Mastering Depth and Shadow Realism in Digital Mockups > 일반게시판

Creating realistic shadows and depth in open layer mockups is essential for making designs feel tangible and immersive

Poorly executed shadows can ruin an otherwise flawless design, making it feel artificial and disconnected

Realism begins with observing physics—how light falls, bends, and fades across surfaces

Start by identifying your light source

Viewers subconsciously expect light to originate from the upper left, making it the most readable and familiar setup

This consistency helps maintain realism across all elements in your mockup

Align your shadow angles precisely with the inverse of your light’s trajectory

Don’t surround objects with shadows unless you’re crafting a complex lighting scenario

Softer materials cast less defined shadows—emulate that subtlety

When an object makes direct contact, its shadow should be sharp and concentrated

The edge where shadow meets light must blur softly, not snap abruptly

Many designers over-sharpen shadows, آیدی کارت لایه باز making them look like cutouts

Use a subtle Gaussian blur to mimic how light scatters in the air

A hovering card casts a wide, faint blur; a glued-in button casts a tight, dark edge

Don’t treat shadows as black blobs

Shadows should never be pure black

Instead, use a dark gray or even a slightly colored tone that matches the ambient lighting

Warm lighting casts warm shadows—don’t ignore this nuance

Color-corrected shadows unify your entire composition

One shadow layer is never enough

Real objects don’t cast just one shadow—they create a complex interplay of light and dark

The primary shadow is the main drop shadow beneath the object

This mimics real-world occlusion

Ambient occlusion, often overlooked, refers to the slight darkening in crevices or where surfaces meet, like the bottom corner of a card resting on a table

Your shadow must adapt to its environment

A glossy surface will reflect light and create a faint highlight under the object

No reflections, just deep, soft darkness

Match your shadow behavior to the surface’s reflective properties

Finally, always test your mockup in context

A shadow that works on white may vanish on gray or explode on black

Always validate your shadows in situ

Study photos of actual products on real surfaces

Your eyes are your best design tool

Mastering these five elements turns static mockups into immersive, lifelike experiences