SVG getPointAtLength() Method
getPointAtLength() returns the exact coordinate at a specified distance along a path, enabling animation along curves and more.
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Finding Coordinates Along a Path
Calling getPointAtLength(distance) on an SVG path element returns an object with x and y properties representing the exact point that distance along the path's length, letting JavaScript position other elements (like a moving dot or a label) precisely along a curved path without manually calculating the curve's geometry.
- getPointAtLength(distance) returns the exact x/y point at that path distance
- Positions elements like a moving dot or label precisely along a curve
- Avoids manually calculating complex Bezier or arc curve geometry
Common Uses for Point-Along-Path Animation
This method is commonly used to animate an element traveling along a path by incrementing the distance value over time, to place evenly spaced markers along a curved route on a map, or to build a custom motion-path animation with finer runtime control than a purely declarative CSS offset-path animation provides.
- Animates an element traveling along a path by incrementing the distance value
- Places evenly spaced markers along a curved route or path
- Offers finer runtime control than a purely declarative CSS offset-path animation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the total length to iterate getPointAtLength() across?
Call getTotalLength() on the same path element first to get its full length, then iterate getPointAtLength() from 0 up to that total length to walk the entire path.
Is getPointAtLength() available on all SVG shape elements or only paths?
It's available on path elements and, in modern browsers, on other geometry elements too via the SVGGeometryElement interface, though path is the most common element it's used with.
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