Creating reflections and shadows on images

This tutorial demonstrates how to create reflection and add shadow to a picture. It also demonstrates how to use the text and transformation tools and the bevel and drop shadow filters. The main task of creating a reflections and shadow is done with the Fade away (ALPHA_FLOODFILL) tool and the projected shadow tool.

Narration transcript

Hello. Today, I'll show you how to add reflections and shadows to your pictures in RealWorld Paint.COM or RealWorld Photos.

First, create an image 800x600 pixels in size and draw something.

Add for example text with the text tool, using a blue solid color. After clicking in the editor, type the text and change the font size and properties. Position the text as you see fit with your mouse.

OK, now apply the Bevel filter and the Drop shadow filter to make it a bit more fancy.

When a picture is dragged and dropped on the editor window, it is pasted as a floating selection. Here is the RealWorld Designer logo.

The picture is now complex enough for our purposes. Duplicate the layer and then use the Flip filter. Move the flipped image up or down by selecting it and using the up/down arrows.

Now, switch to the "Fade away" tool under the "Custom presets" button. Click in the editor and control handles appear. Drag the handles to define the the fading direction. You can later adjust the opacity of the reflection using the layer opacity slider. If you wish, you can blur the reflection.

Now, switch to the layer with the original picture and then activate the Projected shadow tool. Press the mouse button at the point where the object is supposed to touch ground and drag upwards. Increase the shadow intensity and smoothness in the drawing tool panel. You can also drag the handles to further adjust the shape of the shadow.

Merge the layers and the work is done. If you wish, you can use the transformation tool to add perspective deformation. Switch to the perspective mode in the tool configuration and then drag the control handles.

I do not really like the perspective in this concrete image, so I just cancel it.

Before you save the image, consider setting a background color. This is important if you wish to have your image as jpeg, as it does not support transparency.

Recent comments

barb registered user on August 16th 2014

Where's the best place to start learning to use this program?

Vlasta site administrator on August 16th 2014

It is best to explore it on your own and watch video tutorials marked with tags Image, Animation, Photo or Vector.

Anonymous on January 2nd 2021

your program is amazing!

Anonymous

Signed comments carry more weight! Don't be a stranger - log-in or register. It only takes few seconds.