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Easing Functions for SVG Animation

Easing functions control an animation's pace over time, and choosing the right one is key to natural, polished-feeling motion.

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What Easing Functions Actually Control

An easing function defines the rate of change of an animated property over its duration, meaning a linear ease moves at a constant speed throughout, while an ease-out function starts fast and decelerates toward the end, producing dramatically different perceived motion quality even with identical start and end values.

  • An easing function defines the rate of change of a property over its duration
  • Linear easing moves at a constant speed for the entire animation
  • Ease-out starts fast and decelerates, producing very different perceived motion

Choosing an Easing Function for Natural Motion

Real-world physical motion rarely moves at a perfectly constant speed, so ease-in-out or spring-based easing functions generally feel more natural for SVG animations mimicking physical movement, while linear easing suits mechanical or continuous effects like a spinning loading indicator instead.

  • Real-world motion rarely moves at a perfectly constant, linear speed
  • Ease-in-out or spring-based easing generally feels more natural for physical motion
  • Linear easing suits mechanical or continuous effects like a spinning loader

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a linear animation often feel robotic compared to an eased one?

Real-world physical motion accelerates and decelerates rather than moving at a perfectly constant speed, so a linear ease can feel mechanical compared to an eased alternative.

When is linear easing actually the right choice for an SVG animation?

Linear easing suits continuous, mechanical effects like a spinning loading indicator, where a constant, unchanging speed matches the intended visual metaphor.

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