Why should anyone want their windows to throw shadows? Well, maybe just because it looks cute, or because it allows a better window separation, or... because it looks cute!
As shadows cost some additional cpu/gpu power, they can be deactivated, while keeping a general alpha channel capability.
You may select different shadow sizes for different window states/types. The values are not absolute, but will apply to your screen resolution.
In principle, you can set every value you want (if you edit the config file with a text editor, far beyond the offered “32”), but bigger shadows cost more cpu/gpu power.
By default, the window would throw a “all around equal” shadow, implying a frontal light source. Users familiar with Mac® OS may like a vertical offset, Windows® users may prefer a slighter offset to the southeast. Experiment with the values until you are happy.
Usually shadows as the absence of light appear in shades of grey (so the maximum shadow color is black, or no light at all). But hey, this is a virtual world, and if you'd like to have even pink shadows, why not?
Check this if you need more performance (especially when using translucent moving windows).
It's a good idea to check this item whether using translucent resizing (moving) windows, or not. The windows shadow pixmap has to be permanently recreated on resizes what has a deep impact on the system performance.
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