Twelve practical animation demos
Twelve interactive Anime.js demos showing how a lightweight library adds real visual impact to a project.
Quick demos to show you how Anime.js gets things moving, with the key tricks highlighted for your next project.
Anime.js is a brilliant little animation library. I love making little animated widgets for websites and anime.js opens up a whole ton of possibilities. I've been using it for a fair while now, and it’s one of those JavaScript libraries that just does its job well for animations. It's lightweight – always a bonus – and handles CSS, SVGs, and DOM attributes cleanly. Good for getting visual flair into a project without a load of overhead.
Here are 12 practical demonstrations. Each one is an interactive Anime.js example, so you can see the library in action. No complex theory – just a straightforward look at how these effects are built. The source's there too if you fancy a dig into any specific Anime.js setup.
Heads up This post was written against Anime.js v3, whose global API is shown throughout. Anime.js v4 (2025) rewrote that API, so a fresh npm i animejs pulls a version where the v3 calls below won’t run as written. The key renames:
anime() → animate(targets, params)anime.timeline() → createTimeline()anime.stagger() → stagger(), now a named importdrawable, morphTo, motion-path) live under svg.*import { animate, createTimeline, stagger, svg } from 'animejs';
createTimeline()
.add('.hero', { scale: [0, 1], opacity: [0, 1] })
.add('.hero-sub', { y: [20, 0] }, '-=200');Several of these effects are also native CSS now — staggered reveals and grid highlights lean on :has(), scrubbers on scroll-driven animations (animation-timeline: scroll()), and smoothly animatable custom properties on @property. Reach for the library when you need timelines, physics springs or SVG morphing; reach for CSS for the simpler cases. The interactive demos are being re-embedded.
A hero element that properly announces itself. This Anime.js example uses a timeline to sequence scaling, fading, and subtle 3D transforms like translateZ. Gives text an attention-grabbing arrival.
Why it's useful: Strong visual entry focuses user attention. Good for branding. The 3D perspective adds a touch of class.
Presents stats with animated numerical counters and SVG radial indicators. Anime.js animates numbers and the SVG strokeDashoffset for the circle drawing, keeping them synced. A tidy way to show data.
Why it's useful: Better for dashboards. The visual link makes data intuitive. This Anime.js example neatly combines numeric and SVG animation.
Elevates headlines. Words appear in sequence using Anime.js's staggering for a rhythmic reveal. Then, an SVG underline animates in (often via strokeDashoffset).
Why it impresses: Feels more refined. The staggered reveal builds anticipation; the animated underline adds a polished finish. An effective Anime.js example for important titles.
Makes CTAs interactive. This button has a magnetic effect, subtly pulling the cursor. On click, Anime.js triggers a randomised particle burst for dynamic feedback.
Conversion & delight factor: The magnetic pull guides users. The particle burst is rewarding. This kind of Anime.js example can make crucial CTAs more engaging.
Makes loading states less dull. Segments light up sequentially. An icon animates then morphs on completion. Anime.js can manage this sequence with a timeline.
Improved perceived performance: Clear visual progression makes wait times feel shorter. The icon morph signals completion. Another solid Anime.js example for better UX.
Shows content like features in a 3D card stack. Anime.js handles card transforms (translateZ, scale) to create the perspective effect as users cycle them.
Why it's good: Space-saving and engaging. The 3D effect and animated transitions make exploring grouped info less static.
SVG infographic parts draw themselves and fill with colour on interaction. Anime.js animates SVG attributes like strokeDashoffset, fill, and opacity, often using a timeline.
Why it's powerful: Clearer communication of complex ideas. This Anime.js example shows custom UI work blending SVG and precise animation.
Improves form UX with animated feedback. Field borders might animate, labels shake on error, validation icons bounce in. Anime.js makes these cues smooth.
Why it improves UX: Reduces user frustration. Animated cues guide focus and give clear status. Essential for good conversion on any form.
A custom SVG toggle with real impact. The knob "hammers" into position using spring physics. The toggle can shake, sparks fly. It's all about that satisfying, physical-style feedback.
Why it's engaging: This Anime.js example offers rich, memorable feedback. The exaggerated motion and particle effects are fun and add emphasis.
Puts users in control of animation via a slider. An element moves along an SVG path, tied to the scrubber. Anime.js's seek() method is key, allowing jumps to any animation point.
Why it's useful: Great for interactive storytelling or product demos. Turns passive viewing into active exploration. A very practical use of Anime.js.
Guides focus in item grids. Hovering one item makes it scale/brighten; others subtly fade/scale down. Anime.js targets multiple elements, changing opacity and scale.
Why it enhances Browse: Makes grids more intuitive and visually cleaner. Helps users concentrate. This Anime.js example improves scannability.
Takes text animation into 3D. Letters scatter with random rotations and translations, then regroup. Needs CSS perspective; Anime.js handles individual letter transforms.
"Wow" factor guaranteed: Highly dynamic and visually stunning. Great for impactful intros. This final Anime.js example shows how it handles complex 3D work.
I help content-rich organisations understand their data and pull it back into one place. Tell me what specific problems you're having and I'll be happy to talk solutions with you.
Tell me what specific problems you’re having and I’ll be happy to talk solutions with you.