Create a long shadow in Adobe Illustrator

Long shadows are all the rage these days. In this tutorial we'll create a long shadow effect using the Blend Tool in Adobe Illustrator.

To begin, open an icon in Illustrator. Select the object make a copy.

Next, Paste In Front (Control / Command + F).

Hide this object Object > Hide > Selection (Control / Command + 3).

Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), select the object remaining on the art board.

Holding down the Alt + Control + Shift keys, drag the object to make a copy. (Option + Command + Shift on Mac).

With both objects selected, select Make from the Object > Blend Menu (Object > Blend > Make). We'll use this shape to cast your shadow.

In Preview mode (Control / Command + Y) your blend should look similar to this:

In Outline mode (Control / Command + Y) your blend will look similar to this:

Next, expand the blend: Object > Blend > Expand

Select the objects (Control / Command + A) and click on Unite from the Pathfinder Window.

Back in Preview Mode, zoom in and inspect the object:

Delete any unwanted points:

Join the open paths:

Clean up the other edges of your shadow. Zoom in to inspect: 

From the Object Menu, select Show All (Alt / Option + Control / Command + 4).
Choose a new color for this foreground object.

Select the drop shadow. From the Transparency Window, select Multiply from the drop down menu. Set the Opacity to 10.

Draw a shape and place it behind the object. Recolor both shapes:

Select the background shape and the drop shadow.
From the Pathfinder Window, select Divide.

Then delete the unwanted shape:

Select all and group: Object Menu > Group (Control/Command + G). 

Now you've got a nice looking drop shadow! 

 

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