Can I convert regular videos into the Lottie format and have them displayed in Webflow?
TL;DR
- Lottie only supports vector-based animations created in After Effects and exported via the Bodymovin plugin—videos or photographic content can't be converted directly.
- To replicate video effects, recreate a simplified vector animation instead, or use standard video formats (like MP4) in Webflow for full-motion footage.
You cannot directly convert regular videos into Lottie format, because Lottie is for vector-based animations, not full-motion video. However, there are specific workflows that may work depending on your animation goals.
1. Understand What Lottie Supports
- Lottie (JSON) files are exported from vector-based animation tools like Adobe After Effects.
- They work with Bodymovin, a plugin that exports vector animations as Lottie JSON.
- Unlike videos, Lottie files are resolution-independent, lightweight, and fast-loading.
- Lottie does not support raster video, photographic images, or audio.
2. Alternatives If You Want Similar Effects
If you're trying to replicate video-like visuals using Lottie, consider:
- Creating a simplified, vector version of the animation in Adobe After Effects and exporting it using Bodymovin.
- Limiting design to flat shapes, paths, and vector assets. Avoid using bitmap video clips in your animation.
- Using frame-by-frame illustrations if your video is very short and stylized – but this is complex and makes the file size grow.
3. Use Video Instead When Appropriate
If your content is real-life footage or complex motion:
- Host the video on Webflow using the Video element or through services like YouTube or Vimeo.
- Use MP4 format and compress the file for web.
- Where animation interactivity is not needed, regular video formats are the better choice.
4. Implement Lottie in Webflow
If you decide to create a Lottie-compatible vector animation:
- Design it in After Effects with only supported features (no video layers).
- Export using the Bodymovin plugin to Lottie JSON.
- In Webflow:
- Use a Lottie animation element from the Add panel.
- Upload your exported .json file.
- Set scroll or mouse-based animation triggers as needed.
Summary
You cannot directly convert video into Lottie. Lottie supports only vector animations, not raster videos. If you need lightweight, scalable animations, recreate simplified movements using vector tools and export via Bodymovin. For video content, Webflow’s native video support is the correct approach.