Why Use CSS Code for Animations Instead of Libraries?

Animations are essential for improving user experience when creating a website's front end. For simplicity, a lot of developers use animation libraries, however there is a solid reason for implementing custom CSS code instead.

1. Lightweight and Fast Performance

Using CSS code for animations ensures your website remains lightweight. Libraries often come bundled with numerous pre-defined animations, many of which might never be used in your project. Including a full library unnecessarily increases your site's load time, potentially impacting performance metrics and SEO rankings.

Custom animations, written in pure CSS, only include the specific functionality you need. This eliminates excess code and reduces file size, making your website faster and more efficient.

2. Tailored and Accurate Animations

Pre-built libraries offer a one-size-fits-all solution, which can sometimes be limiting. Writing your own animation code allows you to tailor the animation exactly to your needs.

@keyframes bounce {
  0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 100% {
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
  40% {
    transform: translateY(-30px);
  }
  60% {
    transform: translateY(-15px);
  }
}

.bounce {
  animation: bounce 2s infinite;
}

This approach allows you to maintain full control over timing, easing, and responsiveness, ensuring the animation integrates seamlessly into your design.

3. Improved Readability and Maintainability

Using CSS animations directly in your codebase enhances maintainability. Your team can easily understand and adjust the animations without relying on external documentation or dependencies.

4. Avoiding Dependency on Third-Party Libraries

Relying on external libraries creates a dependency that can be problematic. Updates or deprecations in the library might force you to refactor parts of your project. Writing animations in CSS ensures your codebase is self-contained and resilient to external changes.

Custom CSS Animations vs. Animation Libraries

Aspect	Custom CSS Animations	Animation Libraries
File Size	Lightweight, only includes necessary code.	Bulkier, includes unused animations, increasing file size.
Performance	Optimized for faster loading and better site speed.	May slow down performance due to extra bundled code.
Customization	Fully customizable to match exact project requirements.	Limited to predefined animations; harder to tailor.
Accuracy	Precise control over timing, easing, and responsiveness.	Generalized; may require overrides to achieve specific behavior.
Readability	Easy to read and modify; fits seamlessly into the project’s CSS files.	Requires learning library syntax; can lead to messy overrides.
Dependency	No external dependencies, reducing risk of compatibility issues.	Relies on third-party libraries, which may be deprecated or updated.
Learning Curve	Encourages understanding of CSS fundamentals, fostering skill growth.	Faster initial implementation but discourages deep CSS learning.
Bug Fixes	Easier to debug and resolve issues in custom code.	Fixes require understanding the library’s internal workings.
SEO Impact	Helps improve load time, boosting SEO rankings.	May negatively affect SEO due to slower load speeds.

Conclusion

While animation libraries are convenient for quick prototyping or small projects, writing CSS animations offers significant benefits for performance, accuracy, and maintainability. By creating custom animations, developers can craft lightweight, responsive, and visually stunning websites that stand out in both functionality and user experience.

Pro Tip: Start small by learning the basics of @keyframes, animation properties, and transitions. With practice, you’ll discover how rewarding it is to create animations from scratch.