GSAP Is Now 100% Free: What It Means for Web Developers and Designers

In a groundbreaking move, GSAP (GreenSock Animation Platform) has made all its premium plugins freely available to the public, thanks to its acquisition by Webflow. Today’s article explores the implications of this change, detailing the benefits for developers and designers, and how it reshapes the landscape of web animation.

Table of Contents

Introduction

GSAP has long been a staple in the toolkit of web developers and designers, offering robust animation capabilities. Previously, access to its full suite of plugins required a Club GSAP membership. However, with Webflow’s acquisition of GSAP, all premium plugins are now freely accessible, democratizing advanced web animations.

The Acquisition: Webflow and GSAP Unite

In October 2024, Webflow announced its acquisition of GSAP, aiming to enhance its animation capabilities and provide users with more powerful tools. This strategic move ensures that GSAP remains publicly available and continues to evolve with dedicated resources from Webflow.

What’s Now Free: Unlocking Premium Plugins

The acquisition has led to the release of all GSAP plugins, previously reserved for Club GSAP members. These include:

  • SplitText: Enables complex text animations by splitting text into characters, words, or lines.
  • MorphSVG: Allows smooth morphing between SVG shapes.
  • Physics2D: Adds physics-based motion to animations.
  • ScrollSmoother: Provides smooth scrolling experiences.
  • CustomEase: Creates custom easing functions for animations.
  • These plugins can now be used freely in both personal and commercial projects.

Benefits for Developers and Designers

The free access to GSAP’s premium plugins offers numerous advantages:

  • Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for a paid membership to access advanced animation tools.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Empowers designers to implement complex animations without additional costs.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrates seamlessly with Webflow, simplifying the animation process.
  • Community Growth: Encourages a broader user base, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Getting Started with GSAP

To begin using GSAP and its plugins:

  1. Visit the GSAP Website: Access the official GSAP website at gsap.com.
  2. Explore the Documentation: Familiarize yourself with GSAP’s features and plugins through the documentation.
  3. Integrate with Webflow: Utilize GSAP within Webflow projects by following the integration guide.
  4. Experiment with Demos: Learn by example through CodePen demos.

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all GSAP plugins are now freely available for both personal and commercial use.
No, GSAP can be used independently of Webflow. However, integration with Webflow is seamless and offers additional benefits.
There are no functional limitations; all plugins are fully operational.
Existing members retain their benefits, and the transition does not negatively impact their access or usage.
GSAP offers a comprehensive Learning Center with tutorials, documentation, and community forums.

Final Thoughts

The decision to make all GSAP plugins freely available marks a significant milestone in web development. By removing financial barriers, GSAP and Webflow have empowered a broader audience to create sophisticated, engaging web animations. This move not only democratizes access to powerful tools but also fosters a more innovative and collaborative web design community.