16 optical illusions with Category: Shadows

Shadows are significant for our spatial awareness. They help us determine the size and position of objects in relation to the scene. We see shadows as a difference in brightness. But sometimes we interpret darker objects as shadows, or see a differently shaped shadow than we expect. These are optical illusions, or more scientifically; cognitive illusions.

The checker shadow illusion by Edward H. Adelson

Source: Edward H. Adelson

Click on the images below to see their larger versions and read the explanation of the optical illusion and the source/credit of the image.

Here is a collection of optical illusions with shadows. Some of them will have shadows that create illusions, and some of them have illusions that look like shadows.

If you are looking for optical illusions, in which the shadows become ‘Not Suitable For Work’ or ‘not for children’, please go to the collection of dirty optical illusions. This page will stay clean.

The images here are all optical illusions with shadows that were posted on various social media. We have done our best to find the OG post of every accidental cat illusion and give them credit. If you want to repost these images, or use them for enhancing your website or social media post, make sure to credit the original source as well.

Have fun!

Not interested in shadows? No worries, we also have a great collection of optical illusions that are famous landmarks. And even have optical illusions by type, like pareidolia.