In Action, shadows are not cast by lit objects; shadows are cutouts based on a surface's matte. This type of shadow is referred to as a drop shadow. A drop shadow can be fully opaque or slightly transparent to simulate a real shadow.

To add a drop shadow:

1. Select the surface that you want to use.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Drag the shadow node from the Objects tab of the node bin and place it in the schematic. An axis and a shadow are created and linked together.
   • Drag the shadow node from the Objects tab of the node bin to the Result view, so you can see its effect on the scene before placing it exactly where you want.
   • Double-click the shadow node. An axis and a shadow are created and linked together. You do not need to be in Schematic view to add a node in this manner.

   If a surface node is selected in the schematic, the axis of the shadow node is automatically connected to the surface.