Member Avatar for ndeniche

Hey guys. I would like to know, which js library do you prefer when designing websites that implement the parallax effect and why. Which one suits you better and why?

I'm new to this effect (it took me quite i while, I know), and I'd like to know your oppinions on the libraries available.

I, for one, have found very useful and easy to implement.

Edited by ndeniche because: Missing question mark in title :P
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A few practical notes that build on what asked and the perspectives here (thanks , and ): parallax is a design tool with tradeoffs. It can add cinematic depth to hero and product pages but harms usability when it interferes with reading, scrolling performance, or keyboard/assistive navigation. Pick an approach by answering three questions first: who needs it (marketing vs app users), where it runs (desktop only or mobile too), and how much control you need (simple offset vs full scene).

A short checklist for choosing/using any parallax solution:

  • Performance: choose techniques that use CSS transform (translate3d) and requestAnimationFrame rather than changing top/left or triggering layout.
  • Mobile & touch: provide a lightweight or disabled fallback for small screens and test on real devices.
  • Accessibility: respect prefers-reduced-motion and don't rely on parallax to convey essential content.
  • Scope: limit parallax to a few elements/layers; many layers multiply cost.
  • Maintenance: smaller, framework-agnostic code is easier to tune and debug than a large plugin.

Minimal, safe pattern (throttle scroll with rAF + reduced-motion check):

if (window.matchMedia && window.matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches) {
  // disable parallax for users who prefer reduced motion
} else {
  var lastY = 0, ticking = false;
  function onScroll() {
    lastY = window.scrollY || window.pageYOffset;
    if (!ticking) {
      window.requestAnimationFrame(function() {
        document.querySelectorAll('.parallax').forEach(function(el){
          var speed = parseFloat(el.dataset.speed) || 0.5;
          var y = Math.round((lastY - el.offsetTop) * speed);
          el.style.transform = 'translate3d(0,' + y + 'px,0)';
        });
        ticking = false;
      });
      ticking = true;
    }
  }
  window.addEventListener('scroll', onScroll, {passive: true});
  onScroll();
}

Quick troubleshooting and tips: cache element positions on resize, use IntersectionObserver to skip off-screen layers, avoid applying will-change to many elements at once, and test on low-end devices. If usability is the priority (as warned), keep motion subtle or disable it for interface-critical pages; use it where storytelling or product presentation benefits most.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for AleMonteiro

I've never used this effect, but I seached a little bit and came accross this post:

They show some options to use Parallex effects, take a look.

Member Avatar for Member #949455

Hey guys. I would like to know, which js library do you prefer when designing websites that implement the parallax effect and why. Which one suits you better and why?

I like it. This one look simliar to this one which I have used:

http://demos.flesler.com/jquery/serialScroll/

It's more up to date than the link I provided. It's a little different but I do like it.

Thanks for sharing.

Member Avatar for <M/>

, i am going to bookmark that link you provided, i like the "parallax" effect(s). :)

Member Avatar for ndeniche

I thought I was coming late to the parallax party, but by the looks of it, not many developers use it.

Member Avatar for AleMonteiro

I never used it, because I don't think it's functional. It sure is pretty and nice, but lack usability.

I'd use to build institucional websites, but I mostly work with BI systems.

Member Avatar for ndeniche

I guess it's purpose is more for retail or product websites, which are focused more on looking good than being solid and functional

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