Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Adobe InDesign
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Step 1
Open InDesign and either create or open a file. Drop shadows can be applied to anything - text, images, shapes - so it does not matter what your document contains, as long as it is not blank.
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Step 2
From the menu on the left side of the screen, select the black arrow, or Selection Tool. This should be that menu's first option.
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Step 3
Take the Selection Tool and click on the object you wish to add a drop shadow to. Do this with a single click of the mouse, as a double click at times can have a different effect. When you've properly selected the object, it will be surrounded by white boxes.
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Step 4
Once the object is selected, you need to get to the "Effects" menu. This can be done in two ways. The quickest way is to right click on the selected object. This will bring up a list of options. "Effects" should be the sixth choice from the bottom. Without right clicking on the mouse, "Effects" can be found under "Object" in the menu at the top of the screen. On this list, "Effects" will be in the middle.
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Step 5
No matter which route you choose, the next step is the same. Drag your mouse over the black arrow next to "Effects". This will bring up another menu. Click on "Drop Shadow", which should be the second option on the list.
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Step 6
A gray box entitled "Effects" should appear on your screen. In this box, make sure that "Drop Shadow" is selected in the list of effects on the left side. If this option is selected, the object your are adding the effect to will be given the default drop shadow. The options on the right of the gray box are for adjusting how the drop shadow is applied. Check the option labeled "Preview" in the bottom left corner of the gray box, and this will show you the results of any adjustments you make in real time. When you are satisfied with the drop shadow, click "OK" and it will be applied to your object.
