10 Best Shadow Overlays For Photoshop (Free & Paid Options)
Are you looking for shadow overlays for Photoshop that can make your images look more natural and beautiful?
Then you’re in the right place!
This article will help you find the best shadow overlays for Photoshop available in the market.
All of the overlays described are compatible with Adobe Photoshop.
You’ll see various graphic elements – shadows of leaves, tree branches, hands, windows, window blinders.
There are also animated, and static shadows included.
With such variety, you’ll be able to find the most suitable option for your designs in no time.
Table of Contents
1. Sunlight Shadows Photo Overlays
The Sunlight Shadows Photo Overlays are perfect for you if you’re looking for a pack that offers you variety.
There are 45 different shadow overlays included in this pack, including tree branches, windows, blinders, and leaves.
All the overlays are high-resolution images in PNG format that you can use in Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and other programs that support layers.
However, you won’t be able to use them in Lightroom or any other photo editing application on your phone.
The images have 300DPI resolution, meaning adding the overlays won’t ruin the quality of your picture if you decide to print it.
The shadow overlays come with instructions that will explain to you how to add these elements to your pictures.
All the overlays and instructions are in one zip file that you’ll have to unzip.
If you have trouble unzipping it, you can contact the creator of this pack, Liya Kim, by sending her an email.
She offers a lot of different overlays – rain, balloons, confetti – and Lightroom presets.
With the shadow overlays created by Liya, your images will never be boring again.
Pros & Benefits:
- 45 photo overlays
- 300 DPI resolution
- PNG format files
- Comes with instructions
- Compatible with Photoshop and other programs
2. 50 Shadows Photoshop Overlays
The 50 Shadows Photoshop Overlays are another option that you should consider if you’re looking for various shadows.
There are 50 shadow overlays in this pack, including shadows of tree branches and windows.
All images have a size of 4000×3000 px and a resolution of 300 DPI.
The file format of these graphic elements is JPEG that is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro, PicMonkey, and more.
If you want to use them in Lightroom, you’ll have to install a plugin for layers first.
You’ll also receive instructions on how you can add the overlays to your pictures.
The creator of this set of overlays offers a deal that allows you to get three items from the shop while paying only for two.
To get the deal, you should choose three items from the ZephyrDigital shop, and on the checkout page, add the B3G1F code.
The shop offers a lot of photo overlays, including blowing glitter, snow, smoke, rainbow.
So if you like adding overlays to your pictures, you’ll be able to choose three items without any problem.
But even if you choose to buy only this pack, you won’t regret it because these shadow overlays are easy to use and will make your pictures more intriguing.
Pros & Benefits:
- 50 photo overlays included
- Comes with instructions
- JPEG format file
- 4000×3000 px resolution
- Compatible with Photoshop and other programs
3. Realistic Shadow Overlay Clipart
Are you looking for some realistic shadow overlays?
Then you should take a look at the Realistic Shadow Overlay Clipart.
There are 40 overlays included in this pack – shadows of palm leaves, trees, branches, and other objects.
You can use these graphic elements only for personal use.
If you are thinking of using them for commercial use, you’ll have to buy a license.
The overlays come in separate PNG files with transparent backgrounds and you can edit them in Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and other photo editing software.
You can change the opacity, size, direction of the shadow in any way you like.
If you aren’t sure how to edit the overlays, the creator of this set, Rita, wrote an article on adjusting overlays, which you might find useful.
Rita also offers some freebies, such as mock-ups, and various tips on her blog.
If you check out Rita’s shop and would like to purchase three or more items, you can receive a 10% discount by using the 10FOR3 code.
Rita’s shadow overlays are well-made, realistic, of good quality, and easy to apply, so you can upgrade the look of your pictures within minutes and without any problems.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 40 shadow overlays
- PNG files with transparent backgrounds
- 300 DPI resolution
- Compatible with Photoshop and other programs
4. 25 PNG Shadows Of Branches Overlays
If you’re looking for a pack that contains only shadows of tree branches, then these 25 PNG Shadows of Branches Overlays are the ones for you.
This set offers you 25 different tree branch shadows.
The file format of the overlays is PNG with a transparent background.
PNG images have a resolution of 300 DPI and various sizes – from 15 to 19 inches.
You can add these shadow overlays to your pictures using Adobe Photoshop or any other photo editing software that supports layers.
If you don’t know how to add the overlays, there is a useful article and a tutorial video that show you all the steps of adding a shadow to your picture.
You’ll receive the images in two zip files that will require you to use a software to unzip them.
Some examples of the unzipping software are WinZip, WinRar, Unzipper, 7-Zip, Pea Zip, Zipware.
These overlays come with an unlimited personal and commercial license, meaning you can use these graphic elements to create your designs and sell them.
And you’ll be able to sell your art successfully because these shadow overlays will add a perfect finishing touch to your work.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 25 branch overlays
- PNG files with transparent backgrounds
- 300 DPI resolution
- Personal and commercial use
- Compatible with Photoshop and other programs
5. Natural Lighting Shadow Mock-up Kit
If you’re looking for shadow overlays because you want to use them in a design mock-up, then you should check out this Natural Lighting Shadow Mockup Kit.
There are ten shadow overlays created as Smart Objects.
You can add them to your design or a picture without any problem.
These ten shadow overlays include five branches, three windows, and two hand shadows.
The images have a size of 4000×3000 pixels.
You’ll receive the shadows in one PSD file that you can open with Adobe Photoshop.
The overlays are editable, and you can change their opacity, size, direction to make it suitable for your vision.
This article, written by Aaron White, will explain to you the process of adding and editing an overlay.
If you prefer watching the whole process instead of reading about it, you can check this YouTube video created by Haute Stock.
The creator of this shadow kit, New Tropical Design, made another pack that contains 12 shadows.
Whether you use this shadow kit for your mock-ups or Instagram pictures, you’ll find their help in creating aesthetic images invaluable.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes ten shadow overlays
- PSD file format
- Various shadows
- 4000×3000 px resolution
- Compatible with Adobe Photoshop
6. Natural Lighting Shadow Kit
The Natural Lighting Shadow Kit is another option for your mock-up, but the difference between the previous pack, and this one is animated shadows.
This kit offers you 24 shadow overlays in total – 12 animated and 12 static shadows.
The shapes of animated and static shadows are the same.
If you choose to add animated overlays to your photos, you can export them as a video or GIF.
On the page of the product, you’ll find twelve short videos that demonstrate the animation effect of each shadow.
You’ll receive 12 PNG files that contain the static shadows and one layered PSD file that includes all 24 overlays.
The PNG images all have a size of 3750×2400 pixels.
PNG and PSD files are compatible with Adobe Photoshop.
The creator of this pack, William Hansen, mentioned that all animations work with Photoshop well, but there is no guarantee that they’ll work in other photo editing software.
If you don’t know how to work with animated overlays, William created a YouTube video to show you the process step-by-step.
The shadow overlays created by William, animated and static alike, will make your designs, mock-ups, Instagram pictures fascinating and gorgeous.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 12 shadow overlays
- PNG and PSD files available
- 3750×2500 px resolution
- Video demonstrations available
7. Animated Hand Shadows | Overlay
The Animated Hand Shadow Overlays should be your first choice if you’re looking for interesting graphic elements to add to your pictures.
There are 55 hand shadow overlays in this pack – 9 animated and 46 static shadows.
The animated shadows have different blur settings and movements, and the animation length of each shadow is 15 seconds.
You can check a short demonstration of these animated hand shadow overlays here.
If you’ve never edited an animated shadow overlay, you can check this YouTube video tutorial created by the makers of this pack, Anna&Yvy.
Other than these animated shadows, you’ll also receive 46 static overlays, which come in separate PNG files with transparent backgrounds.
You can use and edit PNG images in any photo editing software, but the animated shadows are compatible with Photoshop mostly.
Apart from the shadow overlays, you’ll get six background images and paper mock-ups.
Before you purchase the pack, you should know that these files have a big size – several of them are as big as 2.5GB.
You won’t be able to download all of the files from the shop directly, so you’ll receive a PDF file that contains download links to the rest of your images.
The overlays created by Anna&Yvy can serve as a subtle accent on the part of your design or can add a delicate feminine touch to your images.
In any way, your art will look unique and captivating.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes eight shadow animations
- 46 PNG shadow overlays
- Six background images
- Comes with video tutorial
- Compatible with Photoshop
8. Sunlight Shadows Photoshop Overlays
Are you looking for some beautiful sunlight shadows that will make your images bright and attractive?
Then take a look at the Sunlight Shadows Photoshop Overlays.
There are 40 shadow overlays, including leaves, tree branches, windows, and window blinders.
The images have a size of 6000×4000 pixels and a resolution of 300 DPI.
This resolution allows you to print your images containing the overlays without losing the quality of your pictures.
All 40 overlays come in separate PNG files that are compatible with almost every photo editing program, including Adobe Photoshop.
If you aren’t skilled in adding or editing overlays in Photoshop, you might want to read an article written by the creator of this pack, FixThePhoto.
The article explains in detail how you can use overlays to enhance the look of your images and contains some beautiful examples.
If you find the instructions and article useful, you can also find other tips related to Photoshop on the blog of FixThePhoto.
After you purchase this set of shadow overlays, you’ll have free access to future updates.
These shadow overlays will help your pictures stand out and look complete and charming.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 40 shadow overlays
- 300 DPI resolution
- PNG file format
- Compatible with Photoshop
- Free access to future updates
9. Free Shadow Overlays On A Wall
If you’re looking for shadow overlays that are available for free download, then these Free Shadow Overlays on a Wall are a perfect option for you.
You’ll receive seven different shadow overlays, including leaves, windows, and abstract shadows.
Other than the overlays, you’ll also receive a few portraits and backgrounds.
All of these files come in one PSD format that is compatible with all Adobe products, including Adobe Photoshop.
To download this file for free, you have to click on the download button on this page.
The size of the files is 130.19MB – it won’t take you long to download these overlays – but it comes in RAR format.
You’ll also find two documents – one containing instructions and one containing photo credits – in the file.
The creator of these overlays, Ahmed Ateek, also offers free mock-ups on his Behance page.
And he also offers a tutorial video on how to create shadow overlays if you’re interested in learning.
You’re free to use the overlays created by Ahmed Ateek for personal and commercial use.
The graphic elements included in the file will help you create magnificent designs with ease, and you don’t have to pay any money to achieve that.
Pros & Benefits:
- Available for free
- Includes seven shadow overlays
- PSD file format
- Video tutorial available
- Compatible with Photoshop
10. Free Organic Shadow Photo Overlays
You should check out the Free Organic Shadow Photo Overlays if you want more freebies.
There are three shadow overlays that you can use for free – two windows and one leaf shadows.
They are a part of a paid pack of 63 overlays, so if you like the free shadows, you can buy the whole set for $12.
To download these three shadows, you’ll have to create an account or login using your Google, Apple, or Facebook account on this page.
After you log in, press the Free button on the page of the product, and you’ll receive a download link.
You’ll need to download the files using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop app.
When the download is complete, you’ll find your files in a zip format, so as soon as you unzip it, you’ll be able to use the shadow overlays.
These overlays are compatible with any photo editing software that supports layers, including Adobe Photoshop.
The overlays are easy to use, and you can change the opacity, scale, and transform them as you like.
If you’re struggling with downloading or installing the files, you can contact the creator of these graphic elements by sending an email.
Being able to test a few free samples before buying the whole pack is beneficial, but even if you don’t want to buy more overlays, it’s still a good deal as you can use these shadows to beautify your images.
Pros & Benefits:
- Available for free
- Includes three shadow overlays
- Compatible with Photoshop
Final Thoughts
Adding a shadow overlay to your image is an easy way to make your pictures aesthetically pleasing and memorable.
And now that you have seen the ten best shadow overlays for Photoshop, you can choose any free or paid option to achieve that effect.
The best thing is that you will have infinite designs at hand because you can match and mix the shadows.
So choose one or several now and start creating the best artwork you can think of.
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