Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between a simple animation and a smooth visually appealing one?
Take a look at these two animations:
animation 1 (linear) 👇
animation 2 (custom easing function) 👇
The first animation is called a linear function, it moves from point A to point B in a straightforward, robotic manner (a stable speed).
While the second animation, feels natural and fluid.
An easing function tells an animation how to behave as it transitions from one state to another. It defines the rate of change over time, giving animations their unique feel.
How Do I Create My Own Easing Functions?
The good news is: you don’t have to create them manually! There are plenty of resources available to help you get started. One of my favorites is easings.net
This website provides a collection of pre-made easing functions, complete with interactive previews. Simply hover your mouse over an easing function, and you’ll see how it behaves in real-time. Once you’ve chosen the perfect function for your project, you can copy its code directly.
The most important part of an easing function is its four parameters (commonly referred to as t, b, c, and d):
t : Current time
b : Starting value
c : Change in value
d : Duration
These parameters allow you to customize the behavior of your animation to fit your needs.
Where Can You Use Easing Functions?
Easing functions aren’t limited to web development—they’re versatile tools that can enhance animations in various domains:
- Video Editing : Add dynamic transitions to your videos.
- Website Animations : Make your UI/UX more engaging and user-friendly.
- Game Development : Bring characters and objects to life with realistic movements.
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