Types of product shadows
| Shadow | What it looks like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ground (contact) shadow | Soft dark ellipse under the product | Shoes, bottles, boxes, anything standing |
| Soft drop shadow | Gentle shadow around and slightly below the object | Flat items, packaging, social graphics |
| Natural/reflection | Mirror-like reflection under the product | Jewellery, cosmetics (studio technique) |
Add a shadow in a few clicks
- Open the product photo studio — the Ground shadow is enabled by default.
- Switch to Soft for flat or hanging items.
- Pick a background: white for shops, a gradient in Change background for social media.
- Download; all photos in the batch get the same shadow for a consistent catalogue.
Keep it believable
- Subtle beats dramatic: the shadow should be noticed only when it is missing.
- The shadow should match the direction of light in the original photo if the product has visible highlights.
- Use the same shadow for every product in a category.
Frequently asked questions
Do marketplaces allow shadows?
A natural shadow on a white background is generally accepted. Check the specific platform’s rules for the main image.