How can I optimize the loading time of Lottie animations in Webflow?
TL;DR
- Compress the Lottie JSON, simplify the animation in After Effects, and avoid raster images to reduce file size.
- Host animations efficiently (Webflow assets for small files, CDN for larger ones), use lazy loading, defer external scripts, and avoid heavy animations above the fold.
Optimizing the loading time of Lottie animations in Webflow involves reducing file sizes, using efficient formats, and applying best practices in project settings.
1. Optimize the Lottie JSON File
- Compress the JSON using tools like https://lottiefiles.com/compress to reduce file size without losing visual quality.
- Remove unnecessary layers, groups, or masks in your original After Effects file before exporting with Bodymovin.
- Avoid big raster images inside the animation. Lottie is vector-friendly; using raster images increases size significantly.
- Limit animation duration and complexity, especially if looping or used above the fold.
2. Host the Animation Efficiently
- Upload Lottie files directly to Webflow’s assets manager if file size is small (under 10 MB).
- For larger files, consider hosting on a CDN (e.g., AWS S3, LottieFiles CDN) and embed using the Lottie animation embed component or a custom embed element.
3. Use Lottie Features Wisely in Webflow
- Use Webflow’s built-in Lottie component, which is optimized to load only when necessary.
- Enable “Lazy Load” for the Lottie embed in Webflow to delay loading until the animation is in view (in CMS, use custom attributes like
loading="lazy"in embed elements). - Avoid autoplay unless necessary. Consider using user interaction (e.g., scroll into view or hover) to trigger the animation.
4. Defer Lottie Script Loading (Only if You’re Using External Scripts)
- If embedding externally and using
lottie-webfrom CDN, load the script using “defer” or “async” attributes to prevent blocking the main thread. - Only add external Lottie JS once per site to avoid loading it multiple times.
5. Minimize Animations Above the Fold
- Avoid heavy Lottie animations in your hero section or above-the-fold area, as this can delay Largest Contentful Paint (LCP).
- If necessary, preload the animation using browser preload techniques or manually trigger lazy load after initial content is rendered.
Summary
To optimize Lottie animation loading in Webflow, compress the JSON, host efficiently, lazy-load animations, and minimize upfront animation weight. This ensures your animations enhance design without slowing down performance.