to be used as a shadow will be your best option until or if Xara changes how the Shadow Tool functions.

I would like a true vector shape Shadow, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they have this feature near the top of their to do list.

[gwpriester]

I doubt that it is even on their to do list Bill.

Most of Xara's "live effects" are hybrid. They act like vector effects but render as rasters. But unlike most bitmaps, the effects can be modified and edited.

[Soquili]

Gary that is true, but miracles can happen.

[angelize]

Like Bill mentioned I often use custom shadows. It's quite easy to create a vector shadow shape of even a complex group by cloning or right click + drag to create a copy and make the whole copy black then ungroup the black group select the black objects and Combine shapes> add shapes.

[Jacoolz]

Can you add customized color shadow tool ? Instead of just black, transparency and blur.

[handrawn]

you can ctrl-click on the shadow to select it and then change it's colour

[Jacoolz]

you can ctrl-click on the shadow to select it and then change it's colour

I see. Will try it. Tnx handrawn.

Btw, why can't I add "add this" widget? How can I insert an html code as a widget?

[Albacore]

If you use Frances's method and frequently I do you can also use the Mold Tool to achieve a realistic shadow to bend it up a backdrop or to achieve perspective in a shadow.