# 3DSM shadow question?

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/3dsm-shadow-question/256648>\
**Category:** design\
**Created:** [April 5, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/3dsm-shadow-question/256648 "2008-04-05T03:17:20Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![guinness](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@guinness](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/guinness)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/3dsm-shadow-question/256648/1 "2008-04-05T03:17:20Z")

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Is there a way to render out an object with a shadow (as to a PNG) without having to place an object as a ground plane for the shadow to be cast on?

I guess what I mean is can I set it so when it renders, I can have a transparent shadow with object without having to have a solid plane below? Is it just a matter of changing the visibility of the plane so that it does not render on output… and will that still give me the transparent shadow or will it not give a shadow because it is hidden?

I will be doing some compositing and it would save much PS touchup (there’s gotta be a way).

I will be rendering in MentalRay.

Thanks all.