35+ CSS Text Animation Examples: Live CodePen Demos & Copy-Paste Code 2025

CSS
Last updated on: November 20, 2025

You’ve built a solid landing page. The copy is sharp. The CTA is clean. But something’s missing—that motion that makes users stop scrolling and actually pay attention.

Static text doesn’t compete anymore. Animation does.

The challenge? Most CSS animation tutorials either drown you in theory or throw a hundred disconnected CodePen links at you. Meanwhile, you’re left wondering: Will this animation actually perform on mobile? Does it work in Safari? When should I use pure CSS versus JavaScript?

Here’s what this guide delivers: 35 production-ready CSS text animation examples, organized by type, with live CodePen demos you can fork today—plus honest guidance on performance, browser support, and when to use pure CSS versus GSAP.

Unlike generic listicles, this article addresses the gaps competitors miss:

  • Performance tiers for each effect (S-Tier to F-Tier based on real GPU acceleration data)
  • Safari + mobile workarounds for effects that typically glitch
  • GSAP vs. pure CSS comparison (so you know when to reach for JavaScript)
  • Actual use-case scenarios (not “works for everyone”)

Let’s get into it.

What Are CSS Text Animation Examples? (Featured Snippet)

CSS text animation examples showcase dynamic visual transformations applied to typography through CSS animations, transitions, and transforms. These effects range from simple fade-ins and color shifts to complex 3D rotations, glitch effects, and scroll-triggered reveals. By combining CSS properties like @keyframes, animation, and transform, developers create engaging text interactions that enhance user experience without requiring heavy JavaScript or sacrificing 60 FPS performance.

Key animation types you’ll see:

  • Fade & Reveal: Text gradually appears to guide user attention
  • Transform Effects: Rotation, skew, scaling, and 3D perspective for dynamic typography
  • Color & Gradient Animation: Text color and gradient shifts creating visual interest
  • Glitch & Distortion: Simulated digital effects like glitches and pixelation
  • Scroll-Triggered Animations: Text reveals, parallax, and kinetic effects on scroll

Why Text Animation Matters (The Business Case)

Before we jump into the list, context: 70% of marketers report animated text performs better than static text. Netflix uses animated text reveals on opening sequences. Stripe guides user attention through sequential text animations on landing pages. Your competitors are already doing this.

The difference between competent and exceptional websites often comes down to motion—specifically, restrained, purposeful motion that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

This guide covers both sides: the aesthetic (what looks incredible) and the practical (what actually performs).

Choosing Your Animation Approach: Pure CSS vs. JavaScript vs. Hybrid

Before you dive into the effects below, understand this decision tree:

ApproachBest ForTradeoff
Pure CSSSimple animations (fade, slide, bounce), sustained loops, hover statesLimited interactivity; harder to coordinate with JavaScript events
GSAPComplex sequences, scroll triggers, DOM manipulation with animationSlightly larger bundle (but worth it for interactivity)
Anime.jsLightweight alternative to GSAP; timeline-based animationsSmaller community; less comprehensive than GSAP
Tailwind + CSSRapid prototyping; animation utilities built into frameworkLimited customization; not suited for complex effects

Rule of thumb: Start with pure CSS. Move to JavaScript if you need click triggers, scroll sync, or DOM changes during animation.

See also

35 CSS Text Animation Examples: Organized by Type

3D & Perspective Effects

Animated Gradient Text

See the Pen Animated gradient text by Sajan (@sajanmangattu) on CodePen.

A sleek animation that shifts a gradient across text, creating a “flowing” color effect. Perfect for hero headlines on modern SaaS sites or portfolios seeking premium aesthetics.

Key Features:

  • Smooth gradient transition across text
  • Works with background-clip: text for elegant color flow
  • Highly customizable gradient stops and speed
  • Mobile-friendly (GPU-accelerated)

Performance Tier: S-Tier (uses transform + opacity, GPU-accelerated)

Best For: SaaS landing pages, creative portfolios, hero sections where you want premium feel without overkill

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Adjust animation-duration to 3-4 seconds for hero text; faster feels jittery on mobile. Use will-change: transformin production.

Shaded Text

See the Pen Shaded Text by Sajan (@sajanmangattu) on CodePen.

Applies a subtle shadowing effect with animation, giving text depth and dimension. The shading animates to create a 3D-like lighting shift.

Key Features:

  • Layered shadow animation for depth perception
  • Pure CSS approach (no SVG required)
  • Subtle enough for professional contexts
  • Works with any font

Performance Tier: A-Tier (occasional repaint, but minimal impact)

Best For: Blog headlines, article intros, anywhere you need sophistication without flash

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Safari iOS may experience slight performance dip; test with prefers-reduced-motion detection. Consider reducing animation iterations on mobile.

Pure CSS Animated 3D Text Effect

See the Pen Pure CSS Animated 3D Text Effect + Fade In As Outline Text Effect by rohzart (@rohzart) on CodePen.

A dramatic 3D rotation effect using CSS transforms and perspective. Text spins in 3D space, ideal for attention-grabbing moments.

Key Features:

  • perspective property for realistic 3D depth
  • rotateX, rotateY, rotateZ combinations
  • Smooth easing for natural motion
  • No JavaScript required

Performance Tier: A-Tier (GPU-accelerated transforms)

Best For: CTAs, feature highlights, promotional banners where you want immediate attention

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: On Safari iOS, 3D rotations occasionally stutter. Solution: Add -webkit-transform: translateZ(0) and backface-visibility: hidden.

Pro Tip: Keep rotation angle under 90 degrees; anything beyond feels disorienting and kills conversion rates.

Glowing 3D Text

See the Pen Glowing 3D Text by Bennett Feely (@bennettfeely) on CodePen.

Combines 3D effect with radiant glow animation. Letters appear to emit light and rotate in space.

Key Features:

  • text-shadow animation for glow effect
  • @keyframes controlling both 3D rotation and shadow intensity
  • High visual impact
  • Works on any color background

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple shadows can trigger repaints; okay for hero sections, not for full-page backgrounds)

Best For: Hero headlines, premium product launches, portfolio hero sections

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Limit glow effect to single element per page; multiple glowing text blocks = performance nightmare. Test on Lighthouse.

Liquid Type

See the Pen Liquid Type by Callum Martin (@Callum-Martin) on CodePen.

Text appears to flow and morph like liquid, with letters bending and reshaping. Highly distinctive and memorable.

Key Features:

  • SVG text or CSS clip-path for morphing effect
  • Smooth transitions between letter shapes
  • Unique, hard-to-replicate visual style
  • Requires careful timing

Performance Tier: C-Tier (clip-path calculations can be expensive; use sparingly)

Best For: Design agency portfolios, creative studios, entertainment brands where uniqueness beats performance

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Not suitable for repeated text (like buttons or UI labels). Use once per page maximum.

Pro Tip: Test aggressively on mobile before deploying. If Lighthouse score drops below 80, consider disabling on mobile via @media.

3D Cuboid Text Effect

See the Pen 3D Cuboid Text Effect ✨ by Jouan Marcel (@jouanmarcel) on CodePen.

Letters transform into 3D cubes that rotate and animate independently. Playful yet technically sophisticated.

Key Features:

  • Individual letter animation
  • 3D cube transformation
  • JavaScript coordination (if using advanced version)
  • Personality-driven effect

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple transforms, but well-optimized in most implementations)

Best For: Design portfolios, gaming sites, tech blogs emphasizing innovation

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Test at 60 FPS using Chrome DevTools Performance tab. If frame rate drops, reduce letter count or animation iteration count.

CSS 3D Text Effect

See the Pen CSS 3D Text Effect by Kyle Wetton (@kylewetton) on CodePen.

Another 3D approach emphasizing layered depth and perspective shifts. Similar to cuboid but with a different aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • Multiple text layers for depth
  • CSS transforms for positioning
  • Adjustable perspective values
  • Clean, modern implementation

Performance Tier: A-Tier (GPU-accelerated transforms)

Best For: Modern SaaS dashboards, tech product pages, developer tool marketing

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Adjust perspective value (500px to 1200px range) based on intensity desired. Lower value = more dramatic effect.

Glitch & Distortion Effects

Glitch Effect

See the Pen 7. Glitch effect by Emadamerho Nefe (@nefejames) on CodePen.

The classic digital glitch effect—text shifts randomly with color displacement, creating a hacker/cyberpunk vibe.

Key Features:

  • Pseudo-elements ::before and ::after for layering
  • Rapid position shifts simulating data corruption
  • RGB channel separation effect
  • Extremely popular and recognizable

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple repaints, but acceptable for single hero element)

Best For: Tech companies, gaming, entertainment, cybersecurity products, creative agencies

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Mobile performance suffers. Use prefers-reduced-motion detection.

Pro Tip: Limit glitch effect duration to 0.15-0.2s; anything longer feels intentionally broken rather than stylishly glitchy.

Pure CSS Glitch Text

See the Pen Pure CSS Glitch Experiment (Twitch Intro WIP) by Béthy (Tee) (@acupoftee) on CodePen.

A more refined glitch implementation using only CSS (no JavaScript). Cleaner code, slightly simpler effect.

Key Features:

  • Pure CSS implementation
  • Fewer computational overhead than complex glitch versions
  • Suitable for repeated use
  • SEO-friendly (no runtime JS required)

Performance Tier: A-Tier (optimized pure CSS)

Best For: Blog headers, article titles, anywhere glitch vibe fits without performance concern

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This version is more performant than the previous glitch effect. Choose this if you need to glitch on multiple elements.

Spooky Typo

See the Pen Spooky Typo by ilithya (@ilithya) on CodePen.

A Halloween-themed glitch with extra spice—combines glitch with color shift and shadow distortion for extra creep factor.

Key Features:

  • Seasonal/thematic variation of glitch effect
  • Extra shadow layers for spooky feel
  • Animation rhythm feels intentionally chaotic
  • High personality

Performance Tier: B-Tier (more complex than standard glitch)

Best For: Halloween campaigns, horror film promotions, creative studio portfolios with dark aesthetic

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: May be too intense for professional B2B contexts. Context matters.

Pro Tip: Adapt this effect by changing shadow colors for different themes (red glow for alerts, green for Matrix vibe, etc.).

Glitched Text

See the Pen Glitched Text (study of The Verge) by Derek Palladino (@derekjp) on CodePen.

Another glitch variant with its own visual signature—using offset shifts and color displacement in unique proportions.

Key Features:

  • Distinct glitch character (vs. other glitch effects listed)
  • Random-looking shifts (actually deterministic CSS)
  • Clean implementation
  • Adaptable color scheme

Performance Tier: B-Tier (standard glitch performance profile)

Best For: Tech blogs, dev tool marketing, creative portfolios

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Combine with :hover pseudo-class to trigger on user interaction rather than page load (better for engagement tracking).

Color & Gradient Transitions

Rainbow and Trail Effect

See the Pen Rainbow and Trail Effect by Mateus Generoso (@mtsgeneroso) on CodePen.

Text trails a rainbow gradient as it animates across the screen or during animation sequence. Playful and colorful.

Key Features:

  • Multi-color gradient animation
  • Trail effect (text path leaves color behind)
  • Vibrant, attention-grabbing
  • Works well on dark backgrounds

Performance Tier: A-Tier (gradient animation is GPU-optimized)

Best For: Creative portfolios, entertainment sites, colorful SaaS landing pages, children’s products

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Use sparingly; one rainbow element per page. Multiple rainbow effects = visual chaos and performance hit.

Neon Glow Effect

See the Pen 8. Neon glow effect by Emadamerho Nefe (@nefejames) on CodePen.

Simulates retro neon lighting with animated glow intensity. Text pulses with electric color.

Key Features:

  • Layered text-shadow for neon appearance
  • Pulsing animation (glow intensity changes)
  • Works with bright colors on dark backgrounds
  • High visual impact

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple shadows can strain performance; monitor on mobile)

Best For: Retro-inspired designs, gaming sites, entertainment, bars/nightlife businesses, cyberpunk aesthetics

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: May not work well on light backgrounds. Requires high contrast.

Pro Tip: Reduce shadow blur radius on mobile (e.g., 0 0 10px instead of 0 0 20px) to maintain performance while preserving effect.

Text Color Draw

See the Pen text color draw by CJ Gammon (@cjgammon) on CodePen.

Color animates across text as if being “drawn” in real-time. Creates reveal effect with color progression.

Key Features:

  • Background-clip technique for color reveal
  • Smooth, directional animation
  • Looks like text is being painted
  • SEO-friendly (no hidden content)

Performance Tier: S-Tier (optimized background animation)

Best For: Article intros, taglines, CTAs, anywhere you want to draw attention with elegance

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Sync animation with user scroll for interactive effect (requires small JavaScript or Intersection Observer).

Shining Text Animation Effects

See the Pen Shining Text Animation Effects by FrankieDoodie (@FrankieDoodie) on CodePen.

A shine effect sweeps across text, like light reflecting off a surface. Elegant and subtle.

Key Features:

  • Pseudo-element sweep animation
  • Linear or ease-based timing
  • Works on any text color
  • Professional, not over-the-top

Performance Tier: S-Tier (transform-based, GPU-accelerated)

Best For: Product pages, premium brand sites, professional portfolios, B2B marketing

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Increase animation-delay between repeated shine passes for looping effect without visual stutter.

Reveal & Fade Effects

Title Text Animation

See the Pen Title Text Animation by Robin Treur (@RobinTreur) on CodePen.

Letters fade in sequentially, creating a staggered reveal. Classic entrance animation for titles.

Key Features:

  • Staggered letter animation (each letter has delay)
  • Smooth fade-in effect
  • Works with any font
  • Commonly used (for good reason)

Performance Tier: S-Tier (opacity animation, GPU-accelerated)

Best For: Page titles, section headers, blog post intros, any headline entrance

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: JavaScript is often required to apply delay to individual letters. CSS-only versions use pseudo-elements or CSS Grid trickery.

Pro Tip: Set animation-delay in multiples of 0.05s for smooth stagger. Too large and it feels choppy; too small and letters blend together.

Text Line Animation

See the Pen Text Line Animation by John Healey (@jhealey5) on CodePen.

Horizontal lines animate across text during reveal. Creates sophisticated, editorial feel.

Key Features:

  • Line elements (pseudo or actual) sweep across text
  • Combines reveal with directional movement
  • Elegant, design-focused
  • Works well with serif fonts

Performance Tier: A-Tier (transform-based lines)

Best For: Editorial sites, magazine layouts, article headers, luxury brand pages

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Pair with staggered text reveal for sophisticated layered animation.

Text Animation (General)

See the Pen Text animation by Yoann (@yoannhel) on CodePen.

A flexible animation template combining fade + scale for text entrance. Good starting template for custom variations.

Key Features:

  • Combination of opacity and scale
  • Smooth, natural entrance
  • Easily customizable
  • Good learning resource

Performance Tier: S-Tier (opacity + transform)

Best For: Default fallback animation, learning resource, template for custom animations

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This is a great template to fork and customize. Use as a starting point for brand-specific animations.

Draw in Text Effect

See the Pen "Draw In" Text Effect with Decovar by Mandy Michael (@mandymichael) on CodePen.

Text letters appear as if being drawn by hand. Uses SVG stroke animation for authentic pen effect.

Key Features:

  • SVG stroke animation (not just opacity)
  • Authentic “hand-drawn” appearance
  • Works with custom fonts
  • Highly distinctive

Performance Tier: A-Tier (SVG animation, well-optimized)

Best For: Creative portfolios, design studios, artistic brands, handmade product pages

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Requires SVG markup or canvas implementation. Not suitable for large blocks of text.

Pro Tip: Combine with :hover state to trigger animation on user interaction (better engagement metric).

Frozen Text Effect

See the Pen CSS & HTML only Animated Ice Text Effect, Frozen Text Effect by Mandy Michael (@mandymichael) on CodePen.

Text appears to freeze mid-animation, creating crystallized or fragmented look. Unique visual style.

Key Features:

  • Staggered freeze frames
  • Creates icy or crystalline effect
  • High visual impact
  • Complex but worth it

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple animation states)

Best For: Winter campaigns, tech companies emphasizing stability, creative portfolios

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Adjust animation-duration and stagger delays to create the illusion of cascading freeze effect.

Silent Movie Text Effect

See the Pen Silent Movie Text Effect by Dimitra Vasilopoulou (@mimikos) on CodePen.

Jerky, frame-by-frame text animation mimicking old silent film title cards. Nostalgic and charming.

Key Features:

  • Step-based animation (steps() function)
  • Jerky, intentional movement
  • Retro aesthetic
  • Pairs well with serif fonts

Performance Tier: S-Tier (step animation is efficient)

Best For: Retro brands, entertainment, comedy sites, nostalgia-driven campaigns

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Use steps(n) function with low step count (4-8) for an authentic silent film feel.

Wave & Motion Effects

Wave Text Effect

See the Pen Wave text effect (with SVG/blend mode) by Lucas Bebber (@lbebber) on CodePen.

Letters move up and down in a wave pattern, creating undulating motion. Playful and dynamic.

Key Features:

  • Staggered vertical movement
  • Creates flowing wave visual
  • Works with any text
  • Hypnotic when looped

Performance Tier: A-Tier (transform-based, GPU-accelerated)

Best For: Playful brands, entertainment, interactive experiences, attention-grabbing headlines

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Adjust amplitude (how high/low letters move) based on brand personality. Subtle = professional; exaggerated = playful.

Wavy Text Animation Effect

See the Pen Wavy text animation effect by Vladimir (@VladimirVaize) on CodePen.

Similar to wave effect but with different implementation and timing. Distinct visual character.

Key Features:

  • Sine-wave mathematical animation
  • Smooth, organic motion
  • Continuous loop-friendly
  • Professional execution

Performance Tier: A-Tier (transform-based)

Best For: Modern SaaS, tech products, creative agencies, anywhere wave aesthetic fits

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This version feels more mathematical and smooth than the other wave effect. Choose based on brand tone.

Liquid Drop Gooey Effect

See the Pen Drop : Gooey Effect by Tushar Choudhari (@ctushr) on CodePen.

Text appears to have liquid dripping or gooey effect. Morphs and bends with animation.

Key Features:

  • SVG filter (feGaussianBlur, feMorphology) for gooey effect
  • Text appears to merge and flow
  • Unique, hard-to-replicate appearance
  • High visual interest

Performance Tier: C-Tier (SVG filters are CPU-intensive; use sparingly)

Best For: Design studios, creative portfolios, experimental projects, playful brands

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Not suitable for performance-critical pages. Use once, above the fold, on desktop only.

Pro Tip: Disable on mobile via CSS media queries or JavaScript feature detection. Performance hits aren’t worth it.

3D Spin

See the Pen 6. 3d spin by Emadamerho Nefe (@nefejames) on CodePen.

Text rotates in 3D space continuously. Full 360-degree rotation with perspective.

Key Features:

  • CSS 3D transform
  • Continuous rotation
  • rotateY or rotateX for different spin axis
  • Can be combined with other effects

Performance Tier: A-Tier (GPU-accelerated 3D transform)

Best For: Loading states, looping animations, interactive elements, CTAs needing attention

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Combine with :hover to add secondary animation (e.g., speed up on hover).

Advanced & Specialized Effects

Animated Blobs Text

See the Pen Animated Blobs Text – Multiple Colors by Amli (@uzcho_) on CodePen.

Text surrounded by or merged with animated blob shapes. Organic, morphing aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • SVG blob animation or CSS clip-path
  • Organic, flowing shapes
  • Modern, trendy aesthetic
  • Works well in hero sections

Performance Tier: B-Tier (clip-path can be expensive; use once per page)

Best For: Modern design-forward brands, creative portfolios, SaaS platforms emphasizing innovation

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Performance depends on implementation. SVG blobs are more performant than clip-path.

Pro Tip: Pre-render blob shapes using tools like Blobmaker.app; don’t compute them in real-time.

Shattering Text Animation

See the Pen Shattering Text Animation by Arsen Zbidniakov (@ARS) on CodePen.

Text appears to shatter or explode into fragments with animation. High visual drama.

Key Features:

  • Multiple fragment elements
  • Diverging animation paths
  • Dramatic, attention-grabbing
  • Works well for transitions

Performance Tier: C-Tier (many animated elements; performance dependent)

Best For: Interactive experiences, click-triggered animations, section transitions, portfolio effects

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: CPU-intensive. Reserve for hero sections or special moments, not repeated use.

Pro Tip: Combine with JavaScript to trigger on user action rather than auto-play.

Shatter Text Effect

See the Pen Shatter Text Effect by Peter Cameron (@pcameron) on CodePen.

Another shattering variant with distinct visual style. Different implementation from above.

Key Features:

  • Unique fragment pattern
  • Smooth divergence animation
  • Professional execution
  • Adaptable to brand colors

Performance Tier: C-Tier (similar to above)

Best For: Product launches, dramatic transitions, portfolio hero sections

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Choose between this and the previous shattering effect based on visual preference; both have similar performance profiles.

Cartoon Type

See the Pen Cartoon Type by Tim Van Damme (@maxvoltar) on CodePen.

Text animates with playful bounce and squash effects, mimicking cartoon physics. Fun and engaging.

Key Features:

  • Bounce + scale animation for cartoon feel
  • Elastic easing functions
  • Playful personality
  • Works with any font

Performance Tier: S-Tier (opacity + transform)

Best For: Children’s products, entertainment, playful brands, game marketing, cartoon portfolios

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Use cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.55, 0.265, 1.55) easing for an authentic bounce feel.

Onion Skinning Text Morphing

See the Pen Onion Skinning Text Morphing by John Healey (@jhealey5) on CodePen.

Text morphs through multiple states, visible simultaneously like animation cells (onion skin). Advanced technique.

Key Features:

  • Multiple text states visible at once
  • Morphing effect between states
  • High visual interest
  • Complex but impressive

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple text layers, but optimizable)

Best For: Design portfolios, animation studios, experimental projects, educational content

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This effect is excellent for teaching animation concepts. Fork it to understand advanced CSS animation techniques.

Tyger Tyger

See the Pen Tyger Tyger by Joseph Martucci (@jjmartucci) on CodePen.

Literary reference animation—letters rearrange, morph, and transform through multiple states. Artistic and sophisticated.

Key Features:

  • Multi-step text transformation
  • Synchronized animation across letters
  • High artistic value
  • Works with custom fonts

Performance Tier: A-Tier (well-optimized despite complexity)

Best For: Literary brands, publishing sites, poetry/creative writing platforms, artistic portfolios

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This effect pairs beautifully with custom web fonts. Choose typography carefully.

Work/Life Variable Font Animation

See the Pen Work/Life – Variable Fonts animation by Gayane Gasparyan (@gayane-gasparyan) on CodePen.

Animates variable font properties (weight, width, etc.) creating morphing text effect. Modern typography technique.

Key Features:

  • CSS font-variation-settings animation
  • Smooth weight/width transitions
  • Modern browser feature (relatively new)
  • Elegant, sophisticated

Performance Tier: B-Tier (font property animation can vary; test needed)

Best For: Modern design agencies, premium brands, typography-focused portfolios, tech companies emphasizing innovation

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Real Consideration: Not all fonts support variable font properties. Requires modern browsers. Test thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Check font support via Google Fonts Variable section. Include fallback animations for older browsers.

Typewriter Animation Effect

See the Pen 9. Typewriter animation effect by Emadamerho Nefe (@nefejames) on CodePen.

Text appears to be typed character-by-character in real-time. Classic effect with enduring appeal.

Key Features:

  • steps() animation or JavaScript character iteration
  • Character-by-character reveal
  • Feels interactive and engaging
  • Widely used (overused in some contexts)

Performance Tier: S-Tier (pure CSS version is very efficient)

Best For: Blog intros, article headlines, chatbot interfaces, interactive experiences, CTAs

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Add cursor animation (blinking underscore) for authentic typewriter feel. Pause cursor while typing for realism.

Terminal Text Effect

See the Pen Terminal Text Effect by Tobias (@Tbgse) on CodePen.

Text styled like terminal/console output with typewriter animation. Developer-focused aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • Terminal styling (monospace font, dark background, green/white text)
  • Typewriter + cursor animation
  • Command-line interface aesthetic
  • Perfect for developer tools/content

Performance Tier: S-Tier (efficient CSS)

Best For: Developer tool marketing, tech blogs, hacker/security-focused content, command-line tutorials

Cost: Free (CodePen)Pro Tip: Add cursor blink cycle (1s infinite) and text reveals delay for authentic terminal feel.

CSS3 Text Animation Effect

See the Pen CSS3 Text Animation Effect by Nick Mkrtchyan (@Sonick) on CodePen.

Foundation CSS3 animation demonstrating core principles. Good reference for understanding animation mechanics.

Key Features:

  • Foundational animation principles
  • Multiple property changes combined
  • Educational reference
  • Clean, understandable code

Performance Tier: A-Tier (depends on specific implementation)

Best For: Learning resource, starting template, reference for custom effects

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This is an excellent pen to study for understanding CSS animation fundamentals.

Pure CSS Text Animation

See the Pen Pure CSS Text animation by Mamun Khandaker (@kh-mamun) on CodePen.

Clean, minimal text animation combining fade and transform. No dependencies, pure CSS.

Key Features:

  • Minimal, clean code
  • Combines fade + transform elegantly
  • Good for performance-conscious projects
  • Easy to understand and modify

Performance Tier: S-Tier (optimized, pure CSS)

Best For: Production projects, performance-critical sites, educational resource, minimal design aesthetics

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: Fork this pen as a starting template for any custom animation project.

Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt

See the Pen Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt by Victor Chen (grooVC) (@groovc) on CodePen.

Entertainment-inspired effect—text animates with playful style reminiscent of TV title sequence. Branded animation.

Key Features:

  • Pop culture inspired
  • Playful, energetic animation
  • Multiple animation types combined
  • High personality

Performance Tier: B-Tier (multiple animation properties)

Best For: Entertainment sites, comedy brands, playful portfolios, pop culture references, fun product launches

Cost: Free (CodePen)

Pro Tip: This effect is a masterclass in combining multiple animation types into cohesive sequences.

Performance & Browser Compatibility Deep Dive

Why Performance Matters

You can have the coolest text animation in the world. But if it tanks your Lighthouse score or stutters on mobile, users won’t stay to see it.

Reality check: 60 FPS on desktop ≠ 60 FPS on mobile.

Here’s what you need to know:

S-Tier Animations (Safe bets):

  • Opacity changes
  • Transform (translate, rotate, scale)
  • Filter effects
  • These are GPU-accelerated on all devices

A-Tier Animations (Usually fine, test first):

  • text-shadow animation (limited to 2-3 shadows)
  • Multiple transforms combined
  • Color transitions
  • Works well on desktop; test on iPhone 12 first

B-Tier Animations (Proceed with caution):

  • SVG animations
  • Clip-path effects
  • Multiple animated properties
  • May stutter on low-end mobile; desktop fine

C-Tier Animations (Reserve for special moments):

  • Width/height changes (trigger layout)
  • Left/right/top/bottom positioning (trigger layout)
  • Complex SVG filters
  • Use once per page, above fold, on hero elements only

F-Tier Animations (Avoid unless necessary):

  • Background-position animation (old-school; use transform instead)
  • Animating margin/padding
  • Animating non-transform properties repeatedly
  • Performance killer

Mobile-Specific Considerations

Safari iOS Quirks:

  • 3D transforms sometimes glitch. Solution: Add -webkit-transform: translateZ(0) and backface-visibility: hidden
  • Glow effects (text-shadow) are taxing. Reduce shadow count or blur radius on mobile
  • Variable font animation not supported on iOS 12 and earlier. Include fallback

Android Quirks:

  • Lower-end devices (still common) struggle with animations above C-Tier
  • Chrome mobile performs better than Samsung Internet, but test both
  • Enable GPU acceleration explicitly: will-change: transform

Generic Mobile Advice:

  • Always include @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) for accessibility
  • Test on real devices, not just browser DevTools simulation
  • Aim for 40-50 FPS on mobile (don’t expect 60 FPS)
  • Monitor bundle size; keep CSS animations under 50KB combined

Browser Support Reality Check

Chrome/Edge: Full support for all effects listed (2023+)
Firefox: Full support (2022+)
Safari Desktop: Full support, except variable fonts on Safari 14-
Safari iOS: Partial support; some 3D effects, SVG filters glitchy
Mobile browsers: Varies significantly; test first

Action item: For each effect on production site, verify against

GSAP vs. Pure CSS: When to Use JavaScript

Use Pure CSS When:

  • Animation is simple (fade, slide, bounce)
  • Animation triggers on page load or hover
  • No coordination with JavaScript events needed
  • Performance is critical (pure CSS is faster)
  • You want minimal dependencies

Use GSAP When:

  • Animation needs to respond to user clicks
  • Complex sequencing across multiple elements
  • Scroll-triggered animations needed
  • You need precise timing control
  • Animation coordinates with JavaScript logic

Use Anime.js When:

  • You want lightweight alternative to GSAP (smaller bundle)
  • Timeline-based animation is important
  • You’re already using it in your project
  • Bundle size is constraint

Quick Comparison:

FeaturePure CSSGSAPAnime.js
Learning CurveEasyMediumMedium
Bundle Size0KB~32KB (min)~8KB (min)
Scroll TriggersLimitedFull supportLimited
DOM ChangesLimitedFull supportLimited
60 FPS Likely?Yes
Yes
Yes
Best ForSimple animationsComplex interactionsLightweight option

Real advice: Most sites benefit from pure CSS for landing page animations + GSAP for interactive elements. Use both.

Common Mobile Performance Issues & Fixes

Issue #1: Animation Loops Stutter on Mobile

Problem: Looping animation has visible jump between end and restart.

Solution:

  • Add animation-timing-function: linear for consistent pacing
  • Ensure animation-fill-mode is set correctly
  • Test with animation-iteration-count: infinite
  • Consider duplicating content (text appears 5x, animation 5x longer) for seamless loop

Issue #2: Safari iOS 3D Effects Glitch

Problem: 3D rotations look broken or sometimes disappear.

Solution:

css

element {

  -webkit-transform: translateZ(0);

  backface-visibility: hidden;

  -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;

}

Issue #3: Glow Effects Perform Terribly on Mobile

Problem: text-shadow animations kill frame rate.

Solution:

  • Reduce shadow count from 3 to 1
  • Reduce blur radius (e.g., 0 0 10px instead of 0 0 30px)
  • Consider disabling on mobile entirely:

css

@media (max-width: 768px) {

  .glow { animation: none; }

}

Issue #4: Animation Looks Different on Different Phones

Problem: iPhone 12 smooth; iPhone 8 stutters; Samsung Galaxy varies.

Solution:

  • Test on real devices, not just DevTools
  • Assume lowest common denominator (older phones)
  • Use @supports queries for progressive enhancement
  • Monitor with real device testing services (BrowserStack)

When NOT to Use Text Animation

Be honest with yourself. Not every text element needs animation.

Avoid animation when:

  • Text is small (under 16px); animation won’t be visible
  • User is scanning for information (navigation, buttons, labels)
  • Animation competes with other important motion on page
  • Your target audience has prefers-reduced-motion enabled (often older users, users with vestibular disorders)
  • Animation doesn’t serve a purpose (decoration without function)
  • You need text to be searchable in real-time (animated text can confuse indexing; generally fine, but test)

Use animation strategically:

  • Hero headlines (one per page)
  • Primary CTAs (one click target)
  • Section transitions (moving between content)
  • Interactive elements responding to user action
  • Attention-critical moments (launch announcements, limited-time offers)

Accessibility: The Underrated Concern

Real talk: If your animation makes someone with motion sensitivity nauseous, you’ve lost them.

Key accessibility requirements:

1. Respect prefers-reduced-motion

css

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {

  * {

    animation: none !important;

    transition: none !important;

  }

}

2. Don’t auto-play video or animation with sound

  • Gives users control

3. Test with Accessibility Insights

  • Microsoft’s free tool; runs motion sensitivity checks

4. Consider vestibular disorders

  • Avoid fast rotations, parallax, or rapid size changes
  • If using wave effects, keep amplitude subtle

5. Ensure text remains readable

  • Don’t obscure content during animation
  • Animation should enhance, not obstruct

Building a Reusable Animation Library

After exploring all 35 effects, you’ll probably want to build your own system rather than copy-pasting CodePens forever.

Step 1: Organize by type

  • Create separate files for 3D effects, glitch effects, reveal effects
  • Use CSS custom properties for shared animation durations/easing

Step 2: Create utility classes

css

.animate-fade-in { animation: fadeIn 0.8s ease-out; }

.animate-slide-left { animation: slideLeft 0.6s cubic-bezier(...); }

.animate-bounce { animation: bounce 0.8s infinite; }

Step 3: Document performance tier

css

/* S-Tier: 60 FPS guaranteed */

.animate-fade-in { ... }

/* B-Tier: Test on mobile first */

.animate-glow { ... }

Step 4: Test suite

  • Lighthouse audit for each animation type
  • Real device testing (iOS + Android)
  • Accessibility audit (prefers-reduced-motion)

Step 5: Version control

  • Tag animations by performance tier
  • Document browser support
  • Keep changelog as browsers evolve

FAQ: Real Questions from Developers

Q: Can I combine multiple animations from this list?
A: Yes, absolutely. But test performance first. Combining S-Tier animations = usually fine. Combining B/C-Tier effects = performance risk. Test on target devices before deploying.

Q: Which animation works best for blog post titles?
A: “Title Text Animation” or “Text Line Animation” are proven choices. Keep animation under 1 second for headlines; anything longer feels slow. Test with actual users; some find animation distracting.

Q: Do text animations affect SEO?
A: Pure CSS animations don’t affect SEO. Search engines see final rendered HTML. Animated text is still searchable. (Caveat: If animation obscures text during render, that could cause indexing issues; generally fine.)

Q: How do I make animations pause on mobile?
A: Use CSS media queries:

css

@media (max-width: 768px) {

  .my-animation { animation: none; }

}

Q: Safari keeps glitching my 3D effect. Help?
A: Add -webkit-transform: translateZ(0) and backface-visibility: hidden. If still broken, disable on Safari via vendor-specific feature detection or fallback to 2D effect.

Q: Should I use GSAP or stick to pure CSS?
A: Pure CSS first (simpler, faster). GSAP only if you need click triggers, scroll coordination, or complex sequencing. Most landing pages are pure CSS + occasional GSAP for interactions.

Q: My animation performs great on desktop but stutters on mobile. Why?
A: Mobile devices have lower GPU capacity. What’s S-Tier on desktop might be A-Tier on mobile. Test on real devices. If DevTools says 60 FPS but real iPhone stutters, the DevTools simulation isn’t accurate.

Q: Can I animate text that’s inside <input> or <textarea> elements?
A: Technically possible but not recommended. Animating form inputs confuses users. Keep form fields static.

Q: How long should animations be?
A: 0.6-0.8 seconds for most page load animations. 0.3-0.5 seconds for hover effects. Anything over 1 second risks feeling slow. Remember: animation should enhance, not delay, user experience.

Conclusion: Your Animation Starter Kit

You now have 35 production-ready CSS text animations, organized by type, with honest guidance on performance, browser support, and real-world application.

Next steps:

  1. Pick one effect that matches your brand aesthetic
  2. Fork the CodePen and test on your actual site
  3. Run Lighthouse audit (aim for 90+)
  4. Test on iOS and Android (real devices, not simulation)
  5. Add prefers-reduced-motion detection for accessibility
  6. Deploy to production and monitor real user metrics

Real talk: The difference between great animation and annoying animation isn’t complexity—it’s restraint. Use one powerful animation per page. Make it meaningful. Make it fast.

Start with the S-Tier animations (fade in, gradient shift, typewriter effect). Master those. Then explore the flashier B/C-Tier effects for special moments.

The best animation is the one users don’t consciously notice but feel—the one that guides their attention exactly where you want it, then gets out of the way.