Shadow Offset X / Y
Moves the generated shadow relative to the source.
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EffectsIntermediate
Shadow
2D shadow generator
Builds a controllable 2D shadow from image alpha or depth with offset, softness, color, light position, Z-map support and separate shadow-only output.
Shadow
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Shadow is a practical 2D finishing node for titles, logos, cutouts and composited elements. It can keep the source image with the shadow or return only the shadow as a separate branch for custom compositing.
Overview
What Shadow does
Shadow is a practical 2D finishing node for titles, logos, cutouts and composited elements. It can keep the source image with the shadow or return only the shadow as a separate branch for custom compositing.
Mental model
Think of Shadow as generating a new layer from the source silhouette: position it, soften it, tint it, then decide whether to keep it attached to the source or composite it separately.
Common uses
Drop shadows for titles and logos
Grounding cutout elements
Depth-aware shadows from Z data
Separate shadow passes for custom compositing
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image Input
Image or alpha-bearing element used to generate the shadow.
Effect Mask
Optional mask limiting where the shadow operation is applied.
Shadow
Fusion node
Image Output
Source plus shadow, or the shadow-only result depending on Output mode.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Softness
Controls edge blur and apparent shadow softness.
Shadow Color
Sets the shadow Color.
Red / Green / Blue
Sets the RGB color of the generated shadow.
Use channel-specific controls when the operation should not affect all components equally.
Alpha
Adjusts the alpha channel.
Use channel-specific controls when the operation should not affect all components equally.
Light Position X / Y
Sets the X/Y coordinates for Light Position.
Light Distance
Sets the apparent light distance used to place and shape the generated shadow.
Minimum Depth Map Limit
Sets the depth threshold used when a Z map is involved.
Z Map Channel
Chooses the depth channel used for depth-aware behavior.
Output
Switches between Image with Shadow and Shadow Only.
Image with Shadow
Outputs the source image composited with the generated shadow.
Shadow Only
Outputs only the generated shadow layer.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Confirm the source alpha or silhouette is clean.
- 2
Set the shadow direction with Offset.
- 3
Adjust Softness for the intended distance from the surface.
- 4
Set color and opacity conservatively.
- 5
Use Shadow Only when you need separate grading or blending.
- 6
Check edges at full resolution.
Typical node chain
Source→
Shadow→
Merge→
Output
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Title drop shadow
Generate a soft shadow behind Text+ and composite it over the background.
Text+ShadowMergeMediaOut
Separate shadow pass
Output only the shadow for independent color and blend control.
GraphicShadow OnlyColorCorrectorMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using an excessively soft shadow that reads as a glow.
Ignoring premultiplied alpha and getting dark edge contamination.
Keeping the shadow attached when a separate branch would be easier to control.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use Shadow Only for high-control commercial composites.
Match softness and opacity to the apparent distance from the receiving surface.
Tint shadows toward the scene rather than leaving every shadow neutral black.
Related nodes