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Shellettephotog
Shellettephotog
Known Participant
Jan 21, 2026 3:12 PM UTC
Question

Drop shadow isn't showing in ps 2025 or ps 2026

Hi,

I can't get drop shadow in fx to work.  All of the other options work except Outer Glow and Drop Shadow. It worked in the 2024 version, why not 2025 or 2026?

I added the legacy styles and see it but nothing happens when I click on the sliders.

I would go back to the 2024 version but I recently uninstalled it thinking the 2025 version was functioning.  Is it broken in the later versions? I really need it for my website. 

Windows 10 desktop

    10 replies

    Srishti_Bali
    Srishti_Bali
    Legend
    Jan 21, 2026 6:14 PM UTC

    Hi @Shellettephotog,

     

    Thank you for providing the screenshots and details. Could you confirm if the issue occurs only with this specific file or with all images? It would be beneficial to see a video demonstrating the issue.

     

    Regards,

    Srishti

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    Shellettephotog
    ShellettephotogAuthor
    Known Participant
    Jan 21, 2026 10:04 PM UTC

    I have been trying to reply but keep getting ...Sorry, unable to complete the action you requested.

     

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    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Jan 21, 2026 4:00 PM UTC

    @Shellettephotog 

     

    Without seeing your image and the Layer Effects > Drop Shadow dialog, we can only guess.

     

    • If the layer does not have transparency, the shadow is on the layer and may be outside of the canvas.
    • The settings for drop shadow may be "wonky". Try resetting the Drop Shadow to its defaults and start again.
    • The layer may have multiple Effects and one is blocking the Drop Shadow.

     

    Screenshots will help us to better assist. Use the Insert Image button (mountain and sun) in a Reply window.

     

    Jane

     

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      Shellettephotog
      ShellettephotogAuthor
      Known Participant
      Jan 21, 2026 4:36 PM UTC

      Hi Jane,

      It 's on my other desktop and not one I have email on.  I use it only for Adobe. I will take pics with phone and submit.

      The image is a photo.. I flattened it and then duplicated it, Cntl J. Then click the fx at the bottom and scroll to drop shadow.   I can fiddle with the sliders but nothing happens. I have the color to black, no transparency.  I even changed it to red and still nothing. I have googled it, I have searched the community, I have uninstalled and reinstalled the 2026 version. Drop shadow doesn't work in my 2025 version either.875832i0F5A7A8D30EF099B.jpg875829iA3B6EB9C7D2FE189.jpg875832i0F5A7A8D30EF099B.jpg875829iA3B6EB9C7D2FE189.jpg875831iF341CD9577281281.jpg

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      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      Jan 21, 2026 8:29 PM UTC

      You have not shown your layers panel but from your description :
      Drop shadow surrounds the layer content. If your layer extends to the canvas edges then the drop shadow will be outside the canvas and will not show. 

      Dave

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