14 KiB
Motion System Reference
Table of Contents
- GSAP Setup & CDN
- Pattern 1: Multi-Layer Parallax
- Pattern 2: Pinned Sticky Sections
- Pattern 3: Cascading Card Stack
- Pattern 4: Scrub Timeline
- Pattern 5: Clip-Path Wipe Reveals
- Pattern 6: Horizontal Scroll Conversion
- Pattern 7: Perspective Zoom Fly-Through
- Pattern 8: Snap-to-Section
- Lenis Smooth Scroll
- IntersectionObserver Activation
GSAP Setup & CDN
Always load from jsDelivr CDN:
<!-- Core GSAP -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/gsap.min.js"></script>
<!-- ScrollTrigger plugin — required for all scroll patterns -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/ScrollTrigger.min.js"></script>
<!-- ScrollSmoother — optional, pairs with ScrollTrigger -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/ScrollSmoother.min.js"></script>
<!-- Flip plugin — for cross-section element morphing -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/Flip.min.js"></script>
<!-- MotionPathPlugin — for curved element paths -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/MotionPathPlugin.min.js"></script>
<script>
// Always register plugins immediately
gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollTrigger, Flip, MotionPathPlugin);
// Respect prefers-reduced-motion
const prefersReduced = window.matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches;
if (prefersReduced) {
gsap.globalTimeline.timeScale(0); // Freeze all animations
}
</script>
Pattern 1: Multi-Layer Parallax
The foundation of all 2.5D depth. Different layers scroll at different speeds.
function initParallax() {
const layers = document.querySelectorAll('[data-depth]');
const depthFactors = {
'0': 0.10, '1': 0.25, '2': 0.50,
'3': 0.80, '4': 1.00, '5': 1.20
};
layers.forEach(layer => {
const depth = layer.dataset.depth;
const factor = depthFactors[depth] || 1.0;
gsap.to(layer, {
yPercent: -15 * factor, // adjust multiplier for desired effect intensity
ease: 'none',
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: layer.closest('.scene'),
start: 'top bottom',
end: 'bottom top',
scrub: true, // 1:1 scroll-to-animation
}
});
});
}
When to use: Every project. This is always on.
Pattern 2: Pinned Sticky Sections
A section stays fixed while its content animates. Other sections slide over/under it. The "window over window" effect.
function initPinnedSection(sceneEl) {
// The section stays pinned for `duration` scroll pixels
// while inner content animates on a scrubbed timeline
const tl = gsap.timeline({
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: sceneEl,
start: 'top top',
end: '+=150%', // stay pinned for 1.5x viewport of scroll
pin: true, // THIS is what pins the section
scrub: 1, // 1 second smoothing
anticipatePin: 1, // prevents jump on pin
}
});
// Inner content animations while pinned
// These play out over the scroll distance
tl.from('.pinned-title', { opacity: 0, y: 60, duration: 0.3 })
.from('.pinned-image', { scale: 0.8, opacity: 0, duration: 0.4 })
.to('.pinned-bg', { backgroundColor: '#1a0a2e', duration: 0.3 })
.from('.pinned-sub', { opacity: 0, x: -40, duration: 0.3 });
return tl;
}
Visual result: Section feels like a chapter — the page "lives inside it" for a while, then moves on.
Pattern 3: Cascading Card Stack
New sections slide over previous ones. Each buried section scales down and darkens, feeling like it's receding.
/* CSS Setup */
.card-stack-section {
position: sticky;
top: 0;
height: 100vh;
/* Each subsequent section has higher z-index */
}
.card-stack-section:nth-child(1) { z-index: 1; }
.card-stack-section:nth-child(2) { z-index: 2; }
.card-stack-section:nth-child(3) { z-index: 3; }
.card-stack-section:nth-child(4) { z-index: 4; }
function initCardStack() {
const cards = gsap.utils.toArray('.card-stack-section');
cards.forEach((card, i) => {
// Each card (except last) gets buried as next one enters
if (i < cards.length - 1) {
gsap.to(card, {
scale: 0.88,
filter: 'brightness(0.5) blur(3px)',
borderRadius: '20px',
ease: 'none',
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: cards[i + 1], // fires when NEXT card enters
start: 'top bottom',
end: 'top top',
scrub: true,
}
});
}
});
}
Pattern 4: Scrub Timeline
The most powerful pattern. Elements transform EXACTLY in sync with scroll position. One pixel of scroll = one frame of animation.
function initScrubTimeline(sceneEl) {
const tl = gsap.timeline({
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: sceneEl,
start: 'top top',
end: '+=200%',
pin: true,
scrub: 1.5, // 1.5s lag for smooth, dreamy feel (use 0 for precise 1:1)
}
});
// Sequences play out as user scrolls
// 0.0 to 0.25 → first 25% of scroll
tl.fromTo('.hero-product',
{ scale: 0.6, opacity: 0, y: 100 },
{ scale: 1, opacity: 1, y: 0, duration: 0.25 }
)
// 0.25 to 0.5 → second quarter
.to('.hero-title span:first-child', {
x: '-30vw', opacity: 0, duration: 0.25
}, 0.25)
.to('.hero-title span:last-child', {
x: '30vw', opacity: 0, duration: 0.25
}, 0.25)
// 0.5 to 0.75 → third quarter
.to('.hero-product', {
scale: 1.3, y: -50, duration: 0.25
}, 0.5)
.fromTo('.next-section-content',
{ opacity: 0, y: 80 },
{ opacity: 1, y: 0, duration: 0.25 },
0.5
)
// 0.75 to 1.0 → final quarter
.to('.hero-product', {
opacity: 0, scale: 1.6, duration: 0.25
}, 0.75);
return tl;
}
Pattern 5: Clip-Path Wipe Reveals
Content is hidden behind a clip-path mask that animates away to reveal the content beneath. GPU-accelerated, buttery smooth.
// Left-to-right horizontal wipe
function initHorizontalWipe(el) {
gsap.fromTo(el,
{ clipPath: 'inset(0 100% 0 0)' },
{
clipPath: 'inset(0 0% 0 0)',
duration: 1.2,
ease: 'power3.out',
scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: 'top 80%' }
}
);
}
// Top-to-bottom drop reveal
function initTopDropReveal(el) {
gsap.fromTo(el,
{ clipPath: 'inset(0 0 100% 0)' },
{
clipPath: 'inset(0 0 0% 0)',
duration: 1.0,
ease: 'power2.out',
scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: 'top 75%' }
}
);
}
// Circle iris expand
function initCircleIris(el) {
gsap.fromTo(el,
{ clipPath: 'circle(0% at 50% 50%)' },
{
clipPath: 'circle(75% at 50% 50%)',
duration: 1.4,
ease: 'power2.inOut',
scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: 'top 60%' }
}
);
}
// Window pane iris (tiny box expands to full)
function initWindowPaneIris(sceneEl) {
gsap.fromTo(sceneEl,
{ clipPath: 'inset(45% 30% 45% 30% round 8px)' },
{
clipPath: 'inset(0% 0% 0% 0% round 0px)',
ease: 'none',
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: sceneEl,
start: 'top 80%',
end: 'top 20%',
scrub: 1,
}
}
);
}
Pattern 6: Horizontal Scroll Conversion
Vertical scrolling drives horizontal movement through panels. Classic premium technique.
function initHorizontalScroll(containerEl) {
const panels = gsap.utils.toArray('.h-panel', containerEl);
gsap.to(panels, {
xPercent: -100 * (panels.length - 1),
ease: 'none',
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: containerEl,
pin: true,
scrub: 1,
end: () => `+=${containerEl.offsetWidth * (panels.length - 1)}`,
snap: 1 / (panels.length - 1), // auto-snap to each panel
}
});
}
.h-scroll-container {
display: flex;
width: calc(300vw); /* 3 panels × 100vw */
height: 100vh;
overflow: hidden;
}
.h-panel {
width: 100vw;
height: 100vh;
flex-shrink: 0;
}
Pattern 7: Perspective Zoom Fly-Through
User appears to fly toward content. Combines scale, Z-axis, and opacity on a scrubbed pin.
function initPerspectiveZoom(sceneEl) {
const tl = gsap.timeline({
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: sceneEl,
start: 'top top',
end: '+=300%',
pin: true,
scrub: 2,
}
});
// Background "rushes toward" viewer
tl.fromTo('.zoom-bg',
{ scale: 0.4, filter: 'blur(20px)', opacity: 0.3 },
{ scale: 1.2, filter: 'blur(0px)', opacity: 1, duration: 0.6 }
)
// Product appears from far
.fromTo('.zoom-product',
{ scale: 0.1, z: -2000, opacity: 0 },
{ scale: 1, z: 0, opacity: 1, duration: 0.5, ease: 'power2.out' },
0.2
)
// Text fades in after product arrives
.fromTo('.zoom-title',
{ opacity: 0, letterSpacing: '2em' },
{ opacity: 1, letterSpacing: '0.05em', duration: 0.3 },
0.55
);
}
.zoom-scene {
perspective: 1200px;
perspective-origin: 50% 50%;
transform-style: preserve-3d;
overflow: hidden;
}
Pattern 8: Snap-to-Section
Full-page scroll snapping between sections — creates a chapter-like book feeling.
// Using GSAP Observer for smooth snapping
function initSectionSnap() {
// Register Observer plugin
gsap.registerPlugin(Observer);
const sections = gsap.utils.toArray('.snap-section');
let currentIndex = 0;
let animating = false;
function goTo(index) {
if (animating || index === currentIndex) return;
animating = true;
const direction = index > currentIndex ? 1 : -1;
const current = sections[currentIndex];
const next = sections[index];
const tl = gsap.timeline({
onComplete: () => {
currentIndex = index;
animating = false;
}
});
// Current section exits upward
tl.to(current, {
yPercent: -100 * direction,
opacity: 0,
duration: 0.8,
ease: 'power2.inOut'
})
// Next section enters from below/above
.fromTo(next,
{ yPercent: 100 * direction, opacity: 0 },
{ yPercent: 0, opacity: 1, duration: 0.8, ease: 'power2.inOut' },
0
);
}
Observer.create({
type: 'wheel,touch',
onDown: () => goTo(Math.min(currentIndex + 1, sections.length - 1)),
onUp: () => goTo(Math.max(currentIndex - 1, 0)),
tolerance: 100,
preventDefault: true,
});
}
Lenis Smooth Scroll
Lenis replaces native browser scroll with silky-smooth physics-based scrolling. Always pair with GSAP ScrollTrigger.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/@studio-freight/lenis@1.0.45/dist/lenis.min.js"></script>
function initLenis() {
const lenis = new Lenis({
duration: 1.2,
easing: (t) => Math.min(1, 1.001 - Math.pow(2, -10 * t)),
orientation: 'vertical',
smoothWheel: true,
});
// CRITICAL: Connect Lenis to GSAP ticker
lenis.on('scroll', ScrollTrigger.update);
gsap.ticker.add((time) => lenis.raf(time * 1000));
gsap.ticker.lagSmoothing(0);
return lenis;
}
IntersectionObserver Activation
Only animate elements that are currently visible. Critical for performance.
function initRevealObserver() {
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries) => {
entries.forEach(entry => {
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
entry.target.classList.add('is-visible');
// Trigger GSAP animation
const animType = entry.target.dataset.animate;
if (animType) triggerAnimation(entry.target, animType);
// Stop observing after first trigger
observer.unobserve(entry.target);
}
});
}, {
threshold: 0.15,
rootMargin: '0px 0px -50px 0px'
});
document.querySelectorAll('[data-animate]').forEach(el => observer.observe(el));
}
function triggerAnimation(el, type) {
const animations = {
'fade-up': () => gsap.from(el, { y: 60, opacity: 0, duration: 0.8, ease: 'power3.out' }),
'fade-in': () => gsap.from(el, { opacity: 0, duration: 1.0, ease: 'power2.out' }),
'scale-in': () => gsap.from(el, { scale: 0.8, opacity: 0, duration: 0.7, ease: 'back.out(1.7)' }),
'slide-left': () => gsap.from(el, { x: -80, opacity: 0, duration: 0.8, ease: 'power3.out' }),
'slide-right':() => gsap.from(el, { x: 80, opacity: 0, duration: 0.8, ease: 'power3.out' }),
'converge': () => animateSplitConverge(el), // See text-animations.md
};
animations[type]?.();
}
Pattern 9: Elastic Drop with Impact Shake
An element falls from above with an elastic overshoot, then a rapid micro-rotation shake fires on landing — simulating physical weight and impact.
function initElasticDrop(productEl, wrapperEl) {
const tl = gsap.timeline({ delay: 0.3 });
// Phase 1: element drops with elastic bounce
tl.from(productEl, {
y: -180,
opacity: 0,
scale: 1.1,
duration: 1.3,
ease: 'elastic.out(1, 0.65)',
})
// Phase 2: shake fires just as the elastic settles
// Apply to the WRAPPER not the element — avoids transform conflicts
.to(wrapperEl, {
keyframes: [
{ rotation: -2, duration: 0.08 },
{ rotation: 2, duration: 0.08 },
{ rotation: -1.5, duration: 0.07 },
{ rotation: 1, duration: 0.07 },
{ rotation: 0, duration: 0.10 },
],
ease: 'power1.inOut',
}, '-=0.35');
return tl;
}
<!-- Wrapper and product must be separate elements -->
<div class="drop-wrapper" id="dropWrapper">
<img class="drop-product" id="dropProduct" src="product.png" alt="..." />
</div>
Ease variants:
elastic.out(1, 0.65)— standard product, moderate bounceelastic.out(1.2, 0.5)— heavier object, more overshootelastic.out(0.8, 0.8)— lighter, quicker settleback.out(2.5)— no oscillation, one clean overshoot
Do NOT use for: gentle floaters, airy elements (flowers, feathers) — use power3.out instead.