Different ways to create motion

Motion in Webflow can be as simple as a hover transition or as detailed as a full section animation that plays as you scroll. Each approach has its own strengths, and they often work best when you combine them.

• Need fast feedback on a button or link? Choose CSS transitions.
• Need a section entrance or a scroll sequence? Choose Interactions powered by GSAP.
• Need a crisp, brand-forward icon or logo animation? Choose Lottie.
• Need motion that responds to user input or state? Choose Rive.
• Need interactive 3D for impact? Choose Spline.

CSS states & transitions

CSS transitions are best for single-step motion, like a color fade, underline, or scale change. You can use them for navigation links, buttons, or images that react instantly when hovered or focused.

Tip: Keep transitions short and consistent. A quick 150 to 300 millisecond transition usually feels natural and professional.

Use CSS transitions for:

• Buttons or links that respond on hover or focus
• Light feedback on icons or inputs
• Simpler motion that doesn’t need multiple steps

Learn how to style states and create transitions in Webflow.

Quick demo --> Color change and text underline styles applied to a text link in its hover state.

Interactions powered by GSAP

Interactions powered by GSAP let you create motion that happens in sequence or involves multiple elements working together. They use the same GSAP animation engine used on many professional sites.

Use them for things like section reveals, card animations that appear one after another, or modals that expand smoothly into view.

Tip: Offset or overlap your timings so elements move in sequence instead of all at once. That simple adjustment makes motion feel smoother and more connected.

Use Interactions when you want to:

• Animate several elements together, like a headline, image, and button in a section
• Create scroll-based reveals, fades, or parallax effects
• Fine-tune timing and easing so motion feels smooth and intentional

Learn how to build animations with Interactions powered by GSAP.

Quick demo --> An opacity and Y position animation applied to a banner in the Webflow Interactions panel with timeline.

Lottie animations

Lottie animations are vector files created in After Effects and exported for Webflow. You can link them to triggers or Interactions for more playback control.

They work well for icons, logos, or feedback moments like an animated checkmark after form submission or a looping loading indicator.

Tip: Keep Lottie files lightweight. Fewer shapes and keyframes make playback smoother on every device and can help your pages load faster.

Use Lottie animations for:

• Animated icons and logos
• Small brand or feedback moments
• Motion that scales smoothly on any screen

Learn how to embed Lottie animations.

Quick demo --> An animated checkmark and message appears after a user clicks a submit button on a form.

Rive animations

Rive brings motion that responds to people in real time. You can design animations that react to clicks, hovers, or state changes, like a heart that bursts when clicked or a character that waves when hovered.

You can embed Rive animations in Webflow using the Rive element or a custom embed.

Tip: Connect your Rive animations to real interactions so they feel responsive and purposeful, not just decorative.

Use Rive animations for:

• Reactive animations tied to clicks or states
• Interactive icons or fun UI moments
• Playful motion that responds to behavior

Learn how to embed Rive animations.

Quick demo --> An animated background that responds to a mouse moving across it.

Spline scenes

Spline lets you embed interactive 3D elements that respond to scroll, cursor movement, or clicks. It works well for hero sections or product showcases that need depth or movement.

Since 3D elements can be heavier for browsers, use Spline where it truly supports your story rather than for decoration.

Tip: Keep 3D motion subtle. Small rotations or parallax shifts usually look cleaner and perform better than large, continuous movement.

Use Spline for:

• Interactive 3D hero sections or visuals
• Product scenes or branded storytelling 
• Adding depth and perspective to a design

Learn how to add a Spline scene to your Webflow site.

Quick demo --> A 3D bike model created in Spline, then animated with scroll in Webflow.

Code components

Code components let you bring custom-coded animations and interactive elements into Webflow. For developers and advanced builders, they’re a powerful option when you need motion that goes beyond what’s possible with built-in interactions or embedded animation files.

You can use code components to add custom logic, advanced triggers, or data-driven motion while keeping everything connected to your Webflow project.

Learn more about Code components.

Feeling good?

Now that you know your options, let’s look at key animation terms you’ll encounter in and outside of Webflow. Click Complete & continue to keep learning.