Shadow Distort

Shadow: Distort

Related Information

Shadows

Shadow: Drop

Shadow: Effect

Color Well

In addition to a simple drop you may shear or distort the shadow with a full Affine transform. The check box at the top is used to enable the transform.

The distortion transform only applies to the two Vector shadow methods: Vector and Image. Bitmap shadows may not be distorted.

The transform matrix is the primary control for an Affine transform. You may adjust the matrix and observe the transform in real time on your drawing.

Perhaps the best way to learn the effects of the matrix is to apply a simple shadow to a rectangle. The unity matrix (or do-nothing) values are 1.0's on the diagonal and 0.0's on the cross diagonal. Experiment by varying each element in turn, with the others at their do-nothing settings.

The four Distortion parameters Across, Pitch, Tilt, and Down are the "raw" Affine transform matrix. You don't need a math degree to use them, experimentation is the best method. In general, but not precisely, their control aspects are as follows: Across controls width scaling which is the "x" axis but after rotation. Down controls height scaling which is the "y" direction, again, after rotation. Pitch and Tilt used together provide rotation, if they are equal in magnitude this will be a simple rotation. Shear is accomplished with Pitch and Tilt - when they have non-matching values. All parameters are specified as fractions (not percentages).

The Pivot values define a focal point for the transform in polar coordinates. These combine with the Drop location to define the actual pivot point for the resulting shadow.

The sliders are set to provide a reasonable range of adjustment. The button provided will recalculate the center points and ranges of the sliders.

One use of this capability has nothing to do with shadows. You may distort a graphic by generating its shadow (no-image, 100% bloom) and applying the transform to the shadow. When the desired shape and distortion is attained, separate the shadow from the graphic. This is done by selecting Separate Effects on the Convert menu (Tools main menu). The separated shadow is then transformed to a separate graphic with the distorted shape.