Better Nav animations with layout templates
Designing Better Nav Animations with Layout Templates
Most navbars look static. They appear, disappear, or fade in, but rarely feel like they belong to the page transition. Good nav animation isn’t just about easing or opacity. It’s about continuity.
Framer’s layout templates help achieve that. They let your navigation persist across pages instead of being rebuilt every time the route changes. The result is smoother, more connected motion that feels intentional and designed.
Why It Feels Better
When your nav lives inside a shared layout, it doesn’t reset or flicker between pages. It stays in place and moves naturally with the rest of the design. This small shift creates a big difference in how the site feels. Every page transition becomes part of one cohesive experience instead of a series of isolated screens.
Because your nav remains active across routes, transitions like background fades, logo shifts, or active link highlights feel unified. The movement becomes part of the site’s personality rather than a separate animation.
The Ghosting Trap
If your nav or shared elements are wrapped inside extra containers that are not part of the layout scope, Framer can’t align their motion correctly. This creates a ghosting effect where the nav duplicates or lags briefly during transitions. Keep your nav directly inside the layout to ensure clean, fluid motion.
Pro tip
Always click on the nav and select exclude from page transitions this keeps the Nav persistant across pages
Smart Motion, Not Flashy Motion
Great nav animation doesn’t try to impress. It helps users stay oriented. Use subtle motion to communicate structure rather than show off.
A few effective use cases:
Keeping the logo and nav position consistent across all pages
Animating the nav height when scrolling down
Fading the background as the page changes
Highlighting active links through smooth transitions
These small touches bring polish and intentionality to navigation, which is often the most repeated element across your site.
The Takeaway
Professional nav design isn’t about complexity. It’s about consistency. When your navigation shares motion with the rest of the layout, every page feels connected.
Layout templates make that possible by maintaining continuity, reducing flicker, and creating motion that feels natural. A well-animated nav doesn’t just move. It guides attention and makes the experience feel complete.
