Top 9 Best React Animation Libraries for Web Developers

Relia Software

Relia Software

Nguyen Tri Nhan

Relia Software

Software Development

React Transition Group, React Reveal, Framer Motion, React Move, Anime.js, Remotion, React Spring, GreenSock, and React Motion are 9 best React animation libraries.

Best React Animation Libraries

Animations are like magic for web developers. They can turn a simple website into a lively and engaging one. But, creating animations from scratch can be complex and take lots of time. So, you need convenient tools that have pre-built components and APIs to build animations. Those are React animation libraries where you can add smooth, eye-catching animations to your React projects easily.

This blog will help you to find the right React animation library for your needs. I'll discuss different types of animations, key features to consider, and compare the top libraries in detail. Get ready!

>> Read more:

What are Different Animation Types?

Here are a few common types of animations:

  • Transitions: These are smooth movements between UI elements that make your website feel more lively. Like, a button changing color when you hover or an element gently fading in when it loads.
  • State Changes: Animations can signal changes in your app's state, users thus have valuable feedback. For instance, an animation plays when a form is successfully submitted, or an element expands to show more details.
  • Keyframe Animations: This lets you create complex, multi-step animations. Like, a character bouncing across the screen or an element rotating in a fun way.

The best type of animation depends on the effect you want and the message you need to convey. In the next sections, we'll explore how different libraries can help you achieve these animation styles!

9 Popular React Animation Libraries

React Transition Group

React Transition Group is a great choice for those new to animation libraries. As an officially supported library from the React team, it integrates smoothly with your existing React codebase. With a set of core components, React Transition Group helps you manage how elements enter, leave, and animate within your React application.

Key Features of React Transition Group:

  • Simple Animations: Handles basic effects like fading elements in and out, moving elements, and animating during component mounting and unmounting.
  • Customization Options: You can customize animations using CSS transitions or JavaScript libraries.
  • Lightweight and Efficient: It's designed to have minimal impact on your application's performance.

But, I need to note that React Transition Group is mainly focused on core animation functionality. If you need more complex animations, pre-built effects, or visual editors, you might need to explore additional libraries.

>> Read more: Tailwind CSS for React UI Components: Practical Code Examples

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install react-transition-group

  • Usage: Fading in and out an element on mount and unmount.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { CSSTransition } from 'react-transition-group';
import './App.css'; // Create corresponding CSS classes

const App = () => {
  const [inProp, setInProp] = useState(false);

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={() => setInProp(!inProp)}>Toggle</button>
      <CSSTransition in={inProp} timeout={200} classNames="fade" unmountOnExit>
        <div className="box">I'm a fade Transition!</div>
      </CSSTransition>
    </div>
  );
};

export default App;
javascript 
/* In App.css */
.fade-enter {
  opacity: 0;
}
.fade-enter-active {
  opacity: 1;
  transition: opacity 200ms;
}
.fade-exit {
  opacity: 1;
}
.fade-exit-active {
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 200ms;
}

Here is our result:

Fading in and out an element on mount and unmount.

React Reveal

React Reveal is a beginner-friendly React animation library on scroll. I mean it's ideal for adding subtle scroll effects. With its simple setup, pre-built effects, and customization options, React Reveal can create interactive interfaces but still keep your app light and fast.

Key Features of React Reveal:

  • Scroll Animations: Creates effects like fading in, bouncing, and sliding elements into view as you scroll.
  • Easy Customization: Allows you to adjust settings like duration, delay, and easing for each effect.
  • Minimal Impact: Keeps your application efficient without adding extra bulk.

As a React scroll animation library, React Reveal can create subtle, engaging animations that improve user experience without being overwhelming. But, for more complex animations or finer control over how they work, you might need to mix it with another tool or try other libraries.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install react-reveal

  • Usage: Scroll-triggered animation.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React from 'react';
import Fade from 'react-reveal/Fade';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  return (
    <div style={{ height: '200vh' }}>
      <Fade bottom>
        <div className="box">I will fade in from the bottom!</div>
      </Fade>
    </div>
  );
};

export default App;
javascript 
/* In App.css */
.box {
  width: 200px;
  height: 200px;
  background-color: lightcoral;
  margin-top: 20px;
}

Here is our result:

Scroll-triggered animation.

Framer Motion

Framer Motion is a top animation library for React with a user-friendly design and strong feature set. Personally, I like using this library due to its outstanding features, like:

  • Simple, concise syntax to easily declare animations with minimal code, your codebase is so more readable and easier to maintain.
  • Minimal configuration as the Motion API automatically generates animations
  • Handle complex actions and event listeners like tap, drag, hover, and viewport interactions.
  • Implement various animations easily, like spring (for natural, elastic motion), tween (time-based transitions), and inertia (momentum-driven movement). These are ready to use, but can also be fully customized to meet your needs.
  • Built-in support for SSR, TypeScript, unmount animations, and more.

Despite strong features, Framer Motion takes a bit longer to learn than simpler libraries. But don't worry, it has clear documentation that can help both beginners and experienced developers. And believe me, once you get the hang of it, you'll feel less stressed working with this library because it manages complex animation logic seamlessly.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install framer-motion

  • Usage: Simple animation with a gesture.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { motion } from 'framer-motion';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  return (
    <div style={{ display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center', alignItems: 'center', height: '100vh' }}>
      <motion.div
        animate={{ rotate: 360 }}
        transition={{ duration: 2, repeat: Infinity }}
        whileHover={{ scale: 1.2 }}
        style={{ width: 100, height: 100, backgroundColor: 'blue' }}
      />
    </div>
  );
};

export default App;

Here is our result:

Simple animation with a gesture.

React Move

React Move is a strong animation library for React that uses D3.js to add data-driven animations. You can animate everything from positions, and color changes to SVG elements, and more beyond just simple fades or slides. And, it is great for charts, graphs, and other data-rich displays due to smooth transitions that react to data changes. You can also adjust their timing, delays, and easing.

If you need creative freedom and full control over your animations, I recommend React Move. However, because it uses some D3.js ideas, it might have a steeper learning curve for beginners. If you're just new, let's try libraries like React Transition Group or React Reveal first.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install react-move @types/react-move

  • Usage: Animating a position change.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { NodeGroup } from 'react-move';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  const [items, setItems] = useState([0, 1, 2]);

  const toggleItems = () => {
    setItems(items.length === 3 ? [0] : [0, 1, 2]);
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={toggleItems}>Toggle</button>
      <NodeGroup
        data={items}
        keyAccessor={(d: number) => d}
        start={() => ({ opacity: 0, x: -50 })}
        enter={() => ({ opacity: [1], x: [0], timing: { duration: 500 } })}
        leave={() => ({ opacity: [0], x: [50], timing: { duration: 500 } })}
      >
        {nodes =>
          nodes.map(({ key, data, state }) => (
            <div key={key} style={{ ...state, position: 'relative', width: '50px', height: '50px', backgroundColor: 'lightseagreen', margin: '10px' }}>
              {data}
            </div>
          ))
        }
      </NodeGroup>
    </div>
  );
};

export default App;

Anime.js

Anime.js isn't built specifically for React, but it works very well with React projects. It's a flexible JavaScript animation engine that supports everything from simple transitions to complex keyframe animations, even SVG graphics.

As an SVG animation library for React that developers often choose, it has ready-made animations that save you time and effort. Still, you can easily customize them to fit your project.

Anime.js is a React lightweight animation library that integrates seamlessly with your existing CSS and animations. But note that it's not React-specific, so you'll need to spend a little extra time learning its syntax and setting it up compared to some other libraries.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install animejs @types/animejs

  • Usage: Simple keyframe animation.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React, { useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
import anime from 'animejs';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  const boxRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    if (boxRef.current) {
      anime({
        targets: boxRef.current,
        translateX: 250,
        rotate: '1turn',
        duration: 2000,
        easing: 'easeInOutSine',
      });
    }
  }, []);

  return <div ref={boxRef} className="box" />;
};

export default App;
javascript 
/* In App.css */
.box {
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
  background-color: red;
}

Remotion

Remotion has a unique way to create animations, especially for developers who prefer coding over traditional video editing tools. It lets you use familiar languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and TypeScript to build high-quality animations. So, no video editing skills are needed.

Key Features of Remotion:

  • Create timelines, add transitions, and control properties with code.
  • Use your React components as animation elements. This means you use your existing React codebase to create animations.
  • Use variables, algorithms, functions, and APIs to add advanced effects and create unique animations.

Remotion combines the power of React with a video-centric approach. So, you can create stunning animations through only code.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install --save remotion

  • Usage: Animation with code.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import { Composition } from 'remotion';
import MyComposition from './MyComposition';

const RemotionVideo: React.FC = () => {
  return (
    <Composition
      id="MyComp"
      component={MyComposition}
      durationInFrames={150}
      fps={30}
      width={1920}
      height={1080}
    />
  );
};

export default RemotionVideo;
javascript 
// In MyComposition.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { Sequence, useCurrentFrame } from 'remotion';

const MyComposition: React.FC = () => {
  const frame = useCurrentFrame();

  return (
    <div style={{ flex: 1, justifyContent: 'center', alignItems: 'center', height: '100%', display: 'flex' }}>
      <Sequence from={0} durationInFrames={30}>
        <div style={{ transform: `translateX(${frame * 5}px)` }}>Hello World</div>
      </Sequence>
    </div>
  );
};

export default MyComposition;

React Spring

React Spring uses physics-based springs to create natural animations without needing to define every frame. Instead of manually building each step, you just set target states, and the library handles the transition with realistic spring dynamics.

You can easily adjust parameters like stiffness and damping to fine-tune the animation's speed and bounce. Besides, you don't need to worry about its performance. As I tried, it still maintains high performance even when linking multiple transitions together for more complex effects. 

Consider that this method is a bit different from frame-by-frame ones, so you may take a little getting used to it. But, many developers, including myself, feel that it is well worth the learning curve.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install react-spring

  • Usage: Spring-based animation.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { useSpring, animated } from 'react-spring';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  const props = useSpring({ to: { opacity: 1, transform: 'translateY(0px)' }, from: { opacity: 0, transform: 'translateY(-50px)' }, config: { duration: 1000 } });

  return (
    <animated.div style={{ ...props, width: '100px', height: '100px', backgroundColor: 'green', margin: '20px auto' }}>
      I will fade in
    </animated.div>
  );
};

export default App;

Here is our result:

Spring-based animation.

GreenSock

GreenSock Animation Platform (GSAP) is not a pure React library, but it stands out for its performance and powerful features. It has an extensive toolkit that lets you create complex animations with precise control over many properties.

GSAP also works smoothly with React and other JavaScript frameworks or even plain JavaScript. Its wide range of features means you will need more time to master. But no problem, its thorough documentation and tutorials will make your learning process easier. If you are working on projects that need high control and performance, consider GSAP.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install gsap

  • Usage: Spring-based animation.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React, { useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
import { gsap } from 'gsap';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  const boxRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    if (boxRef.current) {
      gsap.to(boxRef.current, { x: 100, rotation: 360, duration: 2 });
    }
  }, []);

  return <div ref={boxRef} className="box" />;
};

export default App;
javascript 
/* In App.css */
.box {
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
  background-color: green;
}

React Motion

React Motion provides a strong toolbox for developers who need detailed control over animations in React. And I think it is a bit challenging for beginners.

Specifically, React Motion uses physics-based simulations to create complex, dynamic effects like bouncing, swinging, or unfolding elements. With React Motion, you can set properties such as element positioning, color changes, timing delays, and easing functions exactly as you want.

However, as I said, it relies on advanced physics concepts, so the learning curve is steeper. If you are comfortable with these ideas, React Motion is really a great choice.

Code Example:

  • Installation:

javascript 
npm install react-motion @types/react-motion

  • Usage: Simple spring animation.

javascript 
// In App.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { Motion, spring } from 'react-motion';

const App: React.FC = () => {
  return (
    <Motion defaultStyle={{ x: 0 }} style={{ x: spring(100) }}>
      {style => <div style={{ transform: `translateX(${style.x}px)`, width: '100px', height: '100px', backgroundColor: 'lightblue' }}>I move</div>}
    </Motion>
  );
};

export default App;

Here is our result:

Simple spring animation with react motion

Below is a table comparing 9 popular animation libraries for React projects, focusing on key features, learning curve, and ideal use cases.

Library

Key Features

Learning Curve

Ideal Use Cases

React Transition Group

Basic animations like enter/leave/update for elements, built-in with React.

Low

Simple animation needs, component transitions, etc.

React Reveal

Simple library for animations on scroll or other events.

Low

Animations triggered by user interactions, basic reveals.

Framer Motion

Powerful animation library, visual editor (paid), advanced features like gestures.

High

Complex animations, interactive user interfaces, prototyping.

React Move

Rich animation options, precise control, data-driven animations (D3.js integration).

Medium-High

Advanced animation needs, data-driven visualizations, developers familiar with D3.js concepts.

Anime.js

Versatile library, vast animation options, pre-built animations, CSS integration.

Medium

Diverse animation needs, existing CSS integration.

Remotion

Code-based video animation using familiar languages (JS, HTML, CSS), real-time collaboration.

Medium

Explainer videos, marketing materials, video content with animation.

React Spring

Physics-based animations, intuitive control, composable for complex effects.

Medium

Natural-looking animations, interactive elements, complex animations.

GreenSock

High-performance animation library, extensive features, timeline-based animation.

Medium-High

Complex animations with precise control, high-performance requirements.

React Motion

Advanced animation control, physics-inspired approach, fine-grained customization.

High

Complex animations, data-driven visualizations, developers comfortable with advanced concepts.

Best Practices for Choosing the Right Library

Consider Your Project Needs

  • Basic vs. Complex Animations: Do you need simple transitions or more elaborate, physics-based animations?
  • Data Integration: Do your animations need to react to data changes (e.g., charts, graphs)?
  • Video Export: Do you need to export your animations as videos?
  • Existing Codebase: Does your project already use CSS or D3.js that a library can integrate with?

Evaluate Your Team's Skills

  • Animation Experience: How comfortable are your developers with animation concepts?
  • Prior Libraries: Have they used animation libraries before? If so, which ones?

Think About the Learning Curve

  • Time Constraints: How much time do you have to learn a new library?
  • Project Complexity: Does the complexity of your animations justify a steeper learning curve?

By having specific answers for these questions, you can choose the suitable animation library that helps you create engaging and visually stunning animations for your React projects.

>> Read more:

Final Thoughts

React animation libraries offer a range of tools to bring your user interfaces to life more easily. You don't have to build everything from scratch. From simple transitions to more advanced, physics-based effects, these libraries can help you. But, the most important thing is choosing the right library, which will make your workflow more efficient.

Let's consider many factors like the project's need and your team's skills before deciding on the final animation library for React. Hope you will have the best choice. Happy animating!

>>> Follow and Contact Relia Software for more information!

Blog author

The Author

Nguyen Tri Nhan - Front-end Developer
A Dedicated Front-end Developer with 3 Years of Experience in Web App Development
I'm Nhan Nguyen, a front-end developer with 3 years of experience specializing in React, Next.js, and TypeScript. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Ho Chi Minh University of Technology. I focus on building efficient, user-friendly web solutions, as well as SaaS platforms and mobile apps. My goal is to deliver clean, functional, and scalable code to solve real-world problems. Hope my practical sharings help your coding journey easier!
  • web development

Table of Contents