# Add shadow, stroke, and effects

Apply finishing effects with controlled depth and edge separation.

## [Goal](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#goal/index.html)

Add visual depth and separation without making the composition look over-processed.

## [Prerequisites](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#prerequisites/index.html)

- Composition (ratio/crop/position) is already stable.
- Background/frame choices are mostly final.

## [Steps](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#steps/index.html)

1. Start with shadow opacity and blur at conservative values.
2. Adjust shadow spread and offsets for natural depth direction.
3. Add stroke only if edge separation is still weak.
4. Choose stroke style (`solid`, glass, or liquid-metal styles) based on the look you want.
5. Set corners and inset last for final polish.

## [Verify Result](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#verify-result/index.html)

- Screenshot clearly separates from background.
- Effects remain subtle at target viewing size.
- No muddy glow or over-thick edge treatment.

## [Quick Rollback / Undo Path](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#quick-rollback--undo-path/index.html)

- Undo effect changes in reverse order.
- Reset shadow offsets and spread first when look feels heavy.
- Disable stroke if style conflicts with frame/background.

### [If stroke color controls are unavailable](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#if-stroke-color-controls-are-unavailable/index.html)

Glass and liquid-metal stroke styles use fixed tint behavior. Switch back to `solid` to edit fill color directly.

## [Related Reference](/content/docs/guides/add-shadow-stroke-and-effects#related-reference/index.html)

- [Editing Effects](/content/docs/editing/effects/index.html)

[Reposition, crop, and set ratio\
\
Build a stable composition by setting ratio, crop bounds, and position controls in the right order.](/content/docs/guides/reposition-crop-and-ratio/index.html) [Create and manage style presets\
\
Save reusable looks, organize them, and apply them reliably across screenshots.](/content/docs/guides/create-and-manage-style-presets/index.html)