Framer Motion

Community Framer Motion Best Practices

Comprehensive performance optimization guide for Framer Motion animations in React applications. Contains 42 rules across 9 categories, prioritized by impact to guide automated refactoring and code generation.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Adding animations to React components with Framer Motion
• Optimizing bundle size for animation-heavy applications
• Preventing unnecessary re-renders during animations
• Implementing layout transitions or shared element animations
• Building scroll-linked or gesture-based interactions

Rule Categories by Priority

Quick Reference

1. Bundle Optimization (CRITICAL)

• `bundle-lazy-motion` - Use LazyMotion and m component instead of motion
• `bundle-dynamic-features` - Dynamically import motion features
• `bundle-dom-animation` - Use domAnimation for basic animations
• `bundle-use-animate-mini` - Use mini useAnimate for simple cases
• `bundle-strict-mode` - Enable strict mode to catch accidental imports

2. Re-render Prevention (CRITICAL)

• `rerender-motion-value` - Use useMotionValue instead of useState
• `rerender-use-transform` - Derive values with useTransform
• `rerender-stable-callbacks` - Keep animation callbacks stable
• `rerender-variants-object` - Define variants outside component
• `rerender-animate-prop` - Use stable animate values
• `rerender-motion-value-event` - Use motion value events

3. Animation Properties (HIGH)

• `anim-transform-properties` - Animate transform properties
• `anim-opacity-filter` - Prefer opacity and filter for visual effects
• `anim-hardware-acceleration` - Leverage hardware acceleration
• `anim-will-change` - Use willChange prop judiciously
• `anim-independent-transforms` - Animate transforms independently
• `anim-keyframes-array` - Use keyframe arrays for sequences

4. Layout Animations (HIGH)

• `layout-dependency` - Use layoutDependency to limit measurements
• `layout-position-size` - Use layout="position" or "size" appropriately
• `layout-group` - Group related layout animations
• `layout-id-shared` - Use layoutId for shared element transitions
• `layout-scroll` - Add layoutScroll to scrollable ancestors

5. Scroll Animations (MEDIUM-HIGH)

• `scroll-use-scroll` - Use useScroll hook for scroll-linked animations
• `scroll-use-spring-smooth` - Smooth scroll animations with useSpring
• `scroll-element-tracking` - Track specific elements entering viewport
• `scroll-offset-configuration` - Configure scroll offsets
• `scroll-container-ref` - Track scroll within specific containers

6. Gesture Optimization (MEDIUM)

• `gesture-while-props` - Use whileHover/whileTap instead of handlers
• `gesture-variants-flow` - Let gesture variants flow to children
• `gesture-drag-constraints` - Use dragConstraints ref for boundaries
• `gesture-drag-elastic` - Configure dragElastic for natural feel
• `gesture-tap-cancel` - Use onTapCancel for interrupted gestures

7. Spring & Physics (MEDIUM)

• `spring-physics-based` - Use physics-based springs for interruptibility
• `spring-damping-ratio` - Configure damping to control oscillation
• `spring-mass-inertia` - Adjust mass for heavier/lighter feel
• `spring-use-spring-hook` - Use useSpring for reactive values

8. SVG & Path Animations (LOW-MEDIUM)

• `svg-path-length` - Use pathLength for line drawing animations
• `svg-motion-components` - Use motion.path and motion.circle
• `svg-viewbox-animation` - Animate viewBox for zoom effects
• `svg-morph-matching-points` - Match point counts for morphing

9. Exit Animations (LOW)

• `exit-animate-presence` - Wrap conditional renders with AnimatePresence
• `exit-unique-keys` - Provide unique keys for AnimatePresence children
• `exit-mode-wait` - Use mode="wait" for sequential transitions

How to Use

Read individual reference files for detailed explanations and code examples:

• Section definitions - Category structure and impact levels
• Rule template - Template for adding new rules

Reference Files