WEB DESIGN ATLAS / 48

Web Design Atlas

Turn a look into a clear request.

Compare 48 terms and visual examples. Copy an instruction for your AI or designer.

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48 results

01

Parallax

Scroll the page to try

Move foreground and background at different speeds.

When to use it Suggest depth in decorative imagery

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Parallax. Move foreground and background at different speeds. Suggest depth in decorative imagery. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

02

Scroll zoom

Scroll the page to try

Scale an image with scroll progress.

When to use it Draw attention to an image detail

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Scroll zoom. Scale an image with scroll progress. Draw attention to an image detail. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

03

Image sequence

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Swap ordered frames with scroll progress.

When to use it Show a shape changing in stages

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Image sequence. Swap ordered frames with scroll progress. Show a shape changing in stages. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

04

Fade-in

Scroll the page to try

Appear gradually from transparent.

When to use it Introduce an element gently

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Fade-in. Appear gradually from transparent. Introduce an element gently. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

05

Slide-in

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Move into view from an offset position.

When to use it Show where an element enters

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Slide-in. Move into view from an offset position. Show where an element enters. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

06

Stagger

Scroll the page to try

Reveal several elements with delays.

When to use it Show the order of items

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Stagger. Reveal several elements with delays. Show the order of items. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

07

Text reveal

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Reveal a line upward through a clipped area.

When to use it Introduce a short heading

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Text reveal. Reveal a line upward through a clipped area. Introduce a short heading. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

08

Mask reveal

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Expand a visible region to reveal content.

When to use it Introduce an illustration or photo

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Mask reveal. Expand a visible region to reveal content. Introduce an illustration or photo. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

09

Blur-in

Scroll the page to try

Change from blurred to sharp.

When to use it Add a short entrance effect

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Blur-in. Change from blurred to sharp. Add a short entrance effect. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

10

Typewriter

Scroll the page to try

Show text one character at a time.

When to use it Reveal a short message gradually

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Typewriter. Show text one character at a time. Reveal a short message gradually. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

11

Count-up

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Increase a number to its final value.

When to use it Emphasize a numerical result

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Count-up. Increase a number to its final value. Emphasize a numerical result. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

12

Scroll-linked animation

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Change the display with scroll progress.

When to use it Show reading position in a progress bar

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Scroll-linked animation. Change the display with scroll progress. Show reading position in a progress bar. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

13

Sticky

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Keep an element in position within its container.

When to use it Keep an illustration beside scrolling text

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Sticky. Keep an element in position within its container. Keep an illustration beside scrolling text. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

14

Scroll snap

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Align to a section after scrolling.

When to use it Compare cards one at a time

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Scroll snap. Align to a section after scrolling. Compare cards one at a time. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

15

SVG line draw

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Draw a path progressively from its start.

When to use it Show a route or connection

Instruction

Implement this treatment. SVG line draw. Draw a path progressively from its start. Show a route or connection. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

16

Marquee

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Move a line of text horizontally.

When to use it Repeat short decorative words

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Marquee. Move a line of text horizontally. Repeat short decorative words. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

17

Scale-in

Scroll the page to try

Grow an element into view.

When to use it Introduce a card

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Scale-in. Grow an element into view. Introduce a card. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

18

Rotate-in

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An angled element rotates into view.

When to use it Introduce a small decoration

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Rotate-in. An angled element rotates into view. Introduce a small decoration. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

19

3D flip

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Rotate a card around an axis in depth.

When to use it Show a change in orientation

Instruction

Implement this treatment. 3D flip. Rotate a card around an axis in depth. Show a change in orientation. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

20

Circular reveal

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Expand a circular window to reveal content.

When to use it Reveal an image from its center

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Circular reveal. Expand a circular window to reveal content. Reveal an image from its center. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

21

Text fill

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Fill the inside of letters progressively.

When to use it Show progress in a short heading

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Text fill. Fill the inside of letters progressively. Show progress in a short heading. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

22

Motion path

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Move an element along a defined path.

When to use it Illustrate a route or process

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Motion path. Move an element along a defined path. Illustrate a route or process. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

23

Shape morphing

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Move vertices to change a shape.

When to use it Show correspondence between shapes

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Shape morphing. Move vertices to change a shape. Show correspondence between shapes. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

24

Color transition

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Change a background gradually between colors.

When to use it Indicate a section change

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Color transition. Change a background gradually between colors. Indicate a section change. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

25

Hover lift

Try pointer, tap or Tab key

Lift an element on hover or focus.

When to use it Indicate an actionable target

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Hover lift. Lift an element on hover or focus. Indicate an actionable target. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

26

Focus ring

Try pointer, tap or Tab key

Outline the currently focused control.

When to use it Show the keyboard position

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Focus ring. Outline the currently focused control. Show the keyboard position. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

27

Accordion

Try pointer, tap or Tab key

Open or close content through its heading.

When to use it Read supporting information on demand

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Accordion. Open or close content through its heading. Read supporting information on demand. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

28

Tabs

Start with the overall picture.

Try pointer, tap or Tab key

Switch to the panel associated with a selected heading.

When to use it Compare content in one place

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Tabs. Switch to the panel associated with a selected heading. Compare content in one place. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

29

Grid

Align items in rows and columns.

When to use it Compare similar items

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Grid. Align items in rows and columns. Compare similar items. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

30

Bento grid

Combine large and small cells.

When to use it Vary space by feature

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Bento grid. Combine large and small cells. Vary space by feature. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

31

Split screen

Divide the view into two panels.

When to use it Compare explanation and illustration

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Split screen. Divide the view into two panels. Compare explanation and illustration. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

32

Asymmetric layout

Use unequal widths and positions.

When to use it Emphasize one element

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Asymmetric layout. Use unequal widths and positions. Emphasize one element. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

33

Whitespace

Leave space around elements.

When to use it Separate groups of information

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Whitespace. Leave space around elements. Separate groups of information. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

34

Editorial layout

Combine a large headline with columns.

When to use it Guide reading order

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Editorial layout. Combine a large headline with columns. Guide reading order. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

35

Masonry layout

Stack items of different heights.

When to use it Compare a gallery of images

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Masonry layout. Stack items of different heights. Compare a gallery of images. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

36

Overlapping layout

Place elements in overlapping layers.

When to use it Relate primary and supporting content

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Overlapping layout. Place elements in overlapping layers. Relate primary and supporting content. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

37

Full-bleed layout

Extend an image or background to the edges.

When to use it Emphasize an image

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Full-bleed layout. Extend an image or background to the edges. Emphasize an image. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

38

Card layout

Group related information in individual cards.

When to use it Make item boundaries clear

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Card layout. Group related information in individual cards. Make item boundaries clear. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

39

Glassmorphism

Blur the background behind a translucent panel.

When to use it Overlay a secondary panel

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Glassmorphism. Blur the background behind a translucent panel. Overlay a secondary panel. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

40

Neumorphism

Use light and dark shadows to suggest relief.

When to use it Give a decorative panel soft depth

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Neumorphism. Use light and dark shadows to suggest relief. Give a decorative panel soft depth. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

41

Neo-brutalism

Use thick outlines and offset shadows.

When to use it Create strong visual separation

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Neo-brutalism. Use thick outlines and offset shadows. Create strong visual separation. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

42

Gradient

Blend colors continuously.

When to use it Add color variation to a background

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Gradient. Blend colors continuously. Add color variation to a background. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

43

Duotone

Map dark and light areas to two colors.

When to use it Unify the color treatment of imagery

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Duotone. Map dark and light areas to two colors. Unify the color treatment of imagery. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

44

Outline typography

Draw only the outline of letters.

When to use it Create a short decorative heading

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Outline typography. Draw only the outline of letters. Create a short decorative heading. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

45

Soft shadow

Use a blurred shadow to suggest elevation.

When to use it Distinguish an actionable surface

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Soft shadow. Use a blurred shadow to suggest elevation. Distinguish an actionable surface. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

46

Grain texture

Add fine particles to a surface.

When to use it Soften a flat background

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Grain texture. Add fine particles to a surface. Soften a flat background. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

47

Mesh gradient

Blend several colors across a surface.

When to use it Create a broad color field

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Mesh gradient. Blend several colors across a surface. Create a broad color field. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

48

Halftone

Use a pattern of dots to suggest tones.

When to use it Create a print-like texture

Instruction

Implement this treatment. Halftone. Use a pattern of dots to suggest tones. Create a print-like texture. Specify the target and trigger. For scroll-linked motion, use the element’s page position and scroll distance, and reverse when scrolling up. Keep essential text readable. Support 320px screens and keyboard controls. Show the completed static view with reduced motion.

Using the terms

Add conditions to the name

Distance, duration and direction change the result. Specify the element, action, trigger, amount, duration and repetition. Check narrow screens and reduced motion after implementation.

Informal design names may have no single standard definition. Each description and example explains the meaning used here.

Keep content readable

Maintain text contrast and recognizable controls when adding surface effects. Keep motion brief, keep content available, and provide a stop control. Offer a static view for parallax and zoom.

Original examples and reuse

These demos use fictional content and original shapes. Explanations and instructions are included in HTML. Demo HTML, CSS and JS are available under MIT, separately from the rest of the site.

MIT

Sources and specifications