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# How to Use the Shadow Tool in Xara Designer Pro X to Add Shadows to Objects
- URL: https://cotovan.com/post/how-to-use-the-shadow-tool-in-xara-designer-pro-x-to-add-shadows-to-objects/
- Published: 2020-12-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-23T18:42:45.000Z
- Author: Cristi Cotovan
- Tags: Xara

The Shadow Tool in Xara Designer Pro X (shortcut **Ctrl+F2**) creates three types of shadows: wall, floor, and glow. Each serves a different purpose and can be fine-tuned with blur, transparency, and color controls.

## Wall Shadow

The most common type — creates a shadow parallel to and behind the object. Select an object, click the wall shadow button in the toolbar, and drag to reposition the shadow anywhere around the object.

![Pink rectangle with wall shadow in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-shadow-wall-type.jpg)

Wall shadow — the most common type, cast behind the object as if on a wall

## Floor Shadow

Originates at the base of the object and stretches backward in perspective, like a shadow cast on the ground. Drag to control direction and length.

![Pink rectangle with floor shadow in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-shadow-floor-type.jpg)

Floor shadow stretches from the base in perspective — like a shadow on the ground

## Glow Shadow

Creates a soft, even shadow around the entire object — like an ambient glow. Unlike wall and floor shadows, glow shadows stay centered and can't be repositioned. Adjust size and transparency only.

## Fine-Tuning Shadows

- **Blur** — increases for a softer, more diffuse shadow; decreases for sharper edges
- **Transparency** — lower for darker/more prominent, higher for subtler shadows
- **Color** — drag a color from the palette onto the shadow to change it
- **Profile** — adjusts the falloff curve from dark to light for realistic shadow gradients

![Isolated book with recreated shadow in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-shadow-practical-book.jpg)

Practical example — recreating a natural shadow on an isolated photo to match original lighting