Imagine having moving pictures on your website or app that are fast, light, and interactive.
That's what JSON animations are all about!
In this article, we'll explore this awesome file format and learn how you can easily integrate them into your projects, making them even more fun and exciting.
example of a JSON animation
What is JSON?
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation; it is a lightweight file format that allows data to be shared, stored, and understood in the easiest way possible. The format consists of simple data structures and objects written in JS, perfect for sending an After Effects project.
Who Uses JSON?
Most web services use JSON to exchange information between clients and servers. The format is compatible with every major programming language and incredibly small. In addition, JSON’s syntax is simple, allowing data to be processed easier than other formats like XML.
What is JSON Animation?
In the past, animations on apps or webpages have been in an MP4, MOV, or GIF file format. These types of files are bloated and restricted by their pixels. Animations are built-in After Effects using vectors and exported using JSON files, making them super clear at all sizes and extremely small.
How Does JSON Animation Work?
JSON-based animations consist of three key components: an After Effects animation, the JSON file format, and Lottie rendering library. Each part is essential for shipping the data from the server to the client in just a few dozen kilobytes.
The genius of Lottie is sending a vector animation with JSON. Vector imaging is created with mathematical formulas, not static pixels do the render is clear regardless of the size of the image. Utilizing vector animation is one of the reasons Lottie is so compatible across different devices.
Another reason Lottie is so dynamic is that it’s served in a JSON file. Once a developer has created the perfect animation in After Effects, they use a plugin called Bodymovin to prepare the animation for the web. The plugin converts the animation project into JSON format, which is quickly sent and understood over the internet.
Once the animation is converted to JSON, Lottie can render the file across all devices and operating systems. Lottie supports solids, shape layers, masks, alpha mattes, trim paths, and dash patterns.
What are the Main Benefits of JSON Animation?
Engaging users is the objective of creating apps and web pages. Animations allow users to interact with the page rather than simply read the text and look at images.
The like button on Facebook has evolved over the years to be more stimulating to incentivize users to react to posts. What once was simply turning a thumbs-up icon blue has developed into seven enticing animations displayed as soon as the mouse hovers over the like button.
Adding unique features that increase the UX is just one of the many advantages of adopting the animation library.
JSON Animation is Lightweight
Compared to GIF and PNG files, Lottie is minuscule. Because Lottie is converted and sent in JSON, file sizes aren’t excessive, and servers easily understand the format.
JSON animation dramatically reduces the website or application’s size, primarily if multiple large animations are used. A lean website has ultra-fast load times and a low bounce rate. Lottie’s agile format allows developers to add engaging animation without overwhelming their HTTP requests.
Fully Interactive
Once an animation is in JSON format, it can be manipulated to increase integrations with the user. JSON animations can be programmed to run on a loop, on hover, on page load, on scroll, sped up, slowed down; the options are limitless. Getting creative with how the Lottie animation is utilized on a specific application or webpage substantially increases engagement.
JSON Provides Adaptability
JSON is universally accepted as the most efficient way to send data over the internet. For this reason, Lottie can be utilized on all operating systems, devices and even be used with major content management systems. In addition, Lottie can be used with various CMS platforms, including Shopify, WordPress, and Webflow.
Full Customization
Working in After Effects is surprisingly easy, even for beginners. Adobe offers complete customization of every layer in the animation so designers can get precisely what they want without limitations.
Clear Resolution at All Sizes with Vectors
JSON animation uses vectors rather than pixels. Every image has a limit; when scaled, the quality decreases and becomes pixilated. Vectors use math to form limes and shapes; the equation is increased or decreased rather than the actual image creating a crystal-clear resolution at any size.
How to Create a JSON animation
Building a JSON/Lottie is easy for anyone with a basic understanding of Adobe After Effects. Once the animation is created, it’s parsed into a JSON file using the Bodymovin plugin. Then the JSON file can be used in the code editor and rendered using the Lottie NPM.
For those not interested in learning After Effects and the Lottie framework, there are libraries available online with free animations ready to be added to an app or webpage.
Where Can I Download JSON Animation for Free?
Creattie is your premier quality platform for Lottie JSON-based animations. We have an extensive selection of Lottie animations and icon animations perfectly suited for every industry. Our animations are free to download and ready to be applied to your web or app project. Visit Creattie today for the best selection of JSON animations online.
