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Shellettephotog
Known Participant
January 21, 2026
Question

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

  • January 21, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 161 views

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

2 replies

Srishti_Bali
Legend
January 21, 2026

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

Shellettephotog
Known Participant
January 21, 2026

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

 

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 21, 2026

@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

 

Shellettephotog
Known Participant
January 21, 2026

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.1000016766 (002).jpg1000016766 (002).jpg1000016767 (002).jpg

davescm
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 21, 2026

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