Imagine a web canvas alive with motion, where each scroll unveils a new layer of depth akin to peering through a looking glass into wonderland; this is the magic of parallax scrolling websites. Once just a picturesque buzz in the design community, these interactive masterpieces have leaped from the fringes to the forefront, revolutionizing how stories are told on the digital landscape.
In the unfolding narrative of web design, these multi-layered experiences merge UI/UX design finesse with the robustness of CSS and JavaScript, transforming static pages into dynamic adventures. This article delves into the artistry behind the parallax scroll, elucidating how the technique not only captivates but also retains user attention.
Venture along as we unravel examples of parallax scrolling websites. By article’s end, expect to gather insights on crafting immersive experiences that provoke engagement and echo the brand’s voice, all while maintaining a mobile-friendly posture and SEO-friendly design principles.
From scroll-triggered animations to leveraging the full narrative potential of visual storytelling, each segment promises a deeper understanding of this enchanting web phenomenon.
How Parallax Scrolling Works
The word ‘parallax’ describes the effect of an object changing positions when looked at from a different angle.
When used in web design, background images move slower than foreground images when scrolling. This creates a unique illusion of motion, depth, and distance; a 3D feature on a two-dimensional site.
In this article created by our team behind Slider Revolution, we’re showcasing 108 great examples of the best-designed parallax scrolling websites.
108 Websites Using The Parallax Scrolling Effect
1. AlliencePlus
ALLIANCE+ offers cleaning, catering and a range of other facility services. The website starts with a brief presentation of the company. Belowe, they introduce their business portfolio while a moving picture attracts customers to each category. Continue scrolling as more interactive photos stimulate your interest.
2. Anton & Irene
Anton & Irene are designers who have created a unique presentation with an engaging interface. Their site opens with two human figures stepping into the background, giving way to the text. Scroll down to see the story unfold. It informs the visitors of their projects and experience, while keeping the interest until the end.
3. Apple
On this website, the developer uses image gallery canvas navigation.
4. Apple iPad Pro
5. Assemble
The Assemble website offers a collection of beautiful homepage designs. Scroll to view the pictures in the portfolio while the parallax effect creates the perception of motion.
6. Bagigia
Bagigia’s website features their product in an interactive way. The image of the product rotates as you scroll to display all the features of an innovative bottle. Learn the story behind the invention in an engaging way that keeps the interest all throughout.
7. Beangels
At BeAngels, they connect entrepreneurs with investors. The individual icons are set in motion by the parallax scrolling effect when hovered over.
8. Bearideas
At Bearideas they care about branding. They offer help to their clients in regard to brand strategy, expression, and activation. As for their own branding, they used the parallax scrolling technique to captivate the attention of their website visitors. They present themselves and their projects in an interactive way.
9. Beckett
This advertising agency knows how to captivate its users’ attention.Multiple moving pictures introduce this company as a lively enterprise with many creative ideas. Some may find the number of pictures stimulating, others a little too distracting. However, the design is unique and original.
10. Beer Camp
The site uses parallax scrolling in a unique zooming effect. When going down, it feels as if you’re being transported into a 3D space. There are 5 layers in total, each presenting more information about the event. It’s a perfect design for the beer competition brand.
11. Bite
Bite features innovative oral care products. Moving down the page opens the interactive product collection. Using the parallax scrolling design allows the retailer to approach clients in an engaging way. It also features scroll-triggered underwater animation.
12. Bellevoye
This is a very elegant presentation for Bellevoye whisky. The parallax scrolling effect complements the product without distracting the consumer. It uses motion pictures to make the page engaging.
13. Boe Gin
14. Building the Future
This page presents a digital transformation event. To make it appealing, it has been designed using parallax scrolling, creating 3D background effects throughout the presentation of the event’s mission. The speakers are introduced with their pictures that progress as you scroll.
15. Canals
This site offers a beautiful presentation of the Amsterdam canals through horizontal navigation. It’s a great example of how parallax scrolling can add to the interactivity of a site.
16. Canatal
Canatal uses parallax scrolling to create a sleek presentation of the company and its experience. The interface is clean, easy to navigate, and interactive. The pictures open up as you scroll. You get a sense of space when you view the page.
17. Candy Fish
Candy fish has created a captivating website. Their motto being that branding is a story, they prove their concept well through the parallax scrolling effects used to tell various stories on their page. The unique design makes their mission come alive.
18. CodeQ
CodeQ offers web design, so their own site needs to build customers’ trust in their service. Using parallax scrolling makes the presentation interactive and engaging. It’s an example of a sleek interface by not being too overwhelming or distracting.
19. Collage
This creative online boutique presents its portfolio of products through pictures and captions. They are put in motion while navigating the page and hovering your mouse over the product categories.
20. Cooper Perkins
Cooper Perkins apply the parallax scrolling effect to introduce themselves in a lively and captivating way. Their website displays a trustworthy and professional business experience from the first impression.
21. Crema
22. Cyclemon
The brand creates digital prints and silkscreens. The presentation starts with a theme: ‘You are what you ride’. Scroll down to experience how the parallax effect showcases different bike designs and types. They are in the foreground, while the environment in the background changes altogether with each new picture.
23. Dave Gamache
Dave Gamach created a parallax demo experiment. He presents 16 examples of scaling, fading, and moving at once. He shows some other effects too, e.g. a rotating mobile phone with some design work displayed on its screen.
24. Defeat Boco
25. Delassus
The Delassus group grows flowers, grapes, and other plants. The page uses a horizontal navigation slideshow that shows to be creative and artistic, but not too distracting.
26. De Might of Mister Miller
27. Devine Vineyard
Devine Distillery & Winery presents their craft alcoholic beverages using 3D design. Scrolling down the page opens a presentation featuring images that float forward. Their smooth borders give them a natural look. There are also a few animated flies flying across the interface.
28. Diesel
Bad is a fragrance for men by Diesel. The parallax scrolling works in all directions. It uses a skim slide effect. Selecting any visual on this interactive website takes you further into the site.
29. Dog Studio
30. Drink Cann
The parallax effect here uses scroll color fade as you move down to different sections of the site.
31. Emlyon Junior Conseil
32. Epicurrence
Epicurrence website presents ‘the most epic conference for creatives’. Scroll to observe pictures of past conference activities as they slide into the background, opening the way to the text. It speaks the creative language of the target viewers.
33. Erős Balázs
34. Every Last Drop
Every Last Drop is an interactive website, taking a viewer through a typical day to view how much water we consume. The parallax scrolling design features animations rather than plain text for more engagement. It uses a visual storytelling approach to convey important facts.
35. EyeSprint
36. Femme Fatale
Femme Fatale is a creative studio specialized in interactive experiences and animation. The site communicates the brand very well by using parallax scrolling to create different effects. It’s unique and engaging.
37. Firewatch
A 3D parallax scrolling effect introduces the game on the home page. The 6 layers create a perception of space. There’s a short description of the setting and storyline.
38. Flandria
39. Flixxo
Flixxo uses parallax scrolling for their text features, animation, and 3D effects. Proceeding through the site causes the initial image to fade in the background, bringing a new visual forward. Continue below to view new features appearing in the foreground.
40. Fluttuo
Fluttuo offers a unique jewelry collection. Each piece is unique. The brand has a creative website that uses parallax scrolling. Upon entering, animated pictures of models wearing the beautiful jewelry fill the page. This is combined with contrasting colors, videos, and more. Instead of viewing a static photo gallery, the parallax effects create a lively show.
41. FPP
42. Freakshow Wine
Freakshow Wine is a site for an American winery. Their product collection is presented using the parallax effect. It captivates viewers’ attention and is more engaging than a static e-commerce site.
43. Garden Studio
44. Green Chameleon
This website offers a dive into their 2018 time capsule. Scrolling down creates a unique 3D experience that feels like revisiting the year.
45. Gucci
The website uses parallax scrolling to showcase an artistic presentation of Gucci products with the creative design of Ignasi Monreal.
46. Gucci Zumi
The Gucci Zumi presents a new handbag collection in illustrations by artist Alex Merry. The parallax scrolling creates a unique 3D effect used to introduce the products.
47. Hello Monday
While entering the Hello Monday page, you’re entertained by a black and white cartoon. This site features a split-screen 3D parallax effect. Scrolling down opens a gallery of the company experience and products. Each example has its own unique design.
48. Hitachi
Hitachi has an attractive web design featuring parallax scrolling. The pictures come forward on a white background. The effects are not distracting and there’s sufficient text accompanying the images. Interactive icons encourage users to click for more information, allowing for intuitive navigation.
49. Hobolobo
This site uses horizontal parallax scrolling to create the effect of an animated storybook. On the top bar, the number of pages can be seen when moving through the cartoon to the right. Containing many 3D effects, the design is unique and engaging.
50. Image Based Bullying
51. Immersive Garden
The Immersive Garden web design features parallax scrolling effects and rotations. You get a 3D space perception and sense of depth.
52. InfoQuest Infographic
53. i-Spy
54. Jess & Russ
55. Konstantopoulos
This olive oil producer introduces their band on an elegant and interactive website. The parallax scrolling effect creates the perception of picking the olives off the screen. Go further and observe the company logo moving down with you in the foreground of the page. Clicking on it takes you back to the Home page. The product section is a journey from where the olives are harvested to the final product.
56. Kontainer
This marketing app presentation uses a subtle parallax scrolling function. Without being too distracting, the site maintains a professional interface. The visual effects make the user experience more engaging.
57. Koox
Koox may be offering creative food, but so is their website. The menu is interactive and engaging. The parallax scrolling effects complement the food pictures.
58. Lanbelle
Lanbelle is a brand that promotes natural and clean products. The parallax scrolling design of the website offers a creative combination of pictures of the products and their natural ingredients. It’s a lively and credible sales presentation.
59. La Phrase 5
The different topics on this website are contained in squares. Some appear to be in the foreground, overlapping those in the background. This 3D effect is achieved by parallax scrolling. Other features include little triangles, squares, and circles that complete the visual effect’s theme. The interface has a sleek look due to the clean white background.
60. Laracon
61. Laurent-Perrier
Laurent-Perrier presents their products as an interactive picture gallery featuring the wine in various settings. The parallax effects are used to engage the target viewer. The brand history is presented in a creative way, using photographs and short captions.
62. Loaded
63. Locomotive
64. Longshot Features
Longshot designed its site using horizontal scroll animated illustrations.
65. Lopesce
Lopesce features its seafood products on an interactive website. The parallax scrolling function allows you to discover different types of snacks, using various. Each product has its ingredients flowing around it, to quickly convey an idea of what it may taste like. The snacks are also differentiated by color.
66. Lost Worlds Fairs
This site takes the visitor on a journey from the surface of the ocean down to the depths of imagination. Eventually, it arrives at Atlantis. It’s an interesting and creative use of parallax scrolling.
67. Madies
68. Majestyk Apps
69. Make Your Money Matter
This site promotes joining a credit union, inviting you on an interactive journey to discover the reasons why it should be considered.
70. Melanie Daveid
Melanie Daveid is an UX Designer and Art Director. The website is a good representation of the brand while also reflecting her creativity. The interface is divided into two parts. The left side is stationary and displays the name of the section that is being viewed. The right side features a presentation of her work while continuing to scroll down.
71. moooi
This website stands out with a surreal ambiance created by parallax effects, best representing the creative brand.
72. Muzli
73. NASA Prospect
NASA Prospect was designed by a group of University students and their professor. This site invites the visitor to follow an animated story by turning up its volume and scrolling. It combines short quotes of text with animated pictures to create a story that develops as you progress further down the page. The 3D effect allows the heroes to be in the foreground, while the planets and stars create the background.
74. Next Level Fairs
This web design uses both vertical and horizontal scrolls. It is a unique presentation of mobile art exhibitions and it offers an immersion into the world of drawing
75. Niika
NIIKA’s motto says ‘Standing out is easy, all it takes is good design’. True to its branding, the website offers unique parallax scrolling effects. As the business presents an interactive list of their services and demonstrates examples of their work, the background color and effects change accordingly.
76. Nizo App
The parallax effect on this site brings all the UI elements towards the center while going down the page. They appear assembled together after scrolling to the end.
77. numéro10
78. Packwire
At Packwire you can create a custom box. As you scroll down, the boxes step forward from the background for a closer view of them. Also, the instructions for using the product are presented in an interactive way. As is the case of many businesses focused on design and creativity, the website communicates their brand well.
79. Pink Rabbit
80. Pitchfork
This Pitchwork site presents an interactive article about singer Natasha Khan. The parallax scrolling separates the interface into sections and scrolling down animates the pictures of the artist.
81. Peter Lindbergh
The website was created in memory of this famous fashion photographer. It features a scroll navigation photo gallery.
82. Playful
83. Porsche Volution
Upon opening the site, an inviting button allows you to step into an interactive timeline featuring Porsche’s history. It presents the visuals of the new models that were introduced over the decades, with accompanying music clips in that decade’s style.
84. Raleigh
85. Reservoir Dogs Beer
86. Rewind 2019 YouTube
87. Rezo Zero
88. Ryo Kawada
89. SBS
This site features WebGL 3D Parallax Effect.
90. Scrollino
Scrollino was created by two artists whose goal was to enhance reading experience. They present the revolutionary rewinding book on the website. Scrollino uses playful parallax scrolling to show animations of the product.
91. Seymour Powel
This brand offers help with expanding your business. The web design fits the professional approach. Parallax scrolling uses text that moves faster than the background picture. The interface is divided into different sections that load when scrolling down.
92. Shape Studio
Shape Studio uses a frame image effect. The parallax scrolling opens an interactive presentation of the design company. There are many visuals, including videos in the background and moving text in the foreground.
93. Sketchy Media
94. Smith Institute
The Smith Institute offers mathematical consultancy. The design of their history timeline is also well calculated. It’s engaging, featuring graphics in the background and focusing on their important achievements. The interface is clean and professional, as expected from this brand.
95. Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek
This New York Times article is a great example of how to animate an article by the use of parallax scrolling. It stimulates the imagination and captivates the readers.
96. Spokes
97. Stock Dutch Design
98. St Regis, Venice
99. The Boat
The Boat is an interactive graphic novel about escape after the Vietnam War. The parallax scrolling effect creates a perception of depth. There are animations in the background that make the story credible. The sound effects contribute to experiencing the adventure.
100. This Oxford
The Oxford cluster page lists impacting innovations coming from this famous location. The parallax effect displays a portrait of the inventor in the background, while text appears in the foreground. The different movement speed of the sections creates a perception of space. There’s a stationary menu displayed on the right of the interface. The site relates an interactive and lively story.
101. UBank
Ubank has used parallax scrolling to create a 3D effect on the interface. As you keep scrolling down through the description of the app features, a phone on the side is demonstrating the functions. The visuals are modest and complimentary, which is appropriate for a financial app.
102. Upper
Upper App is a scheduling application. Scrolling down allows to change the theme color and explore the different functions.
103. Valaire
Valerie features a unique and creative website that presents their music and other products. It communicates the artists’ branding through the use of many parallax scrolling effects.
104. Vossen
105. WebFlow
This is the very interesting history of the World Wide Web. To tell this story, the site uses a captivating presentation with the use of visual parallax scrolling effects displaying multiple examples of old web design.
106. Wolfdog Raven
This site allows a peek into the life of Saarloos Wolfdog Raven. It features parallax scrolling effects with big letters containing Ravan’s pictures as text and photos slowly come to the foreground. It’s not a regular site with a picture gallery. Instead, it offers an interesting 3D perception.
107. Youandigraphics
This page uses parallax scrolling for icon navigation, encouraging users to continue reading. When selecting the live website, e pictures and graphics appear in the background of the text, creating a pleasant 3D effect.
108. 20 Years of Hip-hop Culture
FAQs about parallax scrolling
What exactly is parallax scrolling in web design?
Parallax scrolling is an immersive design technique where background content moves at a different speed than the foreground when scrolling, creating a 3D effect and depth that energizes the user’s visual experience. It can turn a simple site into a journey, often improving user engagement.
How does parallax scrolling influence user experience?
Parallax scrolling can positively spiral user experience by turning static browsing into a dynamic journey. When implemented with a fine balance, it contributes to a storytelling website that’s interactive, keeping viewers hooked with visual storytelling and enhancing the narrative.
Are there SEO benefits to using parallax scrolling on my website?
While parallax scrolling on its own doesn’t directly boost SEO, a compelling design can reduce bounce rates and increase dwell time. Strategic use of scrolling techniques and parallax templates, coupled with SEO-friendly design, can indirectly bolster search rankings through enhanced user behavior metrics.
What are the pitfalls of using parallax scrolling in web design?
When overdone, parallax scrolling can lead to load time optimization issues and distract from content. It’s key to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring cross-browser compatibility, mobile compatibility, and not compromising on web accessibility for the sake of fancy visuals.
Can parallax scrolling be achieved without extensive coding knowledge?
Absolutely! Various platforms offer parallax templates and plugins, especially within the WordPress ecosystem, that can be leveraged by those without deep coding skills. Yet, understanding basics of CSS3 animations and JavaScript can significantly enhance customization.
How do parallax scrolling websites perform on mobile devices?
It’s vital for parallax designs to be responsive web design centric. However, due to hardware constraints, complex animations can hinder performance. Ensuring mobile compatibility through adaptive design techniques is essential for smooth, mobile-friendly engagement.
Does parallax scrolling affect the loading speed of a website?
Parallax scrolling can affect loading speed, particularly if it involves high-resolution images and intensive scripts. Balancing animation speed with web performance considerations, like optimization and efficient coding, is critical.
Is parallax scrolling just a passing web design fad?
Parallax scrolling has maintained its charm in the web design world, particularly for brands looking to create an impactful first impression. As part of a holistic web development trend, it has its place, especially when it amplifies the message rather than overshadowing the content.
How accessible are parallax scrolling websites for users with disabilities?
It’s possible to create parallax websites that are accessible, but it requires diligence. Web Accessibility should be a priority, ensuring features like keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility aren’t neglected while employing visually captivating parallax effects.
Can parallax scrolling websites be optimized for search engines?
Yes, parallax scrolling sites can be optimized for search engines by maintaining a clean, organized structure, prioritizing user interface clarity, and keeping front-end development SEO-conscious. Implementing on-page SEO fundamentals and ensuring fast load times keep such websites competitive in search rankings.
Conclusion
We’ve now journeyed through a digital landscape adorned with layers of imagery and motion, where the art of parallax melds with coding prowess to birth engaging web experiences. The showcased examples of parallax scrolling websites embody a marriage of aesthetic brilliance and interactive web design, standing as testaments to the infinite possibilities within the realm of pixels and code.
These canvases in motion demonstrate that with thoughtful integration of CSS3 animations, scroll-triggered effects, and mindful load time optimization, storytelling on the web can be profoundly impactful.
Whether it be for a boutique shop, an artist’s portfolio, or a tech start-up, the power of depth and movement through parallax can translate into captivating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Mobile compatibility, cross-browser functionality, and SEO-friendly design need not be casualties to creativity; they are the silent engines that ensure the spectacle reaches every eye, every device, every time. Let each scroll be an invitation: to explore, to stay, to return. To whoever ventures onto your site, may it be an adventure worth remembering.
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