✦ Interactive Demo

Parallax Scrolling
in Action

Scroll down to experience different parallax techniques—from CSS-only depth to layered motion and scroll-driven reveals.

Scroll to explore
🔮

Layered Depth Effect

Each layer moves at a different speed as you scroll, creating the illusion of three-dimensional depth on a flat screen. The background drifts slowly while the foreground responds quickly—just like looking out a moving train window.

background-attachment: fixed

This classic CSS-only technique pins the background image in place while content scrolls over it. Zero JavaScript. Silky smooth. Works in every browser.

Modern Implementation Techniques

In 2026, you have three powerful ways to implement parallax scrolling—each with its own trade-offs.

CSS Only

CSS 3D Transforms + Perspective

Set a perspective on the scroll container and translate children on the Z-axis. This shifts all rendering to the GPU—no JavaScript, no jank. The hero section above uses this technique.

.container {
  perspective: 1px;
  overflow-y: auto;
}

.bg-layer {
  transform: translateZ(-2px) scale(3);
}
Modern CSS

Scroll-Driven Animations API

The newest CSS spec binds animations directly to scroll position using animation-timeline: scroll(). No JavaScript required. Runs entirely on the compositor thread for buttery 60fps.

@keyframes parallax {
  to { transform: translateY(-200px); }
}

.element {
  animation: parallax linear;
  animation-timeline: scroll();
}
JavaScript

Lightweight JS Libraries

When you need maximum control—dynamic speed, intersection-based triggers, or complex multi-element choreography—lightweight libraries like Rellax.js (~1KB) or GSAP ScrollTrigger give you precision without the bloat.

// Rellax.js – 1KB gzipped
const rellax = new Rellax('.parallax', {
  speed: -2,
  center: true
});

Performance: The Golden Rule of Parallax

A stunning effect means nothing if it tanks your Core Web Vitals.

⚡

Use transform

Always animate with transform and opacity—they skip layout and paint, running on the compositor thread.

60 fps
🎯

Keep It Subtle

Speed differences of 0.2–0.5 feel natural. Anything above 0.7 risks motion sickness in sensitive users.

0.3× ideal
♿

Respect prefers-reduced-motion

Always honor the user's accessibility settings. This demo disables all parallax motion when reduced motion is requested.

a11y first

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