Five JavaScript Animation Libraries to try out

There’s absolute confidence that animations can have a sizeable effect on a website’s overall appearance and feel. They’re a pleasant feature as long as they may be carried out wisely, and make the user experience nice. Further, you may effortlessly appeal to the eye of your users to push more traffic on your internet site via animations to keep them on your site for a more extended time.

In addition, it’s all likelihood that there are numerous JavaScript libraries that we will use to build magnificent animations for our websites thru their use, which permits us to create amazing animations on our webpage.

Let’s begin the list of JavaScript animation libraries to try out in no particular order.

1. Anime js

As a Javascript animation library, Anime.js provides a simple yet powerful API that allows work to be done quickly.

It can work with CSS properties, SVG files, DOM attributes, and JavaScript objects. The animations can be played, paused, restarted, reversed, or stopped with the help of Anime.js. Apart from these features, the library also provides a phenomenal number of features for animating elements with follow-throughs and overlaps. Also, we can listen to animation-related events using callbacks and promises, which allow us to get notified whenever we see something that is animated.

One of the key benefits of Anime.js is its flexibility. The library allows users to create a wide range of animations, from simple motion to complex and multi-layered effects. This makes it well-suited for various animation needs, from simple UI animations to more elaborate and interactive effects.

Another advantage of Anime.js is its ease of use. The library has a simple and intuitive API that makes it easy for developers to get started with the library and create their first animations. Even if you’re new to web animation, you can quickly and easily create smooth and engaging animations with Anime.js.

An animation library like Anime.js is undoubtedly one of the best on the market. From their website landing page, you can feel the power it offers with the beautiful animations it is built on.

Below are some examples of animation made with anime.js

• Morphing: Creates transition between two SVG shapes.

<!-- html -->

  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/animejs@3.0.1/lib/anime.min.js"></script>


<svg id="demo-svg" width="600" height="600">
    <polygon stroke="none" fill="gray"
        points=" 400 150 , 300 250 , 300 400 , 400 500 , 500 400 , 500 250 , 400 150">
    </polygon>
</svg>

<!-- css -->
<style>
    body{
  background-image: linear-gradient(to right, rgb(242, 112, 156), rgb(255, 148, 114));
}
#demo-svg path{
    stroke-dasharray: 1000;
    stroke-dashoffset: 0;
</style>

 // anime.js

anime({
    targets: '#demo-svg polygon',
    points: [
        { value: '400 150 , 300 250 , 300 400 , 400 500 , 500 400 , 500 250 , 400 150'},
        { value: '400 200 , 400 350 , 300 450 , 400 350 , 500 450 , 400 350 , 400 200'}
    ],
    easing: 'easeOutQuad',
    duration: 2500,
    loop: true
});

• Line Drawing: Creates path drawing animation using the 'stroke-dashoffset' property. Set the path “dash-offset” value with anime.setDashoffset() in a from to formatted value.

<!-- html -->

  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/animejs@3.0.1/lib/anime.min.js"></script>
  
<svg id="demo"  width="1385px" height="256px">
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    </svg>

 // anime.js

anime({
  targets: '#demo path',
  strokeDashoffset: [anime.setDashoffset, 0],
  easing: 'easeInOutQuad',
  duration: 7500,
  delay: function(el, i) { return i * 250 },
  direction: 'alternate',
  loop: true
});

These are basic examples, but Anime.js offers many more options and features for creating complex and sophisticated animations. You can learn more about using Anime.js by reading the documentation and tutorials on the Anime.js website.

2. Three js

Three.js is a web-based cross-browser JavaScript library and application programming interface which allows the creation of 3D animations for computer graphics in a web browser of any platform by utilizing WebGL and a JavaScript library and application programming interface called Three.js.

The Three.js framework has been designed to make creating 3D computer animations that display in the browser easier, without the need for a standalone application or a plugin, as in traditional cases.

One of the key benefits of Three.js is its versatility. The library allows developers to create a wide range of 3D graphics and animations, from simple geometric shapes to complex and detailed models. This makes it well-suited for a variety of applications, from games and interactive experiences to data visualizations and augmented reality.

Another advantage of Three.js is its performance. Because it is built on top of WebGL, it can use the GPU on users’ devices to create high-performance graphics and animations. This means users can experience smooth and responsive graphics and animations, even on devices with limited resources.

Below are some examples of animation made with Three.js

 // three.js 

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/three.js/r120/three.min.js"></script>

// create scene
var scene = new THREE.Scene();

// create camera
var camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera( 75, window.innerWidth / window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000 );

// create renderer
var renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
renderer.setSize( window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight );

// add the renderer to the page
document.body.appendChild( renderer.domElement );

// create cube
var geometry = new THREE.BoxGeometry( 1, 1, 1 );
var material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial( { color: 0x808080} );
var cube = new THREE.Mesh( geometry, material );

// add cube to scene
scene.add( cube );

// move  camera back
camera.position.z = 5;

// animate
function animate() {
  requestAnimationFrame( animate );
  cube.rotation.x += 0.01;
  cube.rotation.y += 0.01;
  renderer.render( scene, camera );
}
animate();

This is an elementary example, but it shows the basic steps involved in creating a 3D scene with Three.js. You can learn more about using Three.js by reading the documentation and tutorials on the Three.js website.

Overall, Three.js is a powerful and versatile library for creating 3D graphics and animations on the web. Whether you’re a web developer looking to create immersive experiences or a designer looking to visualize data in new and engaging ways, Three.js is a great tool to consider.

3. Velocity js

With Velocity.js, We can use the same API as jQuery’s $.animate() as an animation engine. It is compatible with both jQuery and without it. It is extremely fast and features a wide range of features, including color animation, transforms, loops, easings, SVG support, and scrolling. It combines jQuery and CSS transitions and has the best of both worlds.

In addition, Velocity also offers good compatibility, particularly with older browser platforms. Aside from having great documentation, Velocity.js also has a great community willing to help you if you require assistance.

Below are some examples of animation made with velocity.js

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.3/jquery.min.js"></script>

<div class="loader">
      <div class="box"></div>
      <div class="text">Welcome</div>
      <div class="shadow"></div>
    </div>

<!-- css -->

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Dancing+Script&family=Dosis:wght@300&display=swap');

body {
  background: gray;
}
.loader {
  width: 150px;
  height: 150px;
  display: block;
  margin: 100px auto 0;
  position: relative;
}

.text {
  font-family: 'Dancing Script', cursive;
  text-align: center;
  font-size: 28px;
  color: white;
  z-index: 9;
  position: relative;
  padding: 50px 0 0 0;
}

.shadow {
  position: relative;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: #1c1818;
  margin: 100px 0 0 0;
}

.box {
  display: block;
  width: 150px;
  height: 150px;
  background: #153149;
  position: absolute;
  borderRadius: "50px",
  top: 0;
}

 // velocity.js

$(document).ready(function() {

  function loader() {
    var color = "#9fcbe8";

    $('.box')
    .velocity({ 
        rotateY: "360deg",
        borderRadius: "50%",
        scale: 0.5,
        backgroundColor: color
    },
    {duration: 1600,
      loop: true,
      easing: [0.750, 0.000, 0.500, 1.000]
    });

    $('.text')
    .velocity({
      rotateY: "360deg",
      scale: 0.5,
      translateY: "38px"
    },
    {duration: 1600,
      loop: true,
      easing: [0.750, 0.000, 0.500, 1.000]
    });

    $('.shadow')
    .velocity({
      scale: 0.5,
      translateY: "0px"
    },
    {duration: 1600,
      loop: true,
      easing: "liner"
    });
  }

  loader();

});

I would say that Velocity.js is one of the most powerful and efficient tools for creating smooth and performant animations on the web, and I highly recommend it. Even though it may not be the best choice for every situation, it is definitely worth considering if you are looking for an animation library that is fast and cross-browser compatible.

4. GreenSock js

GSAP is a popular JavaScript library that makes it easy to create high-performance animations on the web. Its optimized code and smart techniques ensure smooth, lag-free animations on all major browsers, including mobile devices. GSAP also offers a variety of pre-built tools and functions that make it simple for developers to create complex animations quickly and easily, even if they are new to web animation. Overall, GSAP is a versatile and powerful platform for creating web animations.

One of the key benefits of GSAP is its ability to create high-performance animations. Its optimized codebase and smart techniques ensure that your animations run smoothly and don’t cause lag or jitter. This is especially important on mobile devices, where resources are often limited. Another advantage of GSAP is its simplicity. The platform includes a wide range of pre-built tools and functions that make it easy for developers to create complex animations quickly and easily. Even if you’re new to web animation, you can get up and running with GSAP in no time.

<!-- html -->

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/gsap/3.5.1/gsap.min.js"></script>

<button id="replay-button">Replay</button>
<div id="box" class="box">Animate me!</div>

 // gsap.js

var animation = TweenMax.to("#box", 1, {
  width: 200,
  height: 200,
  backgroundColor: "blue",
  ease: Power1.easeInOut
});

document.getElementById('replay-button').addEventListener('click', function() {
  animation.restart();
});

This is a basic example, but GSAP offers many more options and features for creating complex and sophisticated animations. You can learn more about using GSAP by reading the documentation and tutorials on the GSAP website.

Overall, GSAP is a powerful tool that allows developers to create smooth and performant animations on the web. Whether you’re an experienced web developer or just starting out, GSAP is a great platform to consider for your next animation project. Below are some examples of animation made with GSAP.js

5. Mo js

JavaScript motion graphics library Mo.js is fast, retina-ready, modular, and open source. The syntax of this library and how code animations are structured are different from those of other libraries. As a result of the declarative API, the animation is entirely customizable, which makes it easy to create new animations.

There are built-in components in this library to help you start animating from scratches, such as HTML and shape and swirls, bursts, and staggers, but there are also tools to help you craft your animation naturally. Mo.js allows you to create delightful animations with accuracy, enhance the user experience, and enrich your content visually on your site.

Below are some examples of animation made with Mo.js

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/mo-js/0.288.1/mo.min.js"></script>

 // mo.js

var shape2 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius : 60,
  left:'50 %',
  
  isShowStart : true,
  fill: {'#bf3030':'#a11260'},
  delay : 400,
  easing: 'sin.out',
  scale: {0 : 1} ,
  duration : 350,
   backwardEasing: 'sin.in',
  yoyo:  true,
 

}).play();

var shape4 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius: 150,
  fill: 'transparent',
  strokeWidth:{11:2},
  stroke:'#34495e',
  easing : 'sin.out',
  strokeDasharray: '100%',
  strokeDashoffset: {'100%': '300%'},
  delay : 800,
  duration:1500,
  repeat : 2000000

}).play();

var shape4 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius: 130,
  fill: 'transparent',
  strokeWidth:{11:2},
  stroke:'#34495e',
  easing : 'sin.out',
  strokeDasharray: '100%',
  strokeDashoffset: {'100%': '300%'},
  delay : 1050,
  left:'50 %',
  duration:1500,
  repeat : 20000000

}).play();

var shape4 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius: 110,
  fill: 'transparent',
  strokeWidth:{11:2},
  stroke:'#34495e',
  easing : 'sin.out',
  strokeDasharray: '100%',
  strokeDashoffset: {'100%': '300%'},
  delay : 950,
  duration:1500,
  repeat : 2000000

}).play();

var shape4 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius: 90,
  fill: 'transparent',
  strokeWidth:{11:2},
  stroke:'#34495e',
  easing : 'sin.out',
  strokeDasharray: '100%',
  strokeDashoffset: {'-100%': '-300%'},
  delay : 850,
  duration:1500,
  repeat : 2000000

}).play();

var shape4 = new mojs.Shape({
  shape : 'polygon',
  points:       4,
  radius: 70,
  fill: 'transparent',
  strokeWidth:{11:2},
  stroke:'#34495e',
  easing : 'sin.out',
  strokeDasharray: '100%',
  strokeDashoffset: {'-100%': '-300%'},
  delay : 750,
  duration:1500,
  repeat : 200000

}).play();

new MojsPlayer({ add: timeline, isPlaying: true, isRepeat: true });

Overall, Mo.js is a powerful and versatile tool for creating complex and engaging animations on the web. Whether you’re a web developer looking to create interactive experiences or a designer looking to add some visual flair to your website, Mo.js is a great library to consider.

Summary

In this article, we looked at different JavaScript animation libraries which you can use while building a website or web app. There are many libraries out there but we focused on these 5 for now. Before we conclude, let’s look at a summary of these libraries.

• Anime js: this is a JavaScript animation library that allows making animations with a simple yet powerful API. It is one of the best animation libraries of JavaScript.

• Three js: this is a powerful 3d animation library in JavaScript that makes running 3d easy in JavaScript, it has several features and functions to help make awesome 3d animations.

• Velocity js: if you are looking to do animations but not with jquery, you have Velocity js to help you out here, and it is also fast.

• GreenSock js: this is a smooth animation library for building responsive, accessible-friendly animations.

• Mo js: This is another excellent motion animation library in JavaScript, it has several good features, and it is entirely customizable.

In short, these five libraries are one of the most useful libraries you can find on the internet for making animations.

A TIP FROM THE EDITOR: Specifically for React, check out My Favorite 3 React Animation Libraries.

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