Drop Shadow Settings Preferences-Can they be changed?

[maureenreynolds]

I have a default setting for Drop Shadows as Size 20, Distance 20, and Opacity 75. I know I can changes these as I use them and that I can copy the style to paste into other layers on the same page but can I change my default #s anywhere??

The other thing is that when I have a layer where I've changed the DS settings, isn't there a way to "Copy layer style" without going to the Layer Menu at the top of PSE?

I'm in PSE6 on a Mac. TIA for any help here!

[Serenoa]

Good question - waiting to see if there is a way to do this. Also, I often change the color of the drop shadow and the other settings you mentioned, and then want to apply the same to multiple items on a layout.

[earlofoxford]

When you have a layer with fx on it, just right click on that layer in the layers palette, and click "copy layer style." Then right click on layers you want to add the layer style to and click "paste layer style." I hope you get an answer on changing the defaults because I'd love to do that, too.

[BrittanyLane]

I'm not sure about the defaults but I just created my own action with the shadow settings that I like the most. I'm not good at giving instructions on how to do that but I'll try. In your actions palette, at the bottom click on create new action. Name it what you like, then click on the red button for recording your action. Go through the motions of creating the shadow you like for the layer you are on. When you've got it where you like, click on the square "stop" button and then you have your own drop shadow action! These instructions are for CS3.

[1gr8muggle]

To copy layer styles, I do what Linda suggested.

[Serenoa]

Linda, thanks for the explanation. This will save me some aggravation. There are so many shortcuts to learn with this software.

I think I am going to spend a day going through the tutorials of Cassie's that I have purchased to review some things.

[THAT-GIRL]

Maureen you can do what Linda said, but that's the long way OR even easier... "Hold Alt. key click on fx. layer style (that you've created, make sure you don't click on layer icon itself) and DRAG over to the layer you want to apply... it'l copy layer style"...

[deanie]

I like to make the suggestion that you try Katie's Drop shadow styles. There are about ten different choices in the pack and they are wonderful! It has everything you'd need unless you want to do something cool with Cassie's type shadows. Katie's shadow can be adjusted for color and size as well.

[maureenreynolds]

Sorry for the delay in responding. Ok, so we agree on various ways of copying the drop shadow etc style from one layer to another. (Linda, I must have been right clicking the 'fx' instead of the actual layer. ThatG, I'll have to try your suggestion. I like easy!)

Deanie I didn't know you could 'buy' a style but I'll look at that. I was just trying to save finger strokes.

And since no one has mentioned it, I presume no one knows of a way to change the defaults. Correct?

[THAT-GIRL]

Yes you can change ANY presets... it's kind of hard to see when "Layer style" is closed, but look to the right of layer, there is like shadowy triangle and letters "fx" if you click on that "shadowy fx" it'll drop down or open the layer style (that was set by you or anybody else) then you can change whatever settings you wish... ether adjusting shadow or color or else... you can do this with "Katie's shadow actions" or the ones are in the presets... ones the "Layer style" is applied it could be changed... hope that helps Maureen...
Just read your question again and... if you want to change preset forever... to use it later as yours... you have to SAVE it after you adjusted and like the results or it'll go back to original...

[quilter422]

it's pretty easy to change the shadows.

double click on the image to the right of the layer in the layers pallette - it's a sun in PSE, not sure what it is in CS. a window will pop up. you can change the angle of the light at the top, and you can then adjust the sliders for size, distance and opacity. You can also change the color of the shadow if you desire.