GSAP SlowMo Ease Function

  • Learn how GSAP SlowMo creates cinematic slow-fast-slow animations used in modern UI interactions.

  • Introduction

    GSAP SlowMo is a special easing function that makes an animation:

    Start slow → move fast → end slow

    It is mainly used when you want animations to feel dramatic, cinematic, or premium.

    Why use SlowMo?

    • Makes animations feel natural

    • Adds focus and attention

    • Used in hover effects, hero animations, banners

    Where it is commonly used

    • Website hero sections

    • Card hover animations

    • Text reveals

    • Product showcase animations

Basic Syntax

ease: "slow"

With custom values

ease: "slow(0.7, 0.7, false)"

Basic Example

gsap.to(".box", {
  x: 300,
  duration: 2,
  ease: "slow"
});

Parameters / Options

slow(ratio, power, yoyo)
  • ParameterMeaningDefault
    ratioControls how long the slow part lasts0.7
    powerStrength of slow motion0.7
    yoyoReverses slow effectfalse

Example with parameters

ease: "slow(0.5, 0.8, false)"

Button Hover Animation

gsap.to(".btn", {
  scale: 1.2,
  duration: 0.8,
  ease: "slow"
});

Card Entrance Animation

gsap.from(".card", {
  y: 100,
  opacity: 0,
  duration: 1.5,
  ease: "slow(0.6, 0.6, false)"
});

Text Reveal Effect

gsap.from(".title", {
  y: 50,
  opacity: 0,
  duration: 2,
  ease: "slow"
});
  • Common Mistakes

    Using SlowMo everywhere
    → Use it only for important animations

    Very long durations
    → Makes UI feel laggy

    Wrong parameter values
    → Extreme values break smoothness

    Using with tiny movements
    → SlowMo works best with noticeable motion

Lesson image