What is Parallax Scrolling?

Parallax scrolling is a web design graphics technique in which the background images move at a slower pace than the foreground creating the illusion of a depth 3D effect as visitors scroll down the webpage. The technique grew out of the multiplane camera technique used in traditional animation since the 1930s.

Parallax is based on optical illusion. Since the human eye perceives objects that are close to us as larger than things farther away, we perceive distant objects as if they were moving more slowly.

The illusion has been long adopted into parallax across different mediums, fostering a realistic effect. Its first use was in traditional animation, dating back to as early as Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and in video games such as Super Mario.

With advancements in CSS and HTML, parallax effects later evolved into the world of web design as we know it today.

Parallax scrolling is a special scrolling technique used in web design where background images throughout a web page move slower than foreground images, creating an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional site.

It is one of the most used design techniques in web design right now, but also something you probably don’t even realize you have already experienced.

It is a simple motion that you are already accustomed to and it’s helped make many websites feel dynamic and interactive.

If you choose to use it, it’s important to brainstorm how parallax could also affect the mobile experience. To increase site speed and not infringe too much on mobile usability, it’s typically advised to either reduce parallax scrolling or remove it entirely.

Remember to think of all instances where you may want to use it first and how it needs to be adjusted for users across multiple devices.

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Additional Link:

Best Parallax Website Examples