Skip to main content

✨ Smart Animation Overview

Smart Animations in AppStruct allow you to create sophisticated multi-screen animations that provide smooth transitions between different states of your app elements. This powerful feature enables you to build engaging user experiences with professional-grade animations.

What are Smart Animations?​

Smart Animations are element-based transitions that automatically animate changes between different screens or states. When a user interacts with an element (like clicking a button), Smart Animations can smoothly transform that element and others to their new positions, sizes, or properties on subsequent screens.

Key Features:​

  • 🎯 Element-to-Element Morphing - Elements smoothly transition between different screens
  • 🎨 Multiple Animation Types - Choose from smart, instant, bounce, fade, slide, zoom
  • ⚙️ Customizable Settings - Control duration, damping, stiffness, and easing
  • 🔄 Multi-Screen Support - Create complex animation sequences across multiple screens
  • 📱 Cross-Platform - Works on web, iOS, and Android apps

How Smart Animations Work​

1. Animation Trigger​

Smart Animations are triggered by user interactions with elements that have Smart Animation actions attached to them.

2. Screen Sequence​

The animation creates a sequence of screens where elements transform from their initial state to their final state through intermediate frames.

3. Element Matching​

AppStruct automatically matches elements between screens based on their properties and positions, creating smooth morphing effects.

4. Transition Effects​

During the animation, elements smoothly transition their:

  • Position (left, top coordinates)
  • Size (width, height)
  • Appearance (colors, opacity, styles)
  • Content (text, images)

Animation Types Available​

Animation TypeDescriptionBest Used For
SmartIntelligent transitions that automatically choose the best animation pathComplex multi-element transitions
InstantNo transition animation, immediate changeQuick state changes
BounceElements bounce into their final positionPlayful, engaging interactions
FadeElements fade out and fade in to new positionsSubtle, elegant transitions
SlideElements slide from old to new positionsDirectional navigation
ZoomElements scale during transitionFocus changes, modal openings

When to Use Smart Animations​

✅ Ideal Use Cases:​

  • Modal/Dialog Openings - Animate from button to full modal
  • Card Expansions - Transform card previews to detail views
  • Navigation Transitions - Smooth page-to-page transitions
  • Form Progressions - Multi-step form animations
  • State Changes - Loading states, status updates

❌ Avoid Smart Animations For:​

  • Simple Page Navigation - Use regular navigation for basic page switches
  • Performance-Critical Sections - Heavy animations can impact performance
  • Accessibility Concerns - Consider users who prefer reduced motion

Smart Animation Components​

1. Animation Trigger Element​

The element that starts the animation when interacted with (usually a button or clickable element).

2. Animation Screens​

Multiple screens that represent different states of your interface during the animation sequence.

3. Animated Elements​

Elements that transform during the animation - these can be the trigger element itself or other elements on the screen.

4. Transition Settings​

Configuration options that control how the animation behaves:

  • Duration - How long the animation takes
  • Damping - Controls the spring effect
  • Stiffness - How quickly the animation reaches its target
  • Easing - The acceleration curve of the animation

Smart Animation Workflow​

Step 1: Set Up Trigger​

  1. Select an element that will trigger the animation
  2. Add a Smart Animation action to the element
  3. This creates your first animation screen

Step 2: Create Animation Sequence​

  1. Add additional screens to your animation sequence
  2. Position and style elements differently on each screen
  3. AppStruct automatically creates transitions between screens

Step 3: Configure Transitions​

  1. Adjust animation type (smart, bounce, fade, etc.)
  2. Fine-tune duration and easing settings
  3. Test the animation in preview mode

Step 4: Test & Refine​

  1. Preview your animation to see how it looks
  2. Adjust timing and easing as needed
  3. Ensure smooth performance across devices

Performance Considerations​

Best Practices:​

  • Limit Animated Elements - Too many animating elements can cause performance issues
  • Optimize Animation Duration - Keep animations between 0.3-0.8 seconds for best UX
  • Test on Mobile - Ensure animations perform well on slower devices
  • Use GPU-Accelerated Properties - Stick to transforming position, scale, and opacity when possible

Performance Tips:​

  • Avoid animating many elements simultaneously
  • Use simpler animation types for complex layouts
  • Test animations on various device types
  • Consider providing animation disable options for accessibility

Getting Started​

Ready to create your first Smart Animation? Check out our step-by-step guide:

👉 Creating Smart Animations →

For advanced configuration options:

👉 Animation Types & Settings →

Examples & Inspiration​

Common Smart Animation Patterns:​

  1. Button to Modal - Transform a "Details" button into a full product detail modal
  2. Card Expansion - Animate a product card expanding into a full product page
  3. Menu Transformations - Animate hamburger menu icons into full navigation menus
  4. Progress Indicators - Show multi-step processes with smooth transitions
  5. State Transitions - Animate between loading, success, and error states

Smart Animations add a professional touch to your app and create engaging user experiences that keep users interested and provide clear visual feedback for their interactions.