Introduction to CSS Animations

CSS3 properties that would let some HTML elements animate.

CSS animations make it possible to animate transitions from one CSS style configuration to another. They offer a way to create complex, scalable animations that can greatly enhance the user experience on a website. This unit will provide an introduction to CSS animations and the basic concepts involved.

The Role of Animations in Web Design

Animations play a crucial role in modern web design. They can be used to draw attention to important elements, provide feedback, guide users through a site, and even tell a story. When used correctly, animations can make a website feel more dynamic and engaging.

Basic Concepts of CSS Animations

CSS animations are created by gradually changing from one set of CSS styles to another. During the animation, you can change the set of CSS styles many times.

To create a CSS animation, you need to first define the animation with a set of @keyframes. The @keyframes rule specifies the animation code. Inside the @keyframes rule, you can define these stages, which are called keyframes, by using a percentage to specify at which point in the animation you want to set the properties.

The animation is then assigned to an element using the animation property, followed by the duration, timing function, and delay if required.

The @keyframes Rule and Its Usage

The @keyframes rule is where the animation is created. It consists of:

• The @keyframes keyword followed by the name of the animation.
• A set of keyframes enclosed in curly braces. Each keyframe is defined by a percentage of the animation duration, starting from 0% (the start of the animation) to 100% (the end of the animation).

Here's an example of a simple @keyframes rule:

@keyframes myAnimation {
  0% {background-color: red;}
  50% {background-color: yellow;}
  100% {background-color: blue;}
}

In this example, the background color of the element will start as red, change to yellow at the halfway point, and end as blue.

In the next units, we will delve deeper into creating animations, understanding animation properties, and practical examples of CSS animations. By the end of this module, you will be able to create engaging animations that can enhance the user experience of your web designs.