GSAP Velocity Observer Interactions

Timothy Ricks

July 23, 2024

Are you looking to add a dynamic twist to your Webflow sliders? Look no further! By leveraging the power of GSAP (GreenSock Animation Platform) and Observer.js, you can create a unique velocity-based interaction that breathes life into your static sliders. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of setting up this engaging feature.

What Makes This Slider Special?

Unlike traditional sliders, this GSAP-powered slider reacts to the velocity of your drag. The faster you drag, the more pronounced the animation effect. This adds a new layer of interactivity and engagement, making your website stand out.

Key Features

Velocity-Based Interaction: Items react based on the drag speed.
Customizable Attributes: Adjust velocity, CLAMP, rotation amount, duration, and easing.
Mobile and Desktop Friendly: Seamlessly works across all devices.
CMS Integration: Utilizes Webflow's native CMS collection lists.

How It Works

Step 1: Integrate GSAP and Observer.js

First, ensure you have GSAP and Observer.js included in your project. You can add these via the custom code settings in Webflow.

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/gsap/3.9.1/gsap.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/gsap/3.9.1/Observer.min.js"></script>

Step 2: Custom Code for Velocity-Based Interaction

Add the following custom code to your Webflow project:

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
  const items = document.querySelectorAll('.slider-item');
  let velocity = 0;

  gsap.registerPlugin(Observer);

  Observer.create({
    target: ".slider",
    type: "touch,pointer",
    onChangeX: (self) => {
      velocity = self.velocityX;
      items.forEach(item => {
        gsap.to(item, {
          rotation: velocity * 10, // Adjust rotation amount
          duration: 0.5, // Adjust duration
          ease: "power1.out" // Adjust easing
        });
      });
    }
  });
});

Step 3: Customize Attributes

Feel free to tweak the velocity, rotation, duration, and ease values to suit your design needs. These adjustments can be made directly within the custom code.

Conclusion

By integrating GSAP and Observer.js, you can transform a mundane slider into an interactive experience that responds to user input dynamically. This not only enhances user engagement but also adds a modern touch to your Webflow projects. Give it a try and watch your sliders come to life!

Happy animating! 🚀

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