Practical Guide to Animation in React

In Apple Photos, tapping on a picture scales it from the tapped location, creating a clear connection between interaction and result. In Netflix, avatars animate onto the toolbar to indicate where account changes can be made post-login, enhancing usability.

CSS transitions animate properties when they change, using start and end values for smooth transitions. CSS animations use keyframes for more complex, reusable animations with multiple steps, suitable for entry and exit animations.

Timing functions in CSS animations define how the animation progresses, affecting the rate of change. They help create more natural and realistic animations by controlling speed variations throughout the animation.

View Transitions, a web platform API, allow for native app-like interactions by animating between snapshots of states. They facilitate seamless transitions between states and can be customized for unique animations.

Spring-based animation provides more natural and responsive animations by simulating real-world physics, such as weight and resistance, resulting in animations that feel alive and sophisticated.

Developers can use libraries like Framer Motion to implement Spring-based animations in React, offering intuitive APIs for creating responsive and natural-looking animations.

Animations can be made accessible by respecting user motion preferences set in device settings and using the Reduced Motion Media query to disable or minimize animations for sensitive users.

Developers can use CSS, JavaScript APIs, libraries like Framer Motion, and View Transitions API to create advanced animations that enhance user experience in web applications.

Animation adds joy, whimsy, and delight to UI, creating a personal connection with users and differentiating products in a market where AI-generated UIs are common.

Animations help bridge the gap between instant changes in web interfaces and natural, real-world motion, making UIs feel more tangible and improving user experience.