framer-motion vs popmotion vs gsap vs animejs
JavaScript Animation Libraries Comparison
1 Year
framer-motionpopmotiongsapanimejsSimilar Packages:
What's JavaScript Animation Libraries?

JavaScript animation libraries provide developers with tools to create dynamic and visually engaging web applications. These libraries simplify the process of animating elements on the web, allowing for smoother transitions, complex animations, and enhanced user experiences. They offer various features such as timeline control, physics-based animations, and easy integration with existing frameworks. Choosing the right library depends on the specific needs of your project, including complexity, performance, and ease of use.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
framer-motion8,592,48529,3252.32 MB291a day agoMIT
popmotion1,536,004-304 kB--MIT
gsap802,91322,5446.11 MB103 months agoStandard 'no charge' license: https://gsap.com/standard-license.
animejs255,10762,6351.63 MB904 days agoMIT
Feature Comparison: framer-motion vs popmotion vs gsap vs animejs

Performance

  • framer-motion:

    Framer Motion is built with performance in mind, utilizing the React rendering lifecycle to minimize re-renders and optimize animations. It leverages the power of the React ecosystem to provide smooth transitions and animations.

  • popmotion:

    Popmotion provides excellent performance through its physics-based animations, allowing for smooth and natural movements. It is efficient in managing animations and can handle complex sequences without lag.

  • gsap:

    GSAP is renowned for its performance, especially in complex animations. It is designed to handle large numbers of animations without compromising speed, making it a go-to choice for high-performance applications.

  • animejs:

    Anime.js is optimized for performance, allowing for smooth animations even on lower-end devices. It uses requestAnimationFrame for efficient rendering, ensuring that animations are fluid and responsive.

Ease of Use

  • framer-motion:

    Framer Motion is designed specifically for React, providing a seamless experience for React developers. Its declarative syntax makes it easy to define animations directly within your components, enhancing usability.

  • popmotion:

    Popmotion has a functional programming style that may require a bit of a learning curve for those unfamiliar with it. However, its modular approach allows developers to pick and choose functionalities, making it flexible.

  • gsap:

    GSAP has a slightly steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set, but it offers comprehensive documentation and a large community. Once familiar, developers can leverage its powerful capabilities for complex animations.

  • animejs:

    Anime.js features a simple and intuitive API, making it easy for beginners to get started with animations. Its straightforward syntax allows for quick implementation of animations without a steep learning curve.

Animation Control

  • framer-motion:

    Framer Motion provides robust animation control through its variants and gestures, allowing developers to easily manage complex animations and transitions based on user interactions.

  • popmotion:

    Popmotion offers a unique approach to animation control with its physics-based animations, allowing for natural movement and interaction. It provides utilities for creating complex animations based on user input.

  • gsap:

    GSAP excels in animation control, offering timelines, sequencing, and callbacks that allow for intricate animation choreography. Its control over easing and duration makes it ideal for detailed animations.

  • animejs:

    Anime.js allows for fine-tuned control over animations with features like timelines, easing functions, and callbacks. This makes it suitable for creating intricate animations that require precise timing and sequencing.

Community and Ecosystem

  • framer-motion:

    Framer Motion benefits from the strong React community, with extensive documentation and resources available. Its integration with Framer design tools also enhances its ecosystem.

  • popmotion:

    Popmotion has a smaller community compared to others but is backed by strong documentation and examples. Its modular approach allows for easy integration with other libraries.

  • gsap:

    GSAP has a large and active community, along with extensive documentation and plugins. Its ecosystem is rich with resources, making it easier for developers to find solutions and examples.

  • animejs:

    Anime.js has a growing community and a wealth of resources, including examples and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and implement animations.

Integration

  • framer-motion:

    Framer Motion is specifically designed for React applications, providing seamless integration and enhancing the development experience for React developers.

  • popmotion:

    Popmotion can be used with any JavaScript framework, and its functional approach allows for easy integration into existing projects without significant overhead.

  • gsap:

    GSAP can be integrated with various frameworks and libraries, including React, Vue, and Angular. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of projects.

  • animejs:

    Anime.js can be easily integrated into any project, regardless of the framework or library being used. Its lightweight nature makes it a versatile choice for various applications.

How to Choose: framer-motion vs popmotion vs gsap vs animejs
  • framer-motion:

    Select Framer Motion if you are working with React and need a library that integrates seamlessly with it. It offers powerful animations and gestures, making it perfect for interactive UIs and complex animations with minimal setup.

  • popmotion:

    Use Popmotion for a functional approach to animations that includes physics-based animations. It is great for projects that require a more programmatic style and offers a wide range of utilities for creating animations and gestures.

  • gsap:

    Opt for GSAP (GreenSock Animation Platform) if you need high-performance animations that can handle complex sequences and timelines. GSAP is known for its robustness and is suitable for large-scale applications that require precise control over animations.

  • animejs:

    Choose Anime.js for lightweight animations that require a simple API and flexibility. It is ideal for projects where you need to animate multiple properties and want a straightforward approach to keyframe animations.

README for framer-motion

Motion logo
Motion for React

An open source animation library
for React

npm version npm downloads per month jsDelivr hits (npm) NPM License

npm install motion

Table of Contents

  1. Why Motion?
  2. 🍦 Flavours
  3. 🎓 Examples
  4. 🎨 Studio
  5. ⚡️ Motion+
  6. 👩🏻‍⚖️ License
  7. 💎 Contribute
  8. ✨ Sponsors

Why Motion?

Motion is an animation library for making beautiful animations.

  • The only library with first‑class APIs for React, JavaScript, and Vue.
  • Powered by a hybrid engine that blends JavaScript flexibility with native browser APIs for 120fps GPU‑accelerated motion.
  • Tiny footprint, tree‑shakable, and fully TypeScript‑typed.

🍦 Flavours

Motion is available for React, JavaScript and Vue.

React ⬇
import { motion } from "motion/react"

function Component() {
    return <motion.div animate={{ x: 100 }} />
}

Get started with Motion for React.

JavaScript ⬇
import { animate } from "motion"

animate("#box", { x: 100 })

Get started with JavaScript.

Vue ⬇
<script>
    import { motion } from "motion-v"
</script>

<template> <motion.div :animate={{ x: 100 }} /> </template>

Get started with Motion for Vue.

🎓 Examples

Motion Examples offers 100s of free and Motion+ examples for beginners and advanced users alike. Easy copy/paste code to kick‑start your next project.

⚡️ Motion+

Learn, Design, Build. Motion+ is a one-time fee, lifetime update membership that provides:

  • 160+ premium Motion Examples
  • Motion UI features like Cursor and Ticker
  • Motion Studio animation editing for VS Code alpha
  • Early access content
  • Private Discord

Get Motion+

🎨 Studio

Video of bezier curve editing

Motion Studio is a versatile suite of developer tools allowing you to:

  • Visually edit CSS and Motion easing curves in VS Code
  • Generate CSS springs with LLMs
  • Load Motion docs into your LLM

Get started with Motion Studio.

👩🏻‍⚖️ License

  • Motion is MIT licensed.

💎 Contribute

✨ Sponsors

Motion is sustainable thanks to the kind support of its sponsors.

Partners

Framer

Motion powers Framer animations, the web builder for creative pros. Design and ship your dream site. Zero code, maximum speed.

Framer

Platinum

Tailwind Linear

Gold

Vercel Liveblocks Luma Emil Kowalski

Silver

Frontend.fyi Firecrawl Puzzmo

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