◆ Photoshop · combine

Unify Placed Component

Create a photorealistic shadow under a placed component so the assembly diagram reads as a single object: add a shadow…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More combine workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Create a photorealistic shadow under a placed component so the assembly diagram reads as a…+
Create a photorealistic shadow under a placed component so the assembly diagram reads as a single object: add a shadow layer matching scene lighting, blur and opacity to match contact softness, and export a layered PSD and flattened PNG by [deadline=Thursday].
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before the diagram goes live, make the shadow pass convincing for engineers and marketers:…+
Before the diagram goes live, make the shadow pass convincing for engineers and marketers: match shadow color temperature to scene light, anchor the shadow to correct contact points, supply one version with soft ambient shadow and one with a sharper key shadow, and note the angle used so other parts can match it consistently.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Layers Panel

The Layers panel in Adobe Photoshop manages all layers in an image, allowing for complex, non-destructive editing.

  1. 1

    Select Window > Layers to access the Layers panel.

    NoteThe Layers panel lists all layers in an image.

  2. 2

    Click the Create a New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

    Best practiceAlways create a new layer for edits like cloning to maintain non-destructive editing.

  3. 3

    Drag a layer up or down in the Layers panel to change its order.

    NoteThis changes the order of layered objects in the image.

  4. 4

    Select the eye icon next to a layer thumbnail to show or hide that layer.

  5. 5

    Double-click the Background layer in the Layers panel to convert it.

  6. 6

    Select a layer in the Layers panel, then click the Add Layer Mask button.

    NoteA white layer mask is created by default.

  7. 7

    Right-click on the Layer Mask icon to access cropping options.

  8. 8

    Choose New Group from Layers from the Layers panel menu.

    NoteA dialog box will appear to configure the new group.

  9. 9

    Select File > Save or File > Save As to commit your work.

To quickly locate and select an element, first select its corresponding layer in the Layers panel.

Many layer operations, such as creation, reordering, and masking, can be automated using Photoshop's scripting capabilities.

Glossary

words on this page
New Group from LayersCombines selected layers into a new layer group for better organization and management.ExampleYou select three related layers and combine them into a single folder called 'Background Elements'.
Add Layer MaskCreates a mask on a layer to selectively hide or reveal parts of that layer without erasing.ExampleYou can use Add Layer Mask to hide a distracting background without deleting it.
Layers panelA panel that displays all layers in an image, allowing for organization and manipulation.ExampleIn the Layers panel, you drag a photo layer below a frame layer to put the picture inside the frame.
OpacityA setting that controls the transparency of a layer, shape, or object in an image.ExampleSetting a shape's opacity to 50% makes it semi-transparent, revealing content beneath.

The real tasks

1 of them
Create a photorealistic shadow under a placed component so the assembly diagram reads as a single object.

Who does this

1 roles
Industrial Designer

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Photoshop — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.