universal-patterns
Use when creating any animation type - provides foundational timing, easing, and principle application that applies to all motion in interfaces.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/dylantarre/animation-principles --skill universal-patterns- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads universal-patterns automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Universal Animation Patterns
Apply Disney's 12 principles as baseline defaults for any animation.
Core Timing Scale
| Category | Duration | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Instant | 100-150ms | Hovers, toggles, micro-states |
| Fast | 150-250ms | Feedback, small transitions |
| Standard | 250-400ms | Modals, reveals, state changes |
| Slow | 400-600ms | Page transitions, sequences |
| Deliberate | 600-1000ms | Dramatic reveals, celebrations |
Universal Easing Library
:root {
/* Standard easings */
--ease-out: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.2, 1); /* Entrances */
--ease-in: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 1, 1); /* Exits */
--ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); /* State changes */
/* Spring easings */
--ease-spring: cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1); /* Overshoot */
--ease-bounce: cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.55, 0.27, 1.55); /* Playful */
}
The 12 Principles Quick Reference
- Squash & Stretch: Scale 0.95-1.05 range for organic feel
- Anticipation: 2-3px reverse movement or 50ms pause before action
- Staging: Animate toward user attention, clear visual hierarchy
- Straight Ahead vs Pose-to-Pose: Define keyframes, plan states
- Follow Through: Overshoot by 2-5%, settle back
- Slow In/Slow Out: Always ease, never linear (except spinners)
- Arcs: Combine X+Y movement, natural paths
- Secondary Action: Layer 2-3 properties max (opacity + transform + shadow)
- Timing: Match duration to distance/importance
- Exaggeration: Subtle for UI (under 10% deviation)
- Solid Drawing: Maintain visual consistency during motion
- Appeal: Motion should feel helpful, not performative
Base Animation Classes
/* Standard entrance */
.animate-in {
animation: fade-in 250ms var(--ease-out) forwards;
}
/* Standard exit */
.animate-out {
animation: fade-out 200ms var(--ease-in) forwards;
}
/* State transition */
.animate-state {
transition: all 200ms var(--ease-in-out);
}
@keyframes fade-in {
from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(10px); }
to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}
@keyframes fade-out {
from { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
to { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-10px); }
}
Universal Rules
- 100ms Response Time: User actions must trigger visible change within 100ms
- Under 400ms for UI: Functional animations shouldn't exceed 400ms
- Reduce Motion: Always provide
prefers-reduced-motionalternative - GPU Properties: Use only
transformandopacityfor smooth 60fps - Exit < Enter: Exits 20-30% faster than entrances
Accessibility Default
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
*, *::before, *::after {
animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
}
}
Decision Tree
- Is element entering? → Use ease-out, 200-300ms
- Is element exiting? → Use ease-in, 150-250ms
- Is element changing state? → Use ease-in-out, 150-250ms
- Is it continuous? → Use linear (rotation) or ease-in-out (pulse)
- Is it responding to gesture? → Use ease-out with overshoot, under 200ms
When uncertain, start with: 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)
FAQ
What does the universal-patterns skill do?
Use when creating any animation type - provides foundational timing, easing, and principle application that applies to all motion in interfaces.
How do I install universal-patterns?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/dylantarre/animation-principles --skill universal-patterns in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/universal-patterns/ (personal) or .claude/skills/universal-patterns/ (project).
Which AI agents can use universal-patterns?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is universal-patterns safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains universal-patterns?
It is published by dylantarre in dylantarre/animation-principles. It has 497 recorded installs.
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