COMPOSITION & LAYOUT

How much shadow should a mockup use?

Use enough shadow to separate overlapping layers without making the product look detached from the canvas. Judge shadow at final scale.

Put it into practice

  1. Start with a restrained shadow setting.
  2. Check frame edges on the selected background.
  3. Reduce spread or strength when multiple objects overlap.

What this looks like

WORKED EXAMPLE

A single browser window needs less shadow than a stack of overlapping cards.

A detail to keep clear

A shadow that looks subtle while zoomed out may become a large dark halo in the export.

Using MockupX

The editor separates output size from mockup type and layout. After changing a ratio, review every device, crop and text block. These are design decisions rather than automatic guarantees: a layout that works for a wide hero often needs a simpler arrangement on a portrait canvas.

Check the result

Keep the original screenshot, then review the exported file at the size where people will see it. Check the message, the visible interface and the final crop separately. For a handoff, record the destination and the approved file so another person can distinguish the final version from a draft.

Try it in the editor ↗Explore the related tool or guide →

References and further reading

Use the official references for format behavior and current destination requirements. The composition advice above is a practical design approach, not a promise of platform approval.

MDN image formats