How to Add Shadow in Figma: Simple Steps for Beginners

To add a shadow in Figma, select the object and go to the Effects panel on the right. Click the plus icon and choose Drop shadow to customize shadow color, blur, offset, and opacity.

Syntax

In Figma, shadows are added as effects to layers or objects. The main parts you control are:

• Effect type: Choose Drop shadow or Inner shadow.
• Color: Set the shadow color and opacity.
• Blur: Controls how soft or sharp the shadow edges are.
• Offset X and Y: Move the shadow horizontally and vertically.
• Spread: Adjusts the size of the shadow.

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Select object > Effects panel > + icon > Drop shadow > Adjust settings

Example

This example shows how to add a simple drop shadow to a rectangle in Figma.

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1. Draw a rectangle on the canvas.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right sidebar, find the <Effects> section.
4. Click the plus (+) button and select <Drop shadow>.
5. Adjust the shadow settings:
   - Color: Black with 25% opacity
   - Blur: 10
   - X offset: 5
   - Y offset: 5
6. See the shadow appear behind the rectangle.

Output

A rectangle with a soft black shadow offset slightly down and right.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding shadows in Figma include:

• Not selecting the object before adding effects, so the shadow doesn't apply.
• Using too high opacity or blur, making shadows look harsh or blurry.
• Forgetting to check the layer order, so shadows get hidden behind other objects.
• Confusing Drop shadow with Inner shadow, which creates a shadow inside the shape.

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Wrong: Add shadow without selecting object (no effect applied)
Right: Select object first, then add shadow effect

Quick Reference

Setting	Description	Typical Use
Effect Type	Choose between Drop shadow or Inner shadow	Drop shadow for outside shadow, Inner shadow for inset effect
Color	Shadow color and opacity	Usually black or gray with 10-30% opacity
Blur	Softness of shadow edges	5-20 for soft shadows
Offset X	Horizontal shadow position	Positive moves right, negative moves left
Offset Y	Vertical shadow position	Positive moves down, negative moves up
Spread	Size of shadow area	0 for normal, positive to expand shadow

Key Takeaways

Always select the object before adding a shadow effect in Figma.

Use the Effects panel to add and customize drop shadows easily.

Adjust blur and opacity to create natural-looking shadows.

Check layer order to ensure shadows are visible.

Use drop shadow for outside shadows and inner shadow for inset effects.