Learn THREEJS-ANIMATION with Real Code Examples

Three.js uses AnimationMixer to manage playback of animations on 3D objects.

AnimationClips contain reusable timeline data for objects, materials, cameras, and skeletons.

KeyframeTracks define value changes across time with interpolation.

Supports skeletal animation, morph targets, camera motion, and custom property animation.

Animation system integrates with GLTF loaders for production-friendly workflows.

KeyframeTrack variants (Vector, Quaternion, Boolean, Color, Number)

AnimationAction for clip playback

Action warping, looping, clamping

Cross-fading and blending

Morph target & skeletal animation support

AnimationMixer - animation controller

AnimationClip - collection of tracks

KeyframeTracks - property/value timeline

AnimationAction - controls playback

Interpolants - blend between keyframes

scene/ - base Three.js setup

animations/ - imported clips or custom tracks

models/ - GLTF or FBX assets

controls/ - user input & camera logic

render/loop.js - mixer.update & rendering

Create/Load AnimationClip

Bind clip to mixer via clipAction

Configure play/loop/fade

Update mixer in render loop

Blend/transition actions when needed

Beginner: rotate cube with keyframes

Intermediate: animate camera paths

Advanced: GLTF skeletal mix/blend

Expert: multi-character orchestrated action blending

Architect: full cinematic timeline sequencing

Three.js Animation vs GSAP -> GSAP is timeline-based, Three.js is property-based

Three.js vs Reanimated -> Web 3D vs mobile UI

Three.js vs Unity WebGL -> Unity is heavier with built-in animation tools

Three.js vs Babylon.js -> Babylon has a stronger integrated animation editor

Three.js Keyframes vs skeletal -> skeletal is best for characters

2014 - Initial Animation system introduced

2016 - Mixer & Clip system standardized

2018 - GLTFLoader animation improvements

2020 - Better blending & interpolation

2023–2025 - WebGPU pipeline, major animation fixes

AnimationClip - reusable timeline

KeyframeTrack - time/value list

AnimationAction - playback controller

Mixer - global animation manager

Interpolant - calculates smooth transitions