Parallax Image Layers
Documentation
Webflow
Code
Setup: External Scripts
HTML
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.15/dist/gsap.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.15/dist/ScrollTrigger.min.js"></script>Step 1: Add HTML
HTML
<div class="parallax">
<section class="parallax__header">
<div class="parallax__visuals">
<div class="parallax__black-line-overflow"></div>
<div data-parallax-layers class="parallax__layers">
<img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/671752cd4027f01b1b8f1c7f/6717795be09b462b2e8ebf71_osmo-parallax-layer-3.webp" loading="eager" width="800" data-parallax-layer="1" alt="" class="parallax__layer-img">
<img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/671752cd4027f01b1b8f1c7f/6717795b4d5ac529e7d3a562_osmo-parallax-layer-2.webp" loading="eager" width="800" data-parallax-layer="2" alt="" class="parallax__layer-img">
<div data-parallax-layer="3" class="parallax__layer-title">
<h2 class="parallax__title">Parallax</h2>
</div>
<img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/671752cd4027f01b1b8f1c7f/6717795bb5aceca85011ad83_osmo-parallax-layer-1.webp" loading="eager" width="800" data-parallax-layer="4" alt="" class="parallax__layer-img">
</div>
<div class="parallax__fade"></div>
</div>
</section>
<section class="parallax__content">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%" viewbox="0 0 160 160" fill="none" class="osmo-icon-svg"><path d="M94.8284 53.8578C92.3086 56.3776 88 54.593 88 51.0294V0H72V59.9999C72 66.6273 66.6274 71.9999 60 71.9999H0V87.9999H51.0294C54.5931 87.9999 56.3777 92.3085 53.8579 94.8283L18.3431 130.343L29.6569 141.657L65.1717 106.142C67.684 103.63 71.9745 105.396 72 108.939V160L88.0001 160L88 99.9999C88 93.3725 93.3726 87.9999 100 87.9999H160V71.9999H108.939C105.407 71.9745 103.64 67.7091 106.12 65.1938L106.142 65.1716L141.657 29.6568L130.343 18.3432L94.8284 53.8578Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg>
</section>
</div>Step 2: Add CSS
CSS
.parallax {
width: 100%;
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
.parallax__content {
padding: 10em 1em;
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
min-height: 100svh;
display: flex;
position: relative;
}
.parallax__layers {
object-fit: cover;
width: 100%;
max-width: none;
height: 100%;
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
overflow: hidden;
}
.parallax__title {
pointer-events: auto;
text-align: center;
text-transform: none;
margin-top: 0;
margin-bottom: .1em;
margin-right: .075em;
font-size: 10em;
font-weight: 700;
line-height: 1;
position: relative;
}
.parallax__black-line-overflow {
z-index: 20;
background-color: #000;
width: 100%;
height: 2px;
position: absolute;
bottom: -1px;
left: 0;
}
.parallax__layer-img {
pointer-events: none;
object-fit: cover;
width: 100%;
max-width: none;
height: 117.5%;
position: absolute;
top: -17.5%;
left: 0;
}
.parallax__fade {
z-index: 30;
object-fit: cover;
background-image: linear-gradient(#0000, #000);
width: 100%;
max-width: none;
height: 20%;
position: absolute;
bottom: 0;
left: 0;
}
.parallax__header {
z-index: 2;
padding: 10em 1em;
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
min-height: 100svh;
display: flex;
position: relative;
}
.parallax__visuals {
object-fit: cover;
width: 100%;
max-width: none;
height: 120%;
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
}
.parallax__layer-title {
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
width: 100%;
height: 100svh;
display: flex;
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
}Step 2: Add Javascript
Step 3: Add Javascript
Javascript
gsap.registerPlugin(ScrollTrigger);
function initParallaxLayers() {
document.querySelectorAll('[data-parallax-layers]').forEach((triggerElement) => {
let tl = gsap.timeline({
scrollTrigger: {
trigger: triggerElement,
start: "0% 0%",
end: "100% 0%",
scrub: 0
}
});
const layers = [
{ layer: "1", yPercent: 70 },
{ layer: "2", yPercent: 55 },
{ layer: "3", yPercent: 40 },
{ layer: "4", yPercent: 10 }
];
layers.forEach((layerObj, idx) => {
tl.to(
triggerElement.querySelectorAll(`[data-parallax-layer="${layerObj.layer}"]`),
{
yPercent: layerObj.yPercent,
ease: "none"
},
idx === 0 ? undefined : "<"
);
});
});
}
// Initialize Parallax Layers
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
initParallaxLayers();
});Implementation
Wrapper
Use [data-parallax-layers] to define the main container that holds all parallax elements. This element controls the scroll interaction and registers all layers within it.
Layer
Each [data-parallax-layer] defines an individual visual element that reacts to scroll position. Lower values move faster, while higher values move slower, simulating perspective depth.
Layer Speed
The scroll speed of each layer is determined by its numeric value: [data-parallax-layer="1"] moves the fastest, and higher numbers move more subtly.
You can fine-tune the speed per layer in the script if desired.
Image Layers
The effect works best with images that have visible depth, like landscapes, architecture, or wide shots. Cut your image into separate PNG layers (foreground, midground, background) to clearly define each depth plane.
Use a tool like Photoshop to export these as transparent PNGs for clean separation.
Tips
Use no more than four or five layers to keep performance optimal. Mix images and text layers for a more dynamic 3D look.
For an even smoother experience, pair it with the Lenis Setup for scroll smoothness.
Resource details
Published
November 21, 2024
Category
Scroll Animations
Popularity
1.8K visitors
Need help?
Join Slack