@formkit/auto-animate vs gsap
Side-by-side comparison of @formkit/auto-animate and gsap
- Weekly Downloads
- 542.0K
- Stars
- 13.7K
- Gzip Size
- 3.3 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1mo ago
- Open Issues
- 36
- Forks
- 248
- Unpacked Size
- 56.4 kB
- Dependencies
- 1
- Weekly Downloads
- 1.8M
- Stars
- 23.8K
- Gzip Size
- 28.0 kB
- License
- Standard 'no charge' license: https://gsap.com/standard-license.
- Last Updated
- 1mo ago
- Open Issues
- 9
- Forks
- 1.9K
- Unpacked Size
- 6.3 MB
- Dependencies
- 1
Download Trends
Verdict
@formkit/auto-animate is optimal for developers looking to add simple animations to their applications with minimal setup, ideal for use cases in UI libraries or applications built with frameworks like React or Vue. In contrast, gsap is a comprehensive JavaScript animation library suited for projects requiring complex animations across various platforms and frameworks, including CSS and SVG, making it suitable for teams aiming to build intricate animations.
For smaller projects or teams with limited animation experience, @formkit/auto-animate provides a straightforward solution with less overhead and faster implementation. Conversely, if the project is larger, requires fine-tuned animations, or involves a mix of technologies, gsap scales better and offers more advanced features. Evaluate the complexity of your requirements and the team's expertise when making a decision.
When transitioning to gsap for more ambitious animation needs, developers might face a steeper learning curve due to its extensive API. Conversely, while @formkit/auto-animate offers simplicity, it may expose limitations for highly specific or custom animation scenarios that gsap can handle with greater flexibility and control.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | @formkit/auto-animate | gsap |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle Size | ✓Very lightweight at 3.3 kB gzip, perfect for performance-sensitive applications. | 28.0 kB gzip is larger but still reasonable for its capabilities. |
| Ease of Use | ✓Straightforward with quick implementation for basic animations. | Requires more in-depth knowledge, especially for advanced features. |
| Open Issues | 36 open issues could indicate ongoing development needs. | ✓9 open issues suggest a more stable codebase. |
| Scalability | Limited in scalability for intricate animations. | ✓Highly scalable with extensive options for complex animations. |
| GitHub Stars | 13.7K stars show a reasonable level of community approval. | ✓23.8K stars signify greater adoption and a possible larger ecosystem. |
| Last Updated | ✓Last updated on 2025-12-16, newer updates may suggest active development. | Updated on 2025-12-12, but slightly less recent than @formkit/auto-animate. |
| Unpacked Size | ✓56.4 kB, manageable for applications prioritizing performance. | 6.3 MB is significantly larger, suitable for more feature-rich environments. |
| Learning Curve | ✓Low, approachable for developers of any skill level. | Moderate to high, depending on the complexity of animations. |
| Topics Covered | Focused on animation within specific frameworks like React and Vue. | ✓Extensive coverage of various animation fields including CSS, SVG, and JavaScript. |
| Weekly Downloads | 539.8K downloads indicate moderate popularity among developers. | ✓1.8M downloads suggest strong demand and community support. |
| Overall Positioning | Best for simple animations in UI frameworks with minimal setup. | ✓Ideal for complex, framework-agnostic animations with broad capabilities. |
| Project Complexity Suitability | Well-suited for small to medium projects with basic animation needs. | ✓Better for large projects requiring detailed and complex animations. |