Creating Basic 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 involve two key components: a style describing the CSS animation and a set of keyframes indicating the start and end states of the animation's style, as well as possible intermediate waypoints.

Understanding Animation Properties

There are several CSS properties that control animations:

animation-name: This property specifies the name of the @keyframes at-rule describing the animation's keyframes.
animation-duration: This property defines how long an animation should take to complete one cycle.
animation-timing-function: This property establishes the pace of the animation. It can have values like linear, ease, ease-in, ease-out, and ease-in-out.
animation-delay: This property specifies when the animation should start. This lets the animation delay for some time before starting.
animation-iteration-count: This property defines how many times an animation cycle should be played before stopping.
animation-direction: This property specifies whether an animation should play in reverse on alternate cycles.
animation-fill-mode: This property describes how an animation will apply styles to its target before and after its execution.
animation-play-state: This property allows an animation to be paused or resumed.

Creating a Simple CSS Animation

Let's create a simple animation that changes the background color of a div over a period of 3 seconds.

First, we define the animation keyframes:

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

Next, we apply the animation to a div:

div {
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
  animation-name: changeColor;
  animation-duration: 3s;
}

In this example, the div's background color will change from red to yellow halfway through the animation, and then to blue when the animation completes.

Practical Examples of CSS Animations

CSS animations can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the user experience on a website. For example, they can be used to draw attention to a call-to-action button, create loading animations, animate page transitions, or even create complex animated illustrations.

Remember, while animations can greatly enhance a user's experience, they should be used sparingly and only when they serve a purpose. Overuse of animations can be distracting and can detract from the overall user experience.

By understanding and applying these basic CSS animation properties and principles, you can start to bring your web designs to life with engaging and interactive animations.

Advance CSS

Animations and Transitions

Creating Basic CSS Animations

Understanding Animation Properties

Creating a Simple CSS Animation

Practical Examples of CSS Animations