Top TypeScript Animation Libraries

tweenjs/tween.js is a lightweight JavaScript animation library for creating smooth transitions between values.

Code Example

const tween = new TWEEN.Tween({ x: 0 })
    .to({ x: 100 }, 1000)
    .easing(TWEEN.Easing.Quadratic.Out)
    .onUpdate((object) => console.log(object.x))
    .start();

Pros

• Simple and easy to use, with a straightforward API
• Lightweight and performant, with minimal overhead
• Widely adopted and well-maintained, with a large community

Cons

• Limited to numeric property animations, unlike more comprehensive libraries
• Lacks built-in support for complex animations or particle systems
• No native React integration, unlike some React-specific alternatives

tsparticles/tsparticles is a lightweight, customizable JavaScript library for creating particle animations and interactions on web pages.

Code Example

tsParticles.load("tsparticles", {
  particles: { number: { value: 80 }, color: { value: "#ff0000" } }
});

Pros

• Offers a wide range of customization options for particle effects compared to simpler libraries like fireworks-js
• Provides better performance and optimization for large numbers of particles than general-purpose animation libraries like tween.js or scenejs
• Includes built-in interactive features and presets, making it easier to use than lower-level engines like galacean/engine

Cons

• May be overkill for simple animations or effects, where lighter alternatives like ShapeShifter or react-anime might suffice
• Lacks the broader animation capabilities of general-purpose libraries like scenejs or tween.js
• Has a steeper learning curve compared to more focused libraries like watching-you or use-web-animations

Galacean/engine is a lightweight 3D rendering engine for web applications.

Code Example

import { Engine, Scene, Camera, Mesh } from '@galacean/engine';
const engine = new Engine('canvas');
const scene = new Scene(engine);
const camera = new Camera(scene);

Pros

• Specialized for 3D rendering, unlike most other projects in the list
• Offers a comprehensive set of 3D graphics features
• Designed for performance and efficiency in web environments

Cons

• Steeper learning curve compared to simpler animation libraries like tween.js
• Less suitable for 2D animations or simple UI transitions
• Smaller community and ecosystem compared to more established projects like Three.js

ShapeShifter is a web-based tool for creating and exporting vector animations for Android, iOS, and the web.

Pros

• Specifically designed for creating complex vector animations, unlike more general-purpose animation libraries like tween.js or scenejs.
• Provides a visual interface for creating animations, making it more accessible to designers and non-programmers compared to code-based solutions.
• Exports animations to multiple platforms (Android, iOS, web), offering broader compatibility than platform-specific tools.

Cons

• Limited to vector animations, whereas libraries like tsparticles or fireworks-js offer more diverse animation types.
• Lacks real-time animation capabilities in web applications, unlike libraries such as react-anime or use-web-animations.
• As a web-based tool, it may have less flexibility and customization options compared to code libraries like shifty or tween.js.

Note: The code example section is omitted as ShapeShifter is a web-based tool, not a code library.

Scene.js is a JavaScript animation library that allows for the creation of complex animations using a timeline-based approach.

Code Example

import Scene from "scenejs";
const scene = new Scene({
  ".box": { transform: "translate(0px, 0px) rotate(0deg)" }
});
scene.play();

Pros

• Offers a unique timeline-based approach, making it easier to create and manage complex animations
• Provides a wide range of easing functions and properties for fine-tuned control
• Supports both DOM and SVG animations, making it versatile for different use cases

Cons

• Has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler animation libraries like Tween.js
• Less popular and with a smaller community compared to some alternatives like tsParticles or Galacean Engine
• May be overkill for simple animations, where lighter libraries might be more appropriate