How to Add a Drop Shadow Effect for Image Thumbnail Previews in Windows Vista

When you open a folder containing image files in Windows Vista, the thumbnail images have a photo border by default. You can remove the photo border and add a drop shadow effect using a registry edit.

Add Drop Shadow Effect for Thumbnails

1. Click Start, type Regedit.exe and press ENTER

2. Navigate to the following branch:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT SystemFileAssociations image

3. Double-click the value named Treatment

4. Set its Value data accordingly. See table below for possible data.

Value Data	Meaning
0	No Adornment
1	Drop Shadow
2	Photo Border
3	Video Sprockets

(REF MSDN - Thumbnail Providers)

5. Exit the Registry Editor.

Screenshots

Fig 1: No Adornment

Fig 2: Drop Shadow

Fig 3: Photo Border

Fig 4: Video Sprockets