I've seen quite a few comments here, and in other places, where incorrect statements about illusions spells are stated. Here are a few reminders on our most common illusion spells. I am treating Sage Advice as RAW, as well as the interview from 12/27/2017 by Jeremy Crawford as RAW). Note that many DMs will overrule some of these rules - so if you plan to use illusions, I recommend discussing them with the DM in advance.
Minor Illusion
- Similarly, it can't create a shadow (note that a shadow is not part of the image of the thing created).