ShadowFX is the newest desktop customization app from Stardock that gives you the ability to add drop shadows to your windows in Windows 8.  It’s very easy to use, just select which shadow you want from the drop-down list, and you’re good to go. 

ShadowFX is also easy to customize, and making your own shadows is very simple.  You can create your own shadows to use for yourself, and you can submit them and share with others on WinCustomize.com.

Learn more about ShadowFX  |  Get ShadowFX for just $4.99

There’s only a few files needed to put your own shadow together.  Most of them are the actual graphics files and one is the theme.sfx file.  I recommend taking a look at the default skin directory and see the files that are included for yourself.  The default directory should be here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ShadowFX\skins\skins

The four graphic files needed are for the left, right, top, and bottom shadows.  Each image you create should have an active/inactive state.  The theme.sfx file (open with a text editor), lets you define the parameters of the shadow.  Here you can define things like the shadow name, image names, and image offsets.

Once have everything together in a folder, you can make a .zip file from that and rename it as a .shadowfxtheme file so it will install to ShadowFX when double-clicked.  That covers the basics of creating your very own shadows for ShadowFX, and be sure to share your shadows with others on WinCustomize.com.

Learn more about ShadowFX  |  Get ShadowFX for just $4.99