# What is interactive animation?

> Interactive animation is motion that responds to the user or the app instead of playing the same way every time. A button that squashes when pressed, a toggle that follows your finger, a mascot that looks at the cursor, or a loader that turns into a success check when data arrives are all interactive animations. They are built with states, inputs and events rather than a single timeline.

Updated November 2026. Source: https://www.exodeui.com/questions/what-is-interactive-animation/

## Key takeaways

- Linear animation plays the same every time; interactive animation reacts
- Inputs: pointer, touch, scroll, keyboard and app data
- Built from states and transitions, often as a state machine
- Tools: Rive, ExodeUI, ProtoPie, dotLottie state machines, or code
- Good interactive motion gives feedback and shows cause and effect

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a hover effect an interactive animation?

Yes. It responds to the pointer. Simple ones are easiest in CSS.

### What software is used for interactive animation?

Rive, ExodeUI, ProtoPie and Lottie with dotLottie state machines for visual work; Motion, GSAP and Reanimated in code.

### How do I make an interactive animation for a website?

For small effects use CSS or Motion. For designed, multi-state animations, build them in a runtime tool and embed the player.

### Is interactive animation the same as a prototype?

No. A prototype shows the idea. An interactive animation built with a runtime ships in the product.

## Related

- [Interactive animation tool](https://www.exodeui.com/interactive-animation-tool)
- [Best interactive animation tools](https://www.exodeui.com/best-interactive-animation-tools)
- [State machines for UI](https://www.exodeui.com/learn/state-machine-ui)
- [What are micro-interactions?](https://www.exodeui.com/learn/micro-interactions)