What could be causing lag and flashing issues with Lottie animations when viewed on Safari and mobile browsers in Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

There are several possible causes for lag and flashing issues with Lottie animations when viewed on Safari and mobile browsers in Webflow. Here are some potential causes and solutions to help resolve these issues:

  1. Large file size: Check the file size of the Lottie animation. Large files can take longer to load, especially on mobile devices with slower internet connections. To reduce file size, optimize the animation in Adobe After Effects or other animation software. Use the "Bodymovin" extension to export the Lottie animation with minimal file size.

  2. Complex animations: Complex animations with multiple layers and effects can cause lag and flashing issues. Simplify and optimize the animation by reducing the number of layers, adjusting the easing and timing functions, and minimizing the use of complex effects.

  3. Browser compatibility: Lottie animations may behave differently on different browsers and devices. Safari and some mobile browsers may not fully support all Lottie features or may have performance issues. Test the animation on multiple browsers and devices to identify any compatibility issues and consider using fallback solutions or alternative animations for browsers that don't support Lottie.

  4. Hardware limitations: Older mobile devices or devices with limited processing power may struggle to handle complex Lottie animations, leading to lag and flashing. Test the animation on different devices to see if the issue persists across multiple devices. Consider creating a simplified version of the animation for devices with lower hardware capabilities.

  5. Webflow performance settings: Check the performance settings in Webflow and make sure they are optimized. Webflow has performance optimization features that can help improve the loading and playback of animations. Enable the "Preload" option for Lottie animations, which loads the animation before it is visible on the page.

  6. Cache issues: Lag and flashing issues can sometimes occur due to caching problems. Clear the browser cache and test the animation again to see if the issue persists. Additionally, set the proper cache-control headers on the server hosting the animation file to ensure it is not cached longer than necessary.

By addressing these potential causes, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the lag and flashing issues with Lottie animations on Safari and mobile browsers in Webflow.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I optimize Lottie animations for better performance in Webflow?
  2. What are the best practices for using Lottie animations in Webflow?
  3. How do I create fallback solutions for browsers that don't support Lottie in Webflow?