Introduction to Animations

Complete guide on how to implement and use animations in your project

Animations have the power to transform digital experiences—making interfaces more engaging, intuitive, and delightful. Use them thoughtfully, always keeping accessibility in mind to ensure everyone enjoys your creations.

What are animations?

Animations are visual effects that bring interfaces to life by creating the illusion of movement or transformation. They can be:

Transitions: Seamless changes between states
Animations: More elaborate and customized motions
Micro-interactions: Subtle details that elevate the user experience

Benefits of using animations

Make your product more enjoyable and memorable
Offer clear visual feedback
Direct user attention where it matters
Add personality and polish to your interface
Improve the perception of speed and responsiveness

Best practices

Performance
- Prefer transform and opacity for smooth, efficient animations
- Avoid animating properties that trigger layout reflow
- Use will-change thoughtfully for optimization
Accessibility
- Respect users' prefers-reduced-motion settings
- Avoid effects that could cause discomfort
- Provide alternatives for users with different needs
Duration
- Keep animations brief (200–500ms is usually ideal)
- Choose timing functions that match the context
- Always consider the purpose and setting

Interactive example

Give it a try! See how a simple animation can make content feel more dynamic:

<div class="animate-fade-in">Hello animated world!</div>

Types of available animations

Entrance: fade-in, slide-in, zoom-in
Exit: fade-out, slide-out, zoom-out
Attention: bounce, pulse, shake
Transitions: fade, slide, scale

Common usage examples

<!-- Navigation menu -->
<nav class="animate-slide-in">
  <!-- Menu content -->
</nav>
 
<!-- Notifications -->
<div class="animate-fade-in">Notification message</div>
 
<!-- Action buttons -->
<button class="animate-pulse">Click me</button>

Documentation

Animations