Easing Curves Guide
Easing curves control how animations accelerate and decelerate over time — they define the "feel" of your animations.
Overview
Purpose: Control animation acceleration and deceleration
Common Use Cases:
- Natural Motion: Smooth, organic-feeling animations
- Mechanical Motion: Precise, linear transitions
- Dramatic Effects: Strong acceleration or deceleration
- Custom Timing: User-defined animation curves
Easing Types
Linear
- Pattern: Constant speed throughout
- Use Case: Mechanical transitions, precise timing
- Visual: Straight diagonal line
Ease In
- Pattern: Slow start, fast end
- Use Case: Natural acceleration
- Visual: Curved line starting slow, ending fast
Ease Out
- Pattern: Fast start, slow end
- Use Case: Natural deceleration
- Visual: Curved line starting fast, ending slow
Ease In Out
- Pattern: Slow start and end, fast middle
- Use Case: Smooth, natural motion
- Visual: S-curve with slow ends and fast middle
Custom Curves
- Pattern: User-defined shape
- Use Case: Precise control over timing
- Visual: Custom curve shape
Common Easing Types
| Easing Type | Pattern | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Linear | Constant speed | Mechanical transitions |
| Ease In | Slow start, fast end | Natural acceleration |
| Ease Out | Fast start, slow end | Natural deceleration |
| Ease In Out | Slow start and end | Smooth, natural motion |
| Ease Out Back | Overshoot effect | Bouncy, playful animations |
| Ease In Sine | Smooth acceleration | Natural, organic feel |
| Ease Out Elastic | Elastic effect | Dramatic, elastic animations |
Best Practices
- Use Ease Out for UI elements (feels responsive)
- Use Ease In Out for smooth, natural motion
- Use Ease Out Back for playful, bouncy effects
- Use Custom Curves for precise timing control
- Test easing curves in context for best feel
Next: Advanced: Complex Graphs