Drop Shadows

[prazim]

I have an image to which I would like to add 3 borders of varying widths. the 2 inner ones will have drop shadows. When I follow the directions in the help file, I end up with which space in the canvas area where the shadow isn't presenting. I know it can't be this difficult. How do I get this right?
Thanks,
sue

[LeviFiction]

What are the exact steps you've taken?

I realize this seems like a simple problem but I honestly don't know what you're talking about, and since no one else is offering help. I hope I can answer something.

But sadly that means I need to know what you mean. Because I'm not able to understand all that you've done.

Like are you using layer styles to do the drop shadows? Or are you using the 3D effects filter for the drop shadows?

Is it suppose to look something like this (Keep in mind I did this in 10 minutes so it may not look anything like you're attempting)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/L ... Shadow.jpg

[prazim]

Yes, basically that's the concept, but in your example, the image appears deeper than the frames where usually my image appears to float above the frames (when created using APE). Also, in your example, the frames are white, so it doesn't appear as if you have gaps in the images. When I am trying to add drop shadows, it is in conjunction with colored borders, so the shadowing, created after increasing the canvas size, leaves a white area in the places where the drop shadow doesn't exist. This occurs when I edit the image properties and also trying to apply the 3D affect.

I was going to attach an image as an example but don't see the option here to upload one.
Thanks!
Sue[/img]

[LeviFiction]

Could you actually explain the process? Command by command? Action by action? Tedious I know but you're talking to someone with limited imagination.

The only thin I can think of is don't use the add borders command. You'll just have to make them yourself.

For example, in my example I used a bizarre method. I did a select all.

Then I went to the selections menu -> modify -> Select selection borders.

Then I selected the size of the border, in the same way I would with the add borders command.

I then filled these selections with white on different layers. Then I added the drop shadow using the 3D effects on separate layers as well.

Now as you noted the way I did it sinks the image in, and you wanted it floating on top? I just don't know how to do that, or a good example of what you're looking at.

If you want to post an image you can just use imageshack which has no registration or a photohosting service that uses registration to have custom albums online. Obviously I used photobucket for mine.

[prazim]

Hi,
I came across a site that illustrated this and believe I have it now. The step I was apparently missing was selecting the item I wanted to be drop shadowed. I was thinking about accomplishing the task in APE and that was jamming me up.

One thing I don't have nailed down, however, is keeping the various borders and associated shadows on separate layers so that I can go back and modify them as desired. When I apply the drop shadow to the new layer, it it seemingly combining the layers.

Thanks!
Sue