What Is the View Transitions API? Smooth Animations Between Pages
Works in both SPAs and multi-page apps
Implementing smooth animations during page transitions without flicker required complex JavaScript and CSS combinations. View Transitions API handles transition animations automatically via document.startViewTransition() or @view-transition rules for MPA.
By tracking specific elements with view-transition-name, you can implement shared element transitions where elements smoothly change position and size across pages.
How to Apply
1
In SPA, call document.startViewTransition(() => updateDOM())
2
In MPA, activate @view-transition via meta tag
3
Assign view-transition-name to shared elements
4
Customize transition animations with ::view-transition pseudo-elements
Pros
- ✓ Add page transition effects to existing apps with minimal code
- ✓ Supports both SPA and MPA, usable in any architecture
Cons
- ✗ Safari support is not yet complete
- ✗ Complex shared element transitions may have high layout calculation costs
Use Cases
Smooth transition from product list to detail page in e-commerce
Smooth color transition during dark/light mode switch