25 Anime.js Common Issues Beginners Must Avoid (2025 Guide)

Introduction: Anime.js JavaScript Library

If you’re venturing into the world of web animations, you’ve likely come across Anime.js — a powerful and lightweight JavaScript animation library. Anime.js is known for its ease of use and flexibility, enabling developers to create stunning animations with minimal code. In our previous article, we discussed Anime.js in detail, covering its core concepts, syntax, and usage examples.

However, while Anime.js is user-friendly, beginners often encounter a variety of issues that can hinder their animation workflow. These issues may result in broken animations, unexpected behavior, or performance bottlenecks. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the 25 most common Anime.js problems, explain why they occur, and offer practical solutions with code examples to help you avoid or fix them.

Whether you’re just starting or already using Anime.js in your projects, this guide will help you debug and optimize your animations like a pro.

Most Common Issues And Mistake In Anime.js

1.Incorrect or Missing Anime.js Script Link

Issue: The Anime.js script is not correctly linked or is missing entirely.

Why It Happens: Beginners often forget to include the Anime.js CDN or reference the wrong file path.

Solution: Always ensure the script is properly included in your HTML file:

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/animejs/3.2.1/anime.min.js"></script>

Make sure it is included before your custom scripts that use Anime.js.

2.Using Invalid or Non-existent CSS Selectors

Issue: The target selector passed to Anime.js doesn’t match any element.

Why It Happens: A typo in the selector or the element isn’t present in the DOM.

Solution: Double-check selectors and make sure elements exist when the animation runs:

anime({
targets: '.box',
translateX: 250
});

Use console.log(document.querySelector(‘.box’)) to verify existence.

3.Missing Units in Property Values

Issue: Not using units like px or deg when required.

Why It Happens: Anime.js requires units for certain CSS properties.

Solution: Add units manually:

anime({
targets: '.box',
rotate: '180deg',
width: '200px'
});

4.Animating Non-Animatable CSS Properties

Issue: Trying to animate properties that CSS doesn’t allow to animate.

Solution: Only animate supported properties such as:

transform

opacity

backgroundColor

width/height (with caution)

Refer to MDN Animatable Properties.

5. Animations Not Triggering on Page Load

Why It Happens: Scripts execute before the DOM is fully loaded.

Solution: Use window.onload or place script at the bottom:

window.onload = function() {
anime({ targets: '.box', opacity: 1 });
};

6. Multiple anime() Calls Not Syncing Properly

Issue: Animations running out of sync.

Solution: Use Anime.js timelines:

let tl = anime.timeline();
ttl.add({ targets: '.box', translateX: 100 })
.add({ targets: '.circle', opacity: 0.5 });

7. Ignoring the Anime.js Timeline Feature

Why It Matters: Timelines allow sequencing multiple animations.

Solution: Utilize anime.timeline() for better control and cleaner code.

8. Misusing loop, autoplay, or direction Options

Issue: Animations behave unexpectedly.

Solution: Understand what each option does:

anime({
targets: '.box',
translateX: 250,
loop: true,
autoplay: false,
direction: 'alternate'
});

9. Overwriting Styles with Inline CSS

Issue: Styles set by Anime.js are overridden.

Solution: Avoid using inline styles or override them after animation.

10. Animations Running Before DOM is Ready

Solution: Wrap code in:

document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {
// animation code
});

11.Forgetting to Use Callback Functions

Tip: Use begin, complete, etc. to hook into animation lifecycle:

anime({
targets: '.box',
complete: () => console.log('Done!')
});

12. Setting Targets to null or Empty NodeList

Issue: Target element is not found.

Fix: Ensure valid selector or DOM existence:

if (document.querySelector('.box')) {
anime({ targets: '.box', translateX: 200 });
}

13. Using Unsupported Easing Functions

Solution: Refer to Anime.js docs for supported easing types like easeInOutQuad, spring(1, 80, 10, 0).

14. Not Understanding Animation Duration Properly

Issue: Wrong time unit or misunderstood value.

Tip: Duration is always in milliseconds:

anime({ duration: 1000 }); // 1 second

15. Animating Too Many Elements at Once

Problem: Leads to performance drops.

Fix: Limit targets or batch animations using stagger.

anime({
targets: '.box',
translateX: 100,
delay: anime.stagger(100)
});

16. Ignoring Browser Compatibility

Tip: Use progressive enhancement. Check for animation support using feature detection.

17. Forgetting Quotes in Keyframes

Fix: Strings must be quoted:

keyframes: [
{ translateX: '100px' },
{ translateY: '50px' }
]

18. Applying Animation on Display: none Elements

Fix: Use visibility hidden or opacity 0 instead:

.box {
visibility: hidden;
}

19. Combining Anime.js with CSS Transitions Improperly

Problem: Results in animation conflict.

Fix: Use one method consistently.

20. Assuming Anime.js Will Handle Element Visibility

Reality: It only handles properties you define.

Fix: Add opacity or visibility explicitly in animation.

21. Not Resetting Styles Before Re-running Animations

Tip: Reset properties manually before triggering again.

22. Confusing Between Object vs Array Animation Targets

Clarification:

anime({ targets: ['.box1', '.box2'] });

23. Misunderstanding the Role of delay in Sequences

Tip: delay helps stagger animations; useful in list UI animations.

24. Not Using Developer Tools to Debug Issues

Fix: Use browser DevTools (console, inspector, breakpoints) for real-time debugging.

25. Trying to Animate Elements That Don’t Exist Yet

Fix: Use MutationObserver or delay code execution until DOM elements are ready.

Suggestions Abut Anime.js Issues:

• Always test animations in multiple browsers.
• Use anime.timeline() for complex sequences.
• Keep animations short and meaningful.
• Use semantic class names.
• Avoid animating non-visible elements.

Conclusion:

Anime.js is a fantastic tool for creating smooth, elegant, and interactive web animations, but even seasoned developers can fall into these common pitfalls. Understanding the root causes and learning how to address them will make your code more reliable and your animations more impactful. If you’re facing issues with Anime.js, revisit these 25 common problems, and you’ll find a solution that helps you move forward confidently.

For a detailed understanding of Anime.js from the ground up, don’t forget to check out our previous guide on how to get started with Anime.js.

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