The 7 Best Resources for Web and Mobile App Animations

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A user’s experience is driven by the interactions between the person and the interface. On web and mobile platforms alike, subtle motion is an increasingly popular way to add value and delight.

Today developers can integrate an entire palette of HTML5, CSS, and Javascript based animations for both mobile web and native applications. This means that however users access your content or services you can provide them with the same fantastic experiences.

In this article I will present a list of my 7 favorite animation libraries. Some are well-known and others less so, but all will add eye-catching motion to your UI.

Mobile Web

1. Animo

Demo

Animo’s CSS and JS library is full of different styles that can create a common and seamless theme and feel across desktop and mobile.

Animo’s approach for managing CSS animations allows for capabilities that many others don’t. With Animo you can stack animations, create consistent animations across browsers, and establish trigger sequences which allows more versatility for developers.

GitHub

2. Velocity.js

Demo

Velocity by Julian Shapiro is an animation API that works with and without jQuery. It adds very little page weight and provides a vibrant, modern feel. Although Velocity works alongside jQuery, it uses its own method of animation layering that allows it to operate quickly and efficiently.

GitHub

3. Blast.js

Demo

Blast.js, another Julian Shapiro project, is a unique animation library for typography and supports four text delimitation types: character, word, sentence, and element. Ultimately Blast.js is a smart library that matches verbal text phrases and other text manipulation tools. The best part is that Blast.js can be removed with just one function call which makes it a handy tool for a developer animation toolbox.

GitHub

4. Web Animations Directory

Demo

Web Animations is a directory of a select group of stand alone web animations (Including one of SitePoint’s favourites, Animate.css). The site allows you to switch between an animation’s code and demo, providing solid starting points for inclusion in your projects.

Github

Mobile

5. Yalantis

Yalantis is mobile app development group from the Ukraine keen on giving back to the developer community, specifically with a library of cool, intricate animations. Menu layouts, refresh animations, Star Wars inspired transitions and other expanding movements that are great for animation options on both Android and iOS.

Github

6. Captivate

Capptivate.co is not a library for developers to use, but rather a library highlighting innovative animation use in published iOS applications.

The library is divided into patterns and components demonstrating basic motion, camera effects, grow and shrink, gravity and many other inspirational implementations.

7. Android Arsenal

This Android-specific community lists animation related libraries, tools, and public projects for your projects. Android Arsenal does a great job categorizing these different resources making it easy to sift through their pages of available Android animations. You’re even able to sort the animations category by Registration, Last update, Rating, or Name.

Android Arsenal steadily updates their Twitter with new additions to the directory.

Conclusion

Animation libraries for both mobile and desktop are constantly growing and improving. I hope you find the resources introduced above useful to bringing life and character to your applications and look forward to your feedback on what I included or missed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Web and Mobile App Animations

What are the best resources for creating web and mobile app animations?

There are several resources available for creating web and mobile app animations. Some of the best include Adobe After Effects, Principle, Framer, Origami Studio, Haiku, and Lottie. These tools offer a range of features that can help you create stunning animations for your apps. They are user-friendly and cater to both beginners and professionals.

How can I use Adobe After Effects for app animations?

Adobe After Effects is a powerful tool for creating animations. You can use it to create both simple and complex animations for your app. It offers a wide range of features including keyframing, 3D capabilities, and effects. You can also import your designs from Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop and animate them in After Effects.

What is Principle and how can it be used for app animations?

Principle is a tool designed specifically for designing interactive and animated user interfaces. It’s great for creating transitions, interactions, and animations for your app. You can import your designs from Sketch or Figma and animate them using Principle’s intuitive timeline and easy-to-use interface.

What is Framer and how can it be used for app animations?

Framer is a prototyping tool that allows you to create interactive and animated prototypes of your app. It offers a range of features including a design tool, a code editor, and a prototyping tool. You can design your app in Framer, animate it using the timeline, and then prototype it using the interactive features.

What is Origami Studio and how can it be used for app animations?

Origami Studio is a free design tool created by Facebook. It allows you to create interactive and animated prototypes of your app. You can design your app in Origami Studio, animate it using the timeline, and then prototype it using the interactive features.

What is Haiku and how can it be used for app animations?

Haiku is a design tool that allows you to create interactive and animated user interfaces. It offers a range of features including a design tool, a code editor, and a prototyping tool. You can design your app in Haiku, animate it using the timeline, and then prototype it using the interactive features.

What is Lottie and how can it be used for app animations?

Lottie is a library for Android, iOS, Web, and Windows that parses Adobe After Effects animations exported as json with Bodymovin and renders them natively on mobile and on the web. It allows you to use animations as easily as static images.

How can I learn to create app animations?

There are several online resources available to learn app animation. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer courses on app animation. You can also find tutorials on YouTube and blogs.

What are some tips for creating effective app animations?

Some tips for creating effective app animations include keeping it simple, making sure it serves a purpose, ensuring it’s consistent with your brand, and testing it on different devices.

Can I use these tools even if I don’t have any design or coding experience?

Yes, most of these tools are designed to be user-friendly and cater to both beginners and professionals. They offer tutorials and guides to help you get started. However, having some basic knowledge of design and coding can be beneficial.

Dennis WilliamsDennis Williams
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Dennis is currently a contributor for the Huffington Post, YFS Magazine and many others. He has a heavy digital marketing and content background, heading user acquisition for a number of mobile apps and and platforms, both B2B and B2C. He also shares a love for film making!

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