Master Anime.js: Create Stunning Animations with SVG, Motion Paths, and More (Day 5)

Ready to take your web animation skills to the next level? Today, we're diving deep into advanced Anime.js techniques, far beyond the basics. Learn to animate complex SVG graphics, create dynamic motion paths, generate random animations, and even integrate Anime.js with 3D libraries like Three.js.

Animate Like a Pro: Key Anime.js Techniques We Explored

This isn't just theory; we're rolling up our sleeves and getting practical. We'll cover:

• SVG Animations: Bring your vector graphics to life with intricate drawing effects.
• Motion Paths: Guide elements along custom-defined curves for unique movement.
• Dynamic Values: Generate randomized animations for unpredictable, eye-catching effects.
• Library Integration: Combine Anime.js with GSAP and Three.js for ultimate animation power.
• Custom UI Components: Animate charts, progress bars, and other UI elements for engaging user experiences.

Examples That Bring Anime.js to Life

Here are a few interesting Javascript animation examples with Anime.js:

• SVG Path Drawing Effect: Instantly create a "drawing" effect on any SVG path. Use values like strokeDashoffset to dynamically apply the effect. This adds elegance and sophistication to user interfaces.

  anime({
    targets: 'path',
    strokeDashoffset: [anime.setDashoffset, 0],
    easing: 'easeInOutSine',
    duration: 2000,
    direction: 'alternate',
    loop: true
  });
  

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• Motion Path Animation: Make elements gracefully follow a designated route. Imagine a car following the highway, or an object floating along a custom wave. This feature enhances storytelling and guided experiences.

  const motionPath = anime.path('#curve');
  anime({
    targets: 'circle',
    translateX: motionPath('x'),
    translateY: motionPath('y'),
    rotate: motionPath('angle'),
    duration: 3000,
    loop: true,
    easing: 'easeInOutQuad'
  });
  

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• Random Bounce with Dynamic Values: Inject a lively dynamic with randomized movements. This example creates a unique bounce effect. Every element moves differently.

  anime({
    targets: '.dot',
    translateY: () => anime.random(-100, 100),
    duration: 1000,
    direction: 'alternate',
    loop: true
  });
  

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• Integration with Three.js: Extend Anime.js into the third dimension through Three.js animations. This creates immersive 3D experiences with smooth, declarative animations.

  anime({
    targets: cube.rotation,
    y: Math.PI * 2,
    duration: 3000,
    easing: 'easeInOutSine',
    loop: true
  });
  

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• Animating Custom UI Components: Add dynamism to dashboards, data visualisations and more for a smoother user interace.

  anime({
    targets: '.bar',
    height: (el, i) => 50 + i * 30,
    delay: anime.stagger(200),
    duration: 800,
    easing: 'easeOutBounce'
  });
  

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Test Your Skills: Anime.js Practice Exercises

Put your new knowledge to the test with these challenges:

• Basic:
  • Create an SVG path animation.
  • Animate a circle along a custom anime.path().
  • Use anime.setDashoffset to animate an SVG path.
• Intermediate:
  • Animate an element using dynamic random values.
  • Create a random bounce effect on multiple elements.
  • Integrate Anime.js with a basic Three.js scene.
• Advanced:
  • Stagger animations across multiple SVG paths.
  • Combine GSAP and Anime.js in a timeline animation.
  • Build an animated graph using SVG, Anime.js, and dynamic values.
  • Animate a progress bar or voting chart component.

3D Cube Animation Mini-Project

Witness the power of combining Anime.js with 3D transforms. This mini-project shows a rotating cube, simple yet mesmerizing. You can find the pen attached!

Interactive Card Animation Dashboard Major Project

The major project of the day is a custom interactive data dashboard that features card animations. Featuring entry animation, hover effects and delayed sequencing, it's the perfect dashboard for every use case.

• Smooth card entry animations
• Hover effects using Anime.js
• Delayed reveal sequencing
• Clean UI for showcasing content

You can find the pen attached!

Anime.js: Mastering Animation Techniques

By the end of this deep dive, you will have:

• Mastered motion paths and dynamic values.
• Integrated Anime.js with Three.js for 3D scene animations.
• Built a custom animated UI component.
• Learned to animate complex SVG paths for smooth interactions.

"Animation is the art of making something stand out by making it move."