Animated illustrations are powerful tools that bring creativity and engagement to digital platforms. Using animated elements can grab users’ attention, tell a story, and enhance user experience in ways static graphics cannot. Whether you’re a designer, a marketer, or a developer, animated illustrations can transform how users interact with your website, app, or content. we’ll go over the 10 best graphic element animated illustration available today. These resources offer unique and high-quality animations that are flexible, easy to integrate, and sure to add life to any design project.
Why Animated Illustrations Matter in Digital Design
Animations are more than just moving images; they’re an art form that helps communicate messages quickly and clearly. They enhance usability by guiding the user’s focus and creating smoother navigation, whether on websites, mobile apps, or even social media. Animations can also provide feedback to the user, such as a loading icon or button animation, making the digital experience feel interactive and engaging. For brands, animated illustrations offer a unique way to convey personality and values visually.
1. LottieFiles
Key Features:
- Vast library of free and premium animated illustrations
- Real-time editing tools
- Web, mobile, and desktop compatibility
LottieFiles is a popular platform that provides lightweight, scalable animations using the Lottie format. This format is highly efficient, ensuring animations load smoothly across all devices. LottieFiles also includes an intuitive editor that allows designers to customize and preview animations directly on the platform, making it ideal for users looking for quick implementation.
Pros:
Extensive library of animations
Supports customization for unique branding
Cons:
Limited free options for more complex animations
2. Vidlery
Key Features:
- Unique, colorful animated illustrations
- Royalty-free access for subscribers
- Smooth animations in various styles
Vidlery offers beautifully crafted animated illustrations perfect for websites and presentations. Their illustrations are ideal for storytelling and work especially well for brands looking to build a unique and playful image.
Pros:
High-quality animations ideal for storytelling
Royalty-free with subscription
Cons:
Requires a subscription for access
3. MotionElements
Key Features:
- Huge collection of animated graphic elements
- High-resolution files for professional projects
- Various file formats available, including GIFs and MP4s
MotionElements provides a range of animated illustrations in various styles, making it easy to find the right fit for your project. Their high-quality animations suit various needs, from business presentations to creative digital content.
Pros:
Variety of styles and formats
High-quality resolution suitable for professional projects
Cons:
Requires individual purchases or subscription
4. Animaticons
Key Features:
- Simple, lightweight GIF animations
- Customizable colors for brand alignment
- No special plugins required
Animaticons is known for its lightweight, animated GIFs that can be used without additional plugins, making it easy to add them to your website or email campaigns. The platform provides several customization options, ensuring the animations align with your brand’s color scheme.
Pros:
No plugins needed
Easy to integrate on websites and emails
Cons:
Limited collection compared to larger libraries
5. Storyset by Freepik
Key Features:
- Thousands of customizable animated illustrations
- Unique illustration styles
- Free and premium options
Storyset by Freepik is a versatile platform that offers animated illustrations in various categories, including business, technology, and education. With customizable elements, you can easily adjust animations to fit your design requirements.
Pros:
Large selection of categories
Free and premium options available
Cons:
Free options have limited customization
6. Icons8
Key Features:
- Variety of animation styles and file formats
- Detailed control over animation speed and playback
- Extensive collection with free and paid options
Icons8 is popular among designers for its broad range of icons and animated elements. This platform offers both free and premium animated illustrations in a variety of categories, making it a versatile tool for designers looking to enhance their visuals.
Pros:
Wide selection of animations and styles
Customizable playback controls
Cons:
Some animations require a paid license
7. DrawKit
Key Features:
- Hand-drawn, animated illustrations
- Smooth animations and customizable styles
- Suitable for brands seeking a creative, artistic feel
DrawKit offers a collection of hand-drawn animations that give a unique, artisanal touch to your digital designs. Perfect for creative brands, these animations work well on websites, apps, and social media.
Pros:
Unique hand-drawn style
High-quality animations
Cons:
Limited library for animated elements
8. UI8
Key Features:
- Collection of high-quality UI animations and illustrations
- Compatible with popular design software
- Offers complex animated elements for professional use
UI8 provides detailed, professional-grade animated illustrations, perfect for interface designers and digital agencies. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality of animations and versatility of styles make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros:
High-quality, professional animations
Compatible with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD
Cons:
Mostly paid with few free options
9. Mixkit
Key Features:
- Free library of animations and motion graphics
- High-quality downloads with no attribution required
- Suitable for social media and web design
Mixkit offers free, high-quality animations perfect for designers on a budget. From dynamic backgrounds to simple UI elements, Mixkit provides a variety of animations suitable for web and social media use.
Pros:
Free downloads with no attribution
Diverse animation styles
Cons:
Limited selection compared to premium platforms
10. Movin Icons
Key Features:
- Unique, minimalist animated icons
- Compatible with most website and app projects
- Lightweight and easy to integrate
Movin Icons specializes in minimalist, clean animations that are perfect for modern websites. These lightweight icons and animations are easy to integrate, making them ideal for projects focused on simplicity and usability.
Pros:
Lightweight and minimalist
Easy integration on websites
Cons:
Limited to minimalist styles
Comparison Table: 10 Best Graphic Element Animated Illustrations
| Tool Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| LottieFiles | Free & premium animations, web/mobile compatibility | Extensive library, customizable | Limited free complex animations |
| Vidlery | Royalty-free animations, storytelling | High-quality animations | Subscription required |
| MotionElements | Various formats, high-resolution files | Diverse styles, professional quality | Subscription required |
| Animaticons | Simple, customizable GIF animations | No plugins needed | Limited collection |
| Storyset by Freepik | Customizable animated illustrations | Large selection, free options | Limited customization in free version |
| Icons8 | Various styles, customizable speed | Extensive collection | Some items require paid license |
| DrawKit | Hand-drawn animations | Artistic style, high quality | Limited library |
| UI8 | Professional UI animations | High quality, versatile | Mostly paid |
| Mixkit | Free motion graphics library | High quality, no attribution | Limited selection |
| Movin Icons | Minimalist animated icons | Lightweight, easy integration | Limited to minimalist styles |
Last Remarks
Selecting the right animated illustration for your project can enhance user engagement and add a professional touch to your content. The 10 best graphic element animated illustration tools listed here offer a variety of styles, pricing options, and features to suit any creative need. From free resources like Mixkit to premium tools like UI8, there’s an option for every designer. Explore each tool to find the perfect animated illustrations to bring your vision to life.
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