SVG animation with CSS: basics, examples and optimization

Consider one of the simplest and most common methods of animating SVG images – CSS animation. If you need to create basic visual effects, such as changing color, scaling, rotating or moving objects, then they will definitely suit you because these effects are simple and easy to implement. CSS animations are a reliable tool in the arsenal of a web developer because they are supported by all browsers and provide high performance.

So let’s take a look at how CSS animations work, how they work with SVG animation, and how to use them properly to achieve flawless results in web development. If you want to learn about all 5 SVG methods, we have a separate article on our blog.

The basics of CSS Animation

Gradual CSS animations allow CSS property values ​​to change. This can be implemented using key frames (@keyframes). They define the initial and final states of the animation and the intermediate states between them.

Code example

@keyframes scaleAnimation {
  from {transform: scale(1);}
  to {transform: scale(1.5);}
}

svg {
  animation-name: scaleAnimation;
  animation-duration: 2s;
  animation-iteration-count: infinite;
}

The code above causes the SVG image to smoothly resize from its original state to its enlarged state and back again.

CSS properties for animations

Code example

@keyframes complexAnimation {
  0% {transform: translateX(0) rotate(0); opacity: 1;}
  50% {transform: translateX(50px) rotate(180deg); opacity: 0.5;}
  100% {transform: translateX(0) rotate(360deg); opacity: 1;}
}

svg {
  animation: complexAnimation 4s infinite;
}

The code above causes the SVG element to move along the X axis, rotate, and change transparency in a loop.

Advantages of CSS animations for SVG

Speed ​​of implementation and simplicity

Cross-platform

Disadvantages and limitations of CSS animations

Like any tool, even one as powerful as CSS animations has its limitations. For example, more complex animations, such as animations based on user events or synchronizing multiple animation elements, may require additional tools such as JavaScript.

CSS also has limited capabilities for working with timelines and sequences, which in turn can limit the complexity and duration of animations. In specific situations like this, JavaScript or specialized libraries like GSAP may be a better choice.

Examples of using CSS animations in web development

Logo animation

One of the popular methods of using CSS animations is creating logo animations. For example, the company logo appears smoothly when you enter the page or changes color when you move the mouse cursor over it.

Code example

@keyframes logoAnimation {
  from {transform: scale(0); opacity: 0;}
  to {transform: scale(1); opacity: 1;}
}

#logo {
  animation: logoAnimation 1s ease-out;
}

Animation of icons

SVG icons can be animated using CSS to create interactive user interface elements. For example, when the user interacts with the menu icon, it can rotate or change color.

Code example

@keyframes menuIconAnimation {
  from {transform: rotate(0deg);}
  to {transform: rotate(90deg);}
}

.menu-icon:hover {
  animation: menuIconAnimation 0.5s forwards;
}

Button animation

Dynamic button effects, such as zooming in on click or changing color on hover, can also be achieved using SVG graphics.

Code example

@keyframes buttonHoverAnimation {
  from {transform: scale(1);}
  to {transform: scale(1.1);}
}

.button:hover svg {
  animation: buttonHoverAnimation 0.3s forwards;
}

Optimization of CSS animations for SVG

Using Hardware Acceleration

Will-change is a property that provides smooth animation. It tells the browser that certain properties of the element will change and allows them to optimize their processing.

Code example

svg {
  will-change: transform, opacity;
}

Reducing the use of key personnel

To create a simple animation, you can reduce the use of key frames by applying CSS properties such as transition. This allows you to reduce the amount of code and improve performance.

Code example

svg {
  transition: transform 0.5s ease-in-out;
}

svg:hover {
  transform: scale(1.2);
}

SVG animation with CSS – conclusions

If you’re looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use tool for animating SVG images, then CSS Animations is just what you need. It is about high performance, cross-platform and ease of implementation, these factors make them an indispensable tool in web development. However, don’t forget the limitations, especially when it comes to complex animations that require more flexible control.

CSS animations can help you achieve the desired result with minimal effort, whether you’re creating a simple hover effect for an icon or an animation for a company logo. You can improve the user experience and make your web projects more dynamic and attractive if you use this tool correctly.

SVG animation by SELECTOR.SPACE

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