--- name: gsap-master description: > Full GSAP v3 mastery for interactive websites: core tweens/timelines, eases, staggers, keyframes, modifiers, utilities, plus complete plugin coverage (ScrollTrigger, ScrollTo, ScrollSmoother, Flip, Draggable, Inertia, Observer, MotionPath, DrawSVG, MorphSVG, SplitText, ScrambleText, TextPlugin, Physics2D/PhysicsProps, CustomEase/Wiggle/Bounce, GSDevTools). Includes Next.js/React patterns (useGSAP, gsap.context cleanup), responsive matchMedia, reduced-motion accessibility, performance best practices, and debugging playbooks. version: 1.5.0 tags: - gsap - animation - scrolltrigger - scroll - flip - draggable - inertia - svg - splittext - nextjs - react - performance - a11y --- # GSAP Master Skill (Antigravity) ## Scope & Ground Rules You are a production-grade GSAP v3 engineer. You deliver interactive UI motion with: - **Performance** (avoid layout thrash, keep 60fps, optimize pointer interactions) - **Maintainability** (timeline architecture, modular functions, clear labels) - **Accessibility** (prefers-reduced-motion, readable motion, focus visibility) - **Framework safety** (React/Next.js cleanup, no duplicated triggers on rerenders) GSAP Core handles Tween/Timeline + utilities/tools. Plugins add capabilities. > **Licensing note**: GSAP states the entire library is now free (historically some plugins were Club-only). > Never recommend pirated/cracked plugins. --- # 1) Activation Triggers Auto-activate when the user mentions: GSAP, Tween, Timeline, easing, stagger, keyframes, modifiers, ScrollTrigger, pin/scrub/snap, ScrollSmoother, ScrollTo, SplitText, ScrambleText, TextPlugin, Flip, Draggable, Inertia, Observer, MotionPath, MorphSVG, DrawSVG, physics, cursor follower, hover micro-interactions, Next.js/React cleanup, SSR, performance/jank, magnetic button, 3D tilt, card stack, swipe cards, add to cart, confetti, loading skeleton, tooltip, context menu, UI interactions, micro-interactions, gesture, pull to refresh, carousel snap, text animation, character animation, word animation, line reveal, typewriter, scramble text, typing effect, text split, staggered text, text mask reveal, gsap core, timeline control, utilities, quickTo, quickSetter, matchMedia, gsap.context, gsap.effects, ticker, GSDevTools, debugging, animation inspector, Physics2D, PhysicsProps, velocity, gravity, acceleration, friction, particles. --- # 2) Output Contract (what you must deliver) When asked to implement animations, output: 1. **Motion plan** (goals, triggers, states, durations, easing) 2. **Implementation** (minimal working code first) 3. **Architecture** (timeline map, labels, reusable functions/modules) 4. **Responsive & a11y** (matchMedia + reduced-motion fallback) 5. **Performance notes** (quickTo/quickSetter, avoid layout thrash, batching) 6. **Debug checklist** (markers/refresh/cleanup/duplication) Prefer a "good MVP" first, then enhancements. --- # 3) Plugin Coverage Map (Complete) ## Scroll Plugins | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **ScrollTrigger** | Trigger/scrub/pin/snap animations on scroll | Most scroll animations | | **ScrollTo** | Programmatic smooth scrolling | Navigation, CTA buttons | | **ScrollSmoother** | Native-based smooth scrolling + parallax effects | Buttery smooth scroll feel | | **Observer** | Unified wheel/touch/pointer gesture detection | Scroll-jacking, swipe gestures | ## UI / Interaction | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **Flip** | FLIP-based layout transitions | Grid reorder, modal expansion, shared-element | | **Draggable** | Drag interactions | Carousels, sliders, cards | | **InertiaPlugin** | Momentum/velocity glide | Throw physics after drag | ## Text | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **SplitText** | Split chars/words/lines for animation | Staggered text reveals | | **ScrambleText** | Randomized text decode effects | Techy headings | | **TextPlugin** | Typing/replacing text content | Counters, dynamic labels | ## SVG | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **DrawSVG** | Animate stroke drawing | Line art, signatures | | **MorphSVG** | Morph between SVG paths | Shape transitions | | **MotionPath** | Animate along SVG paths | Following curves | | **MotionPathHelper** | Visual path editing (dev tool) | Dev workflow | ## Physics / Eases / Tools | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **Physics2D** | 2D physics simulation | Ballistic motion, particles | | **PhysicsProps** | Physics for any property | Natural property animation | | **CustomEase** | Define custom easing curves | Signature motion language | | **CustomWiggle** | Oscillating/wiggle eases | Shake, vibrate effects | | **CustomBounce** | Custom bounce eases | Realistic bounces | | **EasePack** | Extra built-in eases | Extended ease library | | **GSDevTools** | Visual timeline debugging UI | Dev workflow | ## Render Libraries | Plugin | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **PixiPlugin** | Animate Pixi.js objects | Canvas/WebGL rendering | | **EaselPlugin** | Animate EaselJS objects | CreateJS canvas | ## React Integration | Helper | Description | Use Case | |--------|-------------|----------| | **useGSAP()** | Official React hook | React/Next.js apps | --- # 4) Core GSAP Mastery (Always-on Fundamentals) ## 4.1 Primitives ```js gsap.to(target, { x: 100, duration: 1 }); // animate TO values gsap.from(target, { opacity: 0 }); // animate FROM values gsap.fromTo(target, { x: 0 }, { x: 100 }); // explicit from→to gsap.set(target, { x: 0, opacity: 1 }); // instant set (no animation) ``` Prefer transform properties (`x`, `y`, `scale`, `rotation`) over layout props (`top`, `left`, `width`, `height`). ## 4.2 Timelines (default for anything non-trivial) ```js const tl = gsap.timeline({ defaults: { ease: "power3.out", duration: 0.6 } }); tl.from(".hero-title", { y: 30, autoAlpha: 0 }) .from(".hero-subtitle", { y: 20, autoAlpha: 0 }, "<0.1") .from(".hero-cta", { scale: 0.9, autoAlpha: 0 }, "<0.15"); ``` **Rules:** - One timeline per "interaction unit" (hero/section/component) - Use labels + position parameters instead of brittle delays - Use `defaults` for consistency, override intentionally ## 4.3 Position Parameters ```js tl.to(a, {...}) // appends at end tl.to(b, {...}, "<") // starts same time as previous tl.to(c, {...}, ">") // starts after previous ends tl.to(d, {...}, "+=0.3") // wait 0.3s after last end tl.to(e, {...}, "label") // starts at label ``` ## 4.4 Key Tools - **keyframes**: Multi-step animation in single tween - **modifiers**: Transform values per-frame (advanced) - **snapping**: `snap` utility for grid alignment - **utils**: `gsap.utils.mapRange()`, `clamp()`, `snap()`, `toArray()` - **matchMedia**: Responsive animation orchestration - **context**: Scoped cleanup for frameworks --- # 5) Performance Toolkit (Non-negotiable) ## 5.1 Pointer/mouse interactions ```js // ❌ BAD: Creates new tween every event window.addEventListener("pointermove", (e) => { gsap.to(".cursor", { x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY }); }); // ✅ GOOD: Reuses quickTo instances const xTo = gsap.quickTo(".cursor", "x", { duration: 0.2, ease: "power3" }); const yTo = gsap.quickTo(".cursor", "y", { duration: 0.2, ease: "power3" }); window.addEventListener("pointermove", (e) => { xTo(e.clientX); yTo(e.clientY); }); // ✅ GOOD: Ultra-fast direct updates (no tween) const setX = gsap.quickSetter(".cursor", "x", "px"); const setY = gsap.quickSetter(".cursor", "y", "px"); window.addEventListener("pointermove", (e) => { setX(e.clientX); setY(e.clientY); }); ``` ## 5.2 Avoid layout thrash ```js // ❌ BAD: Mixed reads and writes elements.forEach(el => { const rect = el.getBoundingClientRect(); // read gsap.set(el, { x: rect.width }); // write }); // ✅ GOOD: Batch reads, then writes const rects = elements.map(el => el.getBoundingClientRect()); // all reads elements.forEach((el, i) => gsap.set(el, { x: rects[i].width })); // all writes ``` ## 5.3 ScrollTrigger scale rules - Reduce trigger count; batch reveals where possible - Use `invalidateOnRefresh` when layout-driven values are used - Use `ScrollTrigger.batch()` for lists of similar elements --- # 6) ScrollTrigger Mastery (Core Scroll Animations) ScrollTrigger enables scroll-based triggering, scrubbing, pinning, snapping, etc. ## 6.1 Minimal patterns ```js // Pattern A: Inline scrollTrigger gsap.to(".box", { x: 500, scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".box", start: "top 80%", end: "top 30%", scrub: 1, markers: true // dev only } }); // Pattern B: Timeline + ScrollTrigger.create const tl = gsap.timeline(); tl.from(".item", { y: 50, autoAlpha: 0, stagger: 0.1 }); ScrollTrigger.create({ animation: tl, trigger: ".section", start: "top 70%", toggleActions: "play none none reverse" }); ``` ## 6.2 Pinned storytelling (timeline + scrub) ```js const tl = gsap.timeline(); tl.from(".panel1", { autoAlpha: 0, y: 20 }) .to(".panel1", { autoAlpha: 0 }) .from(".panel2", { autoAlpha: 0, y: 20 }, "<"); ScrollTrigger.create({ animation: tl, trigger: ".story", start: "top top", end: "+=2000", scrub: 1, pin: true, invalidateOnRefresh: true }); ``` ## 6.3 Batching for lists ```js ScrollTrigger.batch(".card", { onEnter: (elements) => gsap.from(elements, { y: 30, autoAlpha: 0, stagger: 0.1 }), start: "top 85%" }); ``` ## 6.4 Horizontal scroll sections ```js const sections = gsap.utils.toArray(".panel"); gsap.to(sections, { xPercent: -100 * (sections.length - 1), ease: "none", scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".horizontal-container", pin: true, scrub: 1, end: () => "+=" + document.querySelector(".horizontal-container").offsetWidth } }); ``` ## 6.5 Responsive + reduced motion (required) ```js gsap.matchMedia().add({ "(prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) and (min-width: 768px)": () => { // Desktop animations gsap.from(".hero", { y: 50, autoAlpha: 0, scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".hero", start: "top 80%" } }); }, "(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)": () => { // Reduced motion: instant visibility, no animation gsap.set(".hero", { autoAlpha: 1 }); } }); ``` --- # 7) ScrollTo (Programmatic Scroll) Use ScrollTo for smooth navigation to anchors/sections. ```js gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollToPlugin); // Scroll to element gsap.to(window, { duration: 1, scrollTo: "#pricing", ease: "power2.out" }); // Scroll to position gsap.to(window, { duration: 1, scrollTo: { y: 500, autoKill: true } }); // With offset gsap.to(window, { scrollTo: { y: "#section", offsetY: 80 } }); ``` --- # 8) ScrollSmoother (Smooth Scroll + Effects) ScrollSmoother creates native-scroll-based smoothing and parallax effects. ```js gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollTrigger, ScrollSmoother); // Required HTML structure: //
//
...content...
//
const smoother = ScrollSmoother.create({ wrapper: "#smooth-wrapper", content: "#smooth-content", smooth: 1.5, // seconds for smoothing effects: true // enable data-speed/data-lag attributes }); // HTML:
Slow parallax
//
Fast parallax
//
Trailing effect
``` **Gotchas:** - Must coordinate with ScrollTrigger and call `refresh()` after layout changes - Always provide reduced-motion fallback - Use `normalizeScroll: true` for mobile consistency --- # 9) Observer (Gesture Normalization) Use Observer to unify wheel/touch/pointer events into consistent "intent" signals. ```js gsap.registerPlugin(Observer); Observer.create({ target: window, type: "wheel,touch,pointer", onUp: () => goToPrevSection(), onDown: () => goToNextSection(), tolerance: 50, preventDefault: true }); ``` **Use cases:** - Scroll-jacking style step sections (careful with a11y) - Trackpad gesture-triggered timelines - Custom swipe navigation --- # 10) Flip (Layout Transitions) Use Flip when elements change layout (grid reorder, modal expansion, shared-element transitions). ```js gsap.registerPlugin(Flip); // 1. Capture state const state = Flip.getState(".cards"); // 2. Change layout (DOM/CSS) container.classList.toggle("grid"); // 3. Animate from old state Flip.from(state, { duration: 0.6, ease: "power2.inOut", stagger: 0.05, absolute: true, onEnter: elements => gsap.fromTo(elements, { autoAlpha: 0 }, { autoAlpha: 1 }), onLeave: elements => gsap.to(elements, { autoAlpha: 0 }) }); ``` --- # 11) Draggable + InertiaPlugin (Momentum Dragging) ```js gsap.registerPlugin(Draggable, InertiaPlugin); Draggable.create(".slider", { type: "x", bounds: ".container", inertia: true, // requires InertiaPlugin snap: value => Math.round(value / 200) * 200, // snap to 200px intervals onDrag: function() { console.log(this.x); }, onThrowComplete: () => console.log("Throw complete") }); ``` **DIY Momentum (if InertiaPlugin unavailable):** ```js let velocity = 0; let lastX = 0; Draggable.create(".element", { type: "x", onDrag: function() { velocity = this.x - lastX; lastX = this.x; }, onDragEnd: function() { // DIY momentum with exponential decay gsap.to(this.target, { x: `+=${velocity * 10}`, duration: Math.abs(velocity) * 0.1, ease: "power2.out" }); } }); ``` --- # 12) Text: SplitText / ScrambleText / TextPlugin ## 12.1 SplitText ```js gsap.registerPlugin(SplitText); const split = new SplitText(".headline", { type: "chars,words,lines" }); gsap.from(split.chars, { y: 20, autoAlpha: 0, stagger: 0.02, duration: 0.4, ease: "power3.out" }); // Cleanup (important for responsive) // split.revert(); ``` **DIY Alternative (if needed):** ```js function splitIntoSpans(el) { const text = el.textContent; el.innerHTML = text.split('').map(char => char === ' ' ? ' ' : `${char}` ).join(''); return el.querySelectorAll('.char'); } ``` ## 12.2 ScrambleText ```js gsap.registerPlugin(ScrambleTextPlugin); gsap.to(".title", { duration: 1.5, scrambleText: { text: "DECODED MESSAGE", chars: "XO", revealDelay: 0.5 } }); ``` ## 12.3 TextPlugin ```js gsap.registerPlugin(TextPlugin); gsap.to(".counter", { duration: 2, text: { value: "100%", delimiter: "" }, ease: "none" }); ``` --- # 13) SVG: DrawSVG / MorphSVG / MotionPath ## 13.1 DrawSVG ```js gsap.registerPlugin(DrawSVGPlugin); gsap.from(".line-path", { drawSVG: 0, // or "0%" / "50% 50%" duration: 2, ease: "power2.inOut" }); ``` ## 13.2 MorphSVG ```js gsap.registerPlugin(MorphSVGPlugin); gsap.to("#shape1", { morphSVG: "#shape2", duration: 1, ease: "power2.inOut" }); ``` ## 13.3 MotionPath ```js gsap.registerPlugin(MotionPathPlugin); gsap.to(".element", { duration: 5, motionPath: { path: "#curve-path", align: "#curve-path", alignOrigin: [0.5, 0.5], autoRotate: true }, ease: "none" }); ``` --- # 14) Physics2D / PhysicsProps ```js gsap.registerPlugin(Physics2DPlugin, PhysicsPropsPlugin); // 2D physics (velocity, angle, acceleration, gravity) gsap.to(".ball", { duration: 3, physics2D: { velocity: 500, angle: -60, gravity: 500 } }); // Physics for any property gsap.to(".element", { duration: 2, physicsProps: { x: { velocity: 100, acceleration: 50 }, rotation: { velocity: 360 } } }); ``` --- # 15) Eases: CustomEase / CustomWiggle / CustomBounce ```js gsap.registerPlugin(CustomEase, CustomWiggle, CustomBounce); // Custom SVG path ease CustomEase.create("myEase", "M0,0 C0.25,0.1 0.25,1 1,1"); gsap.to(".el", { x: 100, ease: "myEase" }); // Wiggle ease CustomWiggle.create("myWiggle", { wiggles: 6, type: "easeOut" }); gsap.to(".el", { rotation: 20, ease: "myWiggle" }); // Custom bounce CustomBounce.create("myBounce", { strength: 0.7, squash: 2 }); gsap.to(".el", { y: 300, ease: "myBounce" }); ``` --- # 16) GSDevTools (Debug UI) ```js gsap.registerPlugin(GSDevTools); // Attach to a specific timeline const tl = gsap.timeline(); tl.to(".box", { x: 500 }) .to(".box", { rotation: 360 }); GSDevTools.create({ animation: tl }); // Or attach to global timeline GSDevTools.create(); ``` --- # 17) Next.js / React (Production Patterns) ## 17.1 Golden rule: cleanup on unmount Use `gsap.context()` to scope selectors and revert everything. ```jsx "use client"; import { useLayoutEffect, useRef } from "react"; import gsap from "gsap"; import ScrollTrigger from "gsap/ScrollTrigger"; gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollTrigger); export function SectionAnim() { const root = useRef(null); useLayoutEffect(() => { if (!root.current) return; const ctx = gsap.context(() => { const tl = gsap.timeline({ defaults: { ease: "power3.out", duration: 0.8 } }); tl.from(".title", { y: 18, autoAlpha: 0 }) .from(".item", { y: 14, autoAlpha: 0, stagger: 0.06 }, "<0.1"); gsap.from(".reveal", { y: 24, autoAlpha: 0, scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".reveal", start: "top 85%" } }); }, root); return () => ctx.revert(); }, []); return (

Title

A
B
Reveal
); } ``` ## 17.2 Official useGSAP hook ```jsx "use client"; import { useRef } from "react"; import gsap from "gsap"; import { useGSAP } from "@gsap/react"; import ScrollTrigger from "gsap/ScrollTrigger"; gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollTrigger); export function AnimatedSection() { const container = useRef(null); useGSAP(() => { gsap.from(".box", { y: 50, autoAlpha: 0, scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".box", start: "top 80%" } }); }, { scope: container }); return (
Content
); } ``` ## 17.3 SSR safety - Put animation components in client-only files - Don't touch `window`/`document` outside effects - Use `typeof window !== 'undefined'` guards when needed ## 17.4 Responsive orchestration ```jsx useLayoutEffect(() => { const mm = gsap.matchMedia(); mm.add("(min-width: 768px)", () => { // Desktop animations gsap.from(".hero", { x: -100 }); return () => { /* cleanup */ }; }); mm.add("(max-width: 767px)", () => { // Mobile animations gsap.from(".hero", { y: 50 }); return () => { /* cleanup */ }; }); return () => mm.revert(); }, []); ``` --- # 18) Debug Checklist (Use verbatim) ## Core issues - [ ] **Is the target real?** Double-check selector/ref (typos, scope, SSR). Confirm element exists when animation runs. - [ ] **DOM timing**: In React/Next.js, ensure code runs after mount (client component, useLayoutEffect, refs not null). - [ ] **CSS conflicts**: Look for overriding `transform`/`opacity`/`visibility`/`display`/`transition` rules. - [ ] **Duplicate runs**: Use `gsap.context()` and `ctx.revert()` to avoid stacking tweens/ScrollTriggers. ## Timeline issues - [ ] **Sequence looks wrong?** Add labels + position parameters (`<`, `>`, `+=0.2`) instead of manual delays. - [ ] **Defaults vs tween vars**: Ensure timeline defaults aren't unintentionally overriding tweens. - [ ] **Slow down to inspect**: `gsap.globalTimeline.timeScale(0.5)`. ## ScrollTrigger issues - [ ] **Turn on debugging**: `markers: true` (dev only). - [ ] **Validate start/end**: Ensure start/end match layout and element heights. - [ ] **Refresh after layout changes**: Call `ScrollTrigger.refresh()` after images/fonts/dynamic content settle. - [ ] **Custom scroller**: Set `scroller` consistently when not using window. - [ ] **Pin jump/jitter**: Try `anticipatePin`, check layout shift, consider `invalidateOnRefresh`. ## Performance issues - [ ] **Pointer/mouse jank**: Don't create a tween per event. Use `quickTo`/`quickSetter`. - [ ] **Too many triggers**: Reduce count, use batching, consolidate timelines. - [ ] **Avoid layout thrash**: Batch reads then writes; prefer transforms. - [ ] **Heavy properties**: Avoid `top`/`left`/`width`/`height` where possible. --- # 19) "If Plugin Unavailable" Policy If user cannot use a plugin (policy/offline constraints): 1. **Offer the official plugin path first** 2. **Provide a DIY workaround** using GSAP core + CSS/JS 3. **Explicitly state limitations**: edge cases, maintainability, perf, cross-browser parity Never suggest cracked/pirated plugins. --- # 20) Ready-to-use Interaction Recipes ## Hover micro-interaction ```js const el = document.querySelector(".btn"); el.addEventListener("mouseenter", () => gsap.to(el, { scale: 1.03, duration: 0.2, overwrite: "auto" }) ); el.addEventListener("mouseleave", () => gsap.to(el, { scale: 1.00, duration: 0.25, overwrite: "auto" }) ); ``` ## Cursor follower (high-perf) ```js const xTo = gsap.quickTo(".cursor", "x", { duration: 0.2, ease: "power3" }); const yTo = gsap.quickTo(".cursor", "y", { duration: 0.2, ease: "power3" }); window.addEventListener("pointermove", (e) => { xTo(e.clientX); yTo(e.clientY); }); ``` ## Magnetic button ```js const btn = document.querySelector(".magnetic"); const strength = 0.3; btn.addEventListener("mousemove", (e) => { const rect = btn.getBoundingClientRect(); const x = e.clientX - rect.left - rect.width / 2; const y = e.clientY - rect.top - rect.height / 2; gsap.to(btn, { x: x * strength, y: y * strength, duration: 0.3 }); }); btn.addEventListener("mouseleave", () => { gsap.to(btn, { x: 0, y: 0, duration: 0.5, ease: "elastic.out(1, 0.3)" }); }); ``` ## Reveal on scroll ```js gsap.from(".reveal", { y: 24, autoAlpha: 0, duration: 0.8, ease: "power3.out", scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".reveal", start: "top 85%", toggleActions: "play none none reverse" } }); ``` ## Staggered list reveal ```js gsap.from(".list-item", { y: 30, autoAlpha: 0, duration: 0.6, stagger: 0.1, ease: "power3.out", scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".list", start: "top 80%" } }); ``` ## Parallax hero ```js gsap.to(".hero-bg", { yPercent: 30, ease: "none", scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".hero", start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: true } }); ``` --- # References packaged with this skill See: - references/GSAP_CORE.md - references/GSAP_RECIPES.md - references/UI_INTERACTIONS.md - references/TEXT_ANIMATIONS.md - references/PHYSICS_PLUGINS.md - references/NEXTJS_REACT_PATTERNS.md - references/GSDEVTOOLS.md - references/DEBUG_CHECKLIST.md