css view transitions api

CSS View Transitions API — Smooth Page Swaps

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Wish your page changes felt smoother, like native apps? The new CSS View Transitions API makes it easy! This modern browser feature helps you create seamless page and state transitions with minimal JavaScript and simple CSS — no heavy libraries required. Perfect for single-page apps, interactive UIs, or smooth state swaps. In this MiniCoursey quick guide, you’ll learn what the View Transitions API is, how to use it, and best practices for adding polish to your front-end.

What is the View Transitions API?

The View Transitions API lets you animate changes between different DOM states. It works by capturing the old and new states and smoothly blending them together.

Basic Syntax

Wrap your state change or navigation in document.startViewTransition() and add your CSS for styling the animation.


document.startViewTransition(() => {
  document.body.classList.toggle(‘dark-mode’);
});


::view-transition-old(root),
::view-transition-new(root) {
  animation: fade 0.3s ease;
}

@keyframes fade {
  from { opacity: 0; }
  to { opacity: 1; }
}

In this example, toggling dark mode fades smoothly instead of flickering.

Why Use It?

  • Create smooth page or UI transitions with minimal effort.
  • Works well for SPAs, theme toggles, modals, or dynamic layouts.
  • No big frameworks — just native JS and CSS!

💡 Pro Tip: Combine with custom keyframes for slick fade, slide, or scale effects.

⚠️ Common Mistake: The API is still evolving — check browser support and fallbacks for production.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a framework?
A: Nope! It works with plain JavaScript or frameworks like React, Vue, etc.

Q: Can I transition between full pages?
A: Yes — frameworks can leverage the API to animate page navigations too.

Related Link

👉 Check out previous: CSS Motion Path — Animate Along a Custom Path

Where to Learn More

Visit MDN’s View Transitions docs and play with Chrome’s live demos to see real use cases.

Conclusion

Congrats — you now know how to add native, smooth page transitions with the CSS View Transitions API! Modern UX with less code.

✨ Bookmark MiniCoursey for more quick & free mini courses!

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