Particles Animation: 20 Solutions from Codepen

Experiments with canvas, a basic HTML5 element that is used to produce graphics of various kinds and scale on a web page, are gaining more and more popularity nowadays. It seems that web developers have pinned their faith in this technology, even despite the fact that it suffers from the lack of proper browser compatibility.

Intending to unlock various possibilities of this potent element the artists come up with pretty remarkable and occasionally unexpected results that strike the eye from the first seconds. One of such successful experiments that have found its practical application in website design is particles animation.

Using just the regular tools and, of course, a bit of magic of Javascript, primitive dots on the screen begin to move chaotically, bounce, dance, respond to gravity, form various shapes and even interact with users. What’s more with the help of the more powerful libraries like WebGL, Three.js or TweenMax they transform into real masterpieces that are able to grab the biggest piece of the attention pie in any interface.

If you take a look at elegant Deutser or top-notch Void, you will notice that they have one thing in common: all of them are enriched with particles-inspired centerpieces that take the user experience to the next level. They are representative examples of the stream. Aren’t they outstanding? The feature is in trend these days, so why not to get acquainted with a dozen of solutions available over at Codepen to learn from?

We have included different implementations to reflect the diversity of the direction. Explore them, and tell us which one is your favorite?

Fluid Simulation

Creator: Jeff Thomas

GLParticle sns Icons

Creator: Kenji Saito

WebGL Particle Head

Creator: Robert Bue

Particle Fountain

Creator: Shawn G.

CSS Particle Animation 

Creator: Nate Wiley

JavaScript Particles Animation

Creator: Roshin Jose

Particles.js – Javascript Library

Creator: Vincent Garreau

Particles in Space

Creator: Dean Wagman

Text Particle

Creator: Gthibaud

Explosion Particles

Creator: Explosion Al

Particle Swarm

Creator: Bas Groothedde

Particle Galaxy

Creator: Sebastian Schepis

Vibrating Particles

Creator: Prayush S

Giphy: Particles

Creator: Giphy

Particles.js: Stars Version

Creator: Johan

Particle Button made with Canvas and HTML5 

Creator:  Ignacio Correia

Simple Particles Animation

Creator: Alexander

40k Particles Animated

Creator: Robert Lemon

Dynamic 3D Confetti Text Effect

Creator: Rachel Smith

Particle Orb CSS

Creator: Nate Wiley

(The article was first published in June 2016 and has been updated to make sure all links and resources are still valid.)