1. The Web Industry Was Shocked - Historic Integration of GSAP and WebFlow

In 2024, shocking news jumped into the web animation world. It was announced that GSAP, which is called the king of JavaScript animation, will fall under the umbrella of Webflow, the leader of the no-code platform.

This announcement has caused major ripples in the industry. This is because GSAP is a library that has truly reigned as the standard for web animation, adopted by over 12 million websites. It has also been adopted on the websites of global companies such as Apple, Nike, and Google, and GSAP has played an active role as an unsung hero behind websites that have received numerous awards.

1-1. Why this integration now

There are two major trends in web production behind this integration.

1-2. Accelerating the no-code revolution

- Increased demand for direct web production by designers and business owners

- Market requests for visual implementation of complex implementations

- The rise of no-code tools as a way to fill the developer shortage

1-3. The growing complexity of interactive expressions

- Demand for a more dynamic user experience

- Generalization of advanced animation implementations, such as scroll triggers and parallax

- The challenge of balancing performance and expressiveness

1-4. Future prospects as seen in this article

In this article, we'll discuss in detail the specific changes this historic integration will bring to our web production from the following perspectives:

- Specific changes at production sites
- Production flow innovation with the long-awaited GSAP GUI
- Advanced animation implementation without coding
- Integrated design and animation workflows

- New skills required from creators
- Unleash creativity due to falling technical barriers
- Changes in the positioning of traditional front-end development skills
- The emergence of new methods of expression and how to learn them

- Impact on the entire industry
- Impact on competitive tools and market changes
- The need for change in education
- the emergence of new business opportunities

This news means more than just corporate consolidation. It has great potential to democratize web expression and unleash creativity. Through this article, let's take a detailed look at what we understand and how we should prepare for this period of historic change.

In the next chapter, we will first explain in detail the strengths and achievements of GSAP and WebFlow, and then delve into why this integration has a big impact on the industry.

2. What the fusion of giants means - the beginning of transformation

2-1. GSAP with an amazing track record - why 12 million sites chose it

“Why are so many websites choosing GSAP?”

The answer lies in GSAP's overwhelming performance and ease of use. Complex timing controls and smooth scroll-linked animations, which are difficult to achieve with general CSS animations, can also be realized with a few lines of code with GSAP. For example, effects such as those seen on Apple's product introduction pages where the product rotates and text flows in accordance with scrolling can be implemented surprisingly easily with GSAP.

From global corporate websites to individual productions, it's clear why GSAP is chosen:

• Don't worry about cross-browser compatibility issues
• Achieve smooth animations at 60 fps with ease
• Intuitive API design makes it possible to express complex movements with few codes

2-2. Webflow, which started the no-code revolution - its ambition and ability

Meanwhile, Webflow has been at the forefront of no-code development based on the philosophy that “everyone can create beautiful websites.” It is favored by designers for its professional design features and flexibility, which sets it apart from traditional website builders.

What is noteworthy is Webflow's “design-to-code” approach. The mechanism by which designs assembled with visuals are automatically converted into clean code has changed the way many designers work. This track record suggests the possibility that similar innovations can be brought about in the animation field.

2-3. The grand vision drawn by integration - the future map of the industry

The integration of GSAP and WebFlow means more than just a corporate acquisition. The vision drawn by both companies is a fusion of “professional expressiveness” and “simplicity that everyone can use.”

What is most anticipated is the development of the “GSAP GUI.” This results in:

• Complex animations can now be created without writing code
• Set up animations intuitively in the design workflow
• Real-time preview and fine-tuning are now possible

Of particular note is the consideration given to existing GSAP users. The current license and pricing structure will be maintained even after the acquisition, and it is promised that its nature as open source will not change. This shows an attitude of meeting the needs of both professional developers and no-code users.

In a future where this integration is possible, designers can implement animations just the way they envision without having to worry about code. Developers will be able to use their time for more creative work. Also, a world where people who have never had a chance to experience web animation until now can express themselves freely will expand.

In the next chapter, we'll take a closer look at the specific impact of this transformation and the new possibilities we have.

3. Specific impacts brought about by innovation

3-1. The long-awaited GSAP GUI is born - we can do it this far without code

The world of web animation production is about to change drastically. At the center of this is the birth of the long-awaited “GSAP GUI.” Complex animations that until now could only be realized with code can now be created by simply operating the mouse. For example, effects where products appear while rotating in conjunction with scrolling, and expressions with depth due to parallax effects can also be realized with intuitive operation.

For professional designers, this tool will be the key to unleashing creativity. Ideas can be quickly put into shape, and proposals can be made to clients in real time. This new workflow will become a reality. The conversation “First with this kind of movement” takes shape as a prototype on the spot. This has the potential to dramatically improve communication with clients.

3-2. Good news for users - important changes to be aware of

The biggest good news from this integration is consideration for existing GSAP users. Your current license and pricing structure will be maintained, and you can continue developing your familiar codebase without changing. Furthermore, due to Webflow's abundant resources, the frequency of updates will also increase, and it is expected that features that have been requested for many years will be implemented one after another.

There are even greater benefits for newcomers. GSAP functions, which until now required JavaScript knowledge, can now be used while visually understanding them. It will open the door to professional animation expression even for people without a technical background, such as designers, marketers, and content creators.

3-3. The storm of change sweeping through the industry - the whereabouts of competitive tools

This integration is causing major ripples across the web animation industry. How will other animation libraries and tools respond to this change? Market restructuring will probably proceed in various forms, such as the development of similar visual tools and enhancements of functions specific to specific applications.

What is particularly noteworthy is the change in the field of education. Until now, web animation education presupposed a technical understanding of JavaScript and CSS. However, in the future, emphasis will be placed on more creative aspects, such as design thinking and user experience design. Programming skills are not required and may become an option.

3-4. Creative Liberation Zone - Endless possibilities for expression

What is most interesting is the possibility that this transformation will create new forms of expression. The creativity of artists and designers, which until now has been blocked by code barriers, can now be directly expressed on the web. For example, creators in different fields, such as dance and music, express their sensibility as animations on the web. Such new possibilities are opening up.

Also, shorter production times enable more experimentation and trial and error. By creating an environment where you can immediately test the idea of “can we move like this?”, the possibility that innovative expressions that have never been seen before will be born is also increasing.

In fact, there are voices from creators who introduced it ahead of time that “the time from idea to prototype has been dramatically shortened” and “communication with clients has become smoother.” This transformation may be the beginning of a new era of web expression.

In the next chapter, how should we respond to this period of change and what preparations should we make. Let's take a look at that specific strategy.

4. Open the door to next-generation web expression

4-1. A New Era Begins Tomorrow - Things You Can Do Right Now

The new era of web animation has already begun. What can we do to prepare for this period of change?

The first thing you should pay attention to is understanding the basic concept of GSAP. You might not need to write code anymore, but the basic principles of animation remain the same. Concepts such as timing, easing, and sequencing will continue to be important factors. Fortunately, Webflow already provides a full range of learning resources, and it is expected that a comprehensive learning environment including GSAP know-how will be developed in the future.

The field is already beginning to show signs of change. For example, an increasing number of companies are including animation instructions in design camps. In addition to static design, the dynamic element of “how it works” has been discussed from an early stage. This shows that animation is no longer an “afterthought” decoration, but is recognized as an essential element of the user experience.

4-2. Challenges in the way and paths to solutions

Of course, there are challenges to this transformation. The biggest challenge is probably migrating existing workflows. Many companies and production sites already have established production flows. Migrating to new tools takes time and effort.

However, solutions to this challenge are also becoming visible. The integration of WebFlow and GSAP is being phased in and promises to have minimal impact on existing projects. Also, it seems that a mechanism that can proceed with conventional code-based development and new GUI-based development in parallel is also being considered.

I'm also concerned about performance issues. Can animations created with visual tools perform as well as handwritten code? In this regard, it is expected that high performance can be maintained by the GSAP optimization engine working behind the scenes.

4-3. Ride the waves of a new era - what you can do now

So what exactly should we do?

First, improve your understanding of the basic principles of animation. Great animations are based on basic principles, regardless of how they're technically implemented. It's important to firmly grasp the concepts underlying animation, such as timing, space, and easing.

Second, think about animations from a user experience perspective. It's easy to get caught up in fancy moves and technical implementations, but what's essentially important is what value the animation brings to users. The ability to design an animation suitable for the purpose while considering accessibility and performance is required.

And third, it's about fostering creative thinking. By freeing yourself from technical restrictions, you will be able to think more freely about animation. The attitude of drawing inspiration from other fields and exploring new ways of expression will become more important than ever.

This period of transformation is both a challenge and a huge opportunity. In the next chapter, we'll take a more specific look at the limitless possibilities this new era brings.

5. Democratizing Creativity - Dawn of a New Era

The world of web animation is at a major turning point. The integration of GSAP with WebFlow marks the beginning of a new era of liberating creativity and democratizing expression, beyond simply evolving tools.

Until now, creating excellent web animations required advanced technical skills. A programmer's help was needed to realize the movement the designer had envisioned. However, this situation is about to change drastically. Artists and designers can directly shape their own visions. Such an era is unfolding before our eyes.

We are already beginning to see signs of change in the creative field. For example, at a digital agency, the style of collaboration between designers and engineers is beginning to change. Until now, designers came up with ideas and engineers implemented them, but now both can proceed with the work simultaneously and make adjustments in real time.

What's even more interesting is the emergence of a new type of creator. Since it is now possible to create complex animations with intuitive operation without programming knowledge, creators in various fields, from graphic designers, video artists, and even dancers and musicians, have entered the world of web animation. The new perspectives and sensitivities they bring will greatly expand the possibilities of online expression.

But this transformation isn't just about lowering the production threshold. A more essential change lies in the fact that “ideas can be quickly put into shape.” Creators can quickly try out the ideas they come up with and see the results instantly. This rapid feedback cycle should further stimulate creativity and lead to the discovery of new forms of expression.

Also, this transformation will have a major impact on the field of education. Until now, web design education has spent a lot of time learning technical skills. But in the future, we'll be able to focus on more essential parts, such as fostering creativity and designing user experiences.

Future web designers will be able to freely express their creativity without being bound by technical restrictions. And it should have an impact not only on the design world, but also on the way we do business and communication.

What is required of us in this period of transformation is an open attitude to new possibilities. Advances in technology provide us with tools to unleash our creativity. But how will it be utilized, and what kind of value will it create? The answer lies within the hands of each and every one of us.

A new era of web animation has already begun. We will ride this wave and explore new possibilities. I think all of us creators are looking for such a challenging attitude right now.

We are in the midst of a major transformation: the democratization of creativity. Let's use this transformation as an opportunity to create better websites. The future is full of limitless possibilities, depending on our creativity.