Easing

In the real world, objects do not start and stop moving instantaneously. They accelerate from rest and decelerate before stopping. Easing functions replicate this natural behavior in digital animation. Without easing, animated elements move at a constant speed from point A to point B, which looks robotic and unnatural. With easing, the same movement gains a sense of weight, momentum, and physicality.

Common easing types include ease-in (starts slow, accelerates), ease-out (starts fast, decelerates), and ease-in-out (slow start and end with speed in the middle). More advanced easing uses custom bezier curves to create highly specific motion profiles — a bouncing ball, an elastic snap, or a heavy object settling into place. The choice of easing curve profoundly affects how an animation feels.

For video projects involving motion graphics, title animations, or UI demonstrations, easing is what separates amateur work from professional results. Even simple text appearing on screen looks dramatically better with appropriate easing applied. When reviewing animation work, pay attention to whether movements feel smooth and natural — if something looks "off," it is often an easing issue.