Ok I'm still confused I'm on MAC so maybe the short cuts are different? If I make a new layer it's blank. If I copy the layer I get the picture and the shadow as a layer style. I've attached a screen cap of my choices so maybe you can see I'm not sure what to choose to separate the shadow layer. Thanks for your help,sorry if I'm being dense.
Try right clicking on the fx icon. Towards the bottom you should see create layer. I'm on mobile, but if no one else grabs you a screenshot, I will tomorrow.
-In Photoshop you can easily put the shadow on it's own layer by these easy steps: Put your curser on the layer effects the drop shadow.. then use the right click of the mouse for the drop down and that should give you a create layer. Hope that helps @rubygirl
Just when you thought you were done with me I can't distort it in the filters menu as it's greyed out and I get this weird pop up warning when I create the shadow to it's own layer... I tried turning the layer into a smart object but that doesn't help either... How can i turn the layer into a regular layer so I can add the distort/wave filter to it? Thanks for your patience.
------------------------------------------------------------------ That message, just hit ok. That is saying any thing you did to it will not be able to adjust after. It is because you have the effects (shadow) on your layer. This is ok. Once you hit ok, it should put the shadow on it's own layer for you to manipulate. --------------------------------------------------------------- Just in case re greyed out things, Always check the eye on the layer. Sometimes it may be due to the eye is not "on" It is grayed out as the "eye" is not selected.. the "eye" is turned off. Click on the eye on the "effects" line. That will allow you to do the steps as I reflected to you above and then once the shadow is on it's own layer, (last photo in message #23 ) then you will be able to warp the shadow. In the below screen shot, I have shown all 3 ... let me know if this makes sense.