7 Great Parallax Scrolling Tutorials

Looking for a parallax scrolling tutorial? When browsing the web, you have likely come across sites that utilize parallax web design. They’re inspired by video games and their ability to handle varying background image movement. This creates a visually stunning effect, enhancing both presentation and scrolling intuitiveness that can hook website visitors. You can see some great examples of parallax design here. Using the seven tutorials below, developers can begin to master scrolling intuitiveness via parallax web design.

Simple Parallax Scrolling Tutorial

Geared toward junior and mid-level developers, this tutorial teaches developers how to setup parallax scrolling using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. This easy-to-read, step-by-step approach teaches developers how to animate background images at different speeds, and effectively control the timing and duration of animations. As the tutorial notes, mastering various aspects of animation — such as the timing and duration of their implementation — can increase visitor engagement. This is a great place to get started on benefitting from parallax scrolling.

Nikebetterworld Parallax Effect Demo

This technique hones in on jQuery, HTML and CSS with a tutorial that developers can use to create a site similar to this example. Images and colors cohesively combine, and background images fade in and out of view with each scroll movement. The tutorial is neatly divided between HTML, jQuery and CSS, with the tutorial addressing the importance of each (HTML for page formatting, CSS for the scrolling effect and jQuery for optimization). It also correctly mentions that the jQuery implementation results in faster loading in most browsers.

Pure CSS Parallax Tutorial

As the name implies, this tutorial is geared toward developers who are most comfortable with CSS. The author asserts that CSS is the superior choice for parallax scrolling compared to JavaScript, which can trigger unnecessary reflows and paints, and cause dropped frames and stuttering. When following this tutorial, developers can expect the result to look something like this.

Creating a Parallax Scrolling Webpage Using Jarallax.js

This tutorial emphasizes the usage of a JavaScript library called Jarallax.js when creating an ideal scrolling appearance. It also elaborates on the necessary CSS adjustments to apply before creating animations using JavaScript and Jarallax. Finally, it goes over the HTML adjustments to make after the animations and stylings are complete.

Subtle Parallax Tutorial

Many critics of Parallax scrolling claim it’s over-intrusive and distracting. This tutorial keeps that in mind by going for a more subtle approach that will work particularly well on mobile devices. That doesn’t mean this is a simple list of instructions though. This tutorial covers everything from optimizing CSS style sheets to a comprehensive detailing of how to adjust headings and media queries. This is an extremely comprehensive tutorial that may even teach experienced developers something new.

Parallax Gallery Tutorial

This tutorial digs into how to create a Flash-based scrolling gallery using parallax. It will create a striking three-dimensional illusion with faster-moving background images over the slower-moving foreground. It looks like this. The tutorial takes a detailed step-by-step approach, starting with designing the floor pattern and wall and eventually exploring more complex maneuvers, like modifying the ActionScript layer and implementing a fade-in “tint” movie clip. The result will provide users with a final SWF file they can easily implement onto their site.

Parallax Slider with jQuery Tutorial

The demo this tutorial works around is a nice fit for aspiring artists. It provides a stylish and colorful navigation method that accommodates a variety of media. Going through the how-to’s of HTML markup, CSS coding and snazzy jQuery implementations, this tutorial is ideal to help spice up dull site presentations.

The seven tutorials above are great places to get started with parallax scrolling. If implemented correctly, the benefits are numerous – from increased visitor engagement to appearing more professional and artistic to anyone who visits your site.

Featured image: Gianni Dominici