Lottie is a JSON-based animation file format that renders vector graphics and animations across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web, and Windows) using the Bodymovin extension. It allows designers to export After Effects animations directly into native apps, maintaining small file sizes while preserving high visual fidelity and performance. This simplifies the workflow for developers by removing the need to recreate animations manually, offering a streamlined approach to integrating complex and rich animations.
Expressive Animator is a new, web-based SVG animation software aiming for a streamlined and intuitive workflow. It features a timeline-based interface for creating keyframe animations, supports standard SVG properties and filters, and offers real-time previews. The software emphasizes ease of use and aims to make SVG animation accessible to a wider audience, allowing users to create and export animations for websites, apps, or other projects directly within their browser.
HN users generally praised the clean UI and ease of use of Expressive Animator, particularly for simple SVG animations. Several commenters appreciated the web-based nature and the ability to easily copy and paste generated code. Some desired more advanced features, such as easing functions beyond linear and the ability to animate strokes. Comparisons were made to similar tools like SVGator and Synfig Studio, with some arguing Expressive Animator offered a simpler, more accessible entry point. A few users expressed concern over potential vendor lock-in if the service ever shut down, highlighting the importance of exporting code. The developer responded to several comments, addressing feature requests and clarifying aspects of the software's functionality.
Asteroids, Atari's highest-selling arcade game, was a vector-based space shooter released in 1979. Its simple yet engaging gameplay involved rotating a triangular ship, firing shots to destroy asteroids and saucers, and earning points. Designed by Lyle Rains and Ed Logg, the game's minimalist art style and challenging difficulty contributed to its immense popularity. Its innovative use of vector graphics, wrapped-around screen, and challenging gameplay loop solidified its iconic status in video game history. Later ported to various consoles and computers, Asteroids cemented its place as a cornerstone of the golden age of arcade games.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the article for its detailed and insightful look into the development of Asteroids. Several appreciated the focus on the hardware limitations and how they influenced the gameplay, particularly the vector graphics and the limited number of simultaneous objects on screen. Some shared personal anecdotes about playing Asteroids in arcades and the impact it had on them. A few commenters discussed the technical aspects further, such as the use of custom hardware and the challenges of programming for it. The overall sentiment was one of nostalgia and appreciation for the ingenuity involved in creating such a groundbreaking game.
This MetaPost tutorial demonstrates the language's versatility by showcasing various graphical techniques. It covers creating geometric shapes, manipulating paths and curves, applying transformations like rotations and scaling, working with text and labels, and generating patterned fills. The post emphasizes practical examples, like drawing a clock face, a spiral, and a function graph, illustrating how to combine MetaPost's features for creating complex and visually appealing illustrations. It serves as a good introduction to the language's capabilities for generating vector graphics, especially for mathematical or technical diagrams.
Hacker News users discuss the utility and elegance of MetaPost, particularly for diagrams and figures. Several commenters praise its declarative approach, finding it more intuitive and less fiddly than alternatives like TikZ/PGF. Some highlight the integration with LaTeX and the power of being able to programmatically generate graphics. Others note MetaPost's age and the steeper learning curve compared to newer tools, although the quality of the output and the control it offers are seen as worthwhile trade-offs. The ability to express geometric relationships directly within the code is also mentioned as a significant advantage. A few users express a desire for a modernized, actively developed version of MetaPost, suggesting it could be even more powerful with improvements to the build process and editor integration.
Hyvector is a new, open-source, web-based SVG editor built with speed and a modern interface in mind. It boasts features like infinite undo/redo, path boolean operations, a pen tool with bezier curve editing, and shape tools. Leveraging Rust and WebAssembly, Hyvector aims to provide a performant and responsive experience for creating and manipulating scalable vector graphics. The project is actively in development and welcomes contributions.
HN commenters generally expressed interest in Hyvector, praising its performance, clean interface, and modern approach to SVG editing. Several compared it favorably to existing tools like Inkscape, finding it faster and more intuitive, particularly for web development. Some desired features were mentioned, including text editing, better path manipulation, and layer management. There was discussion about the choice of Rust and WebAssembly, with some questioning its necessity, while others appreciated the performance benefits. The developer responded to many comments, addressing questions and acknowledging feature requests, indicating active development and responsiveness to user feedback. A few users expressed concern about the closed-source nature and potential future monetization, preferring open-source alternatives.
"Ink and Algorithms" explores the artistic landscape of pen plotting, covering both the technical and creative aspects. It delves into various techniques for generating plotter-ready artwork, from using traditional design software like Illustrator to leveraging code-based tools like Processing and Python libraries. The post examines different approaches to creating visuals, including generative art, geometric patterns, and data visualization, while also discussing the practical considerations of pen selection, paper choices, and plotter settings. Ultimately, it emphasizes the intersection of art and technology, showcasing how pen plotting offers a unique blend of algorithmic precision and handcrafted aesthetics.
HN users generally expressed fascination with pen plotting and the linked website. Several praised the site's comprehensive nature, covering both the artistic and technical sides of the craft. Some discussed their own experiences and preferences with different plotters, inks, and papers. A few commenters highlighted the nostalgic appeal of pen plotters, connecting them to older technologies and the satisfaction of physical creation. Others focused on the algorithmic aspects, sharing resources for generative art and discussing the interesting intersection of code and art. A minor thread emerged around the accessibility and cost of getting started with pen plotting.
Icônes is a customizable, open-source icon family featuring over 1,500 icons designed for web, mobile, and desktop applications. It offers various styles (filled, outlined, bulk), sizes, and formats (SVG, PNG, font), allowing developers to tailor the icons to their specific project needs. The project emphasizes ease of use with simple integration via CDN, NPM, or direct download, and provides tools for generating custom icon sets and optimizing performance. Icônes is free to use under the MIT license, encouraging community contributions and ensuring its long-term availability.
Hacker News users generally praised Icônes for its simplicity, open-source nature, and customizability. Several commenters appreciated the lightweight design and the ability to easily copy SVG code. Some discussed the benefits of SVG over icon fonts, citing sharper rendering and better accessibility. A few users suggested potential improvements, like adding a search bar and improving the organization. One commenter pointed out the similar project, Feather Icons, and initiated a brief comparison of the two, with others weighing in on their respective strengths and weaknesses, particularly concerning style and license. Overall, the reception was positive, with many expressing interest in using Icônes for their projects.
Tldraw Computer is a collaborative, web-based, vector drawing tool built with a focus on speed and simplicity. It offers a familiar interface with features like freehand drawing, shape creation, text insertion, and various styling options. Designed for rapid prototyping, brainstorming, and diagramming, it boasts an intuitive user experience that prioritizes quick creation and easy sharing. The application is open-source and available online, allowing for seamless collaboration and accessibility across devices.
Hacker News users discuss Tldraw's approach to building a collaborative digital whiteboard. Several commenters praise the elegance and simplicity of the code, highlighting the smart use of ClojureScript and Reagent, especially the efficient handling of undo/redo functionality. Some express interest in the choice of AWS Amplify over self-hosting, with questions about cost and scalability. The custom SVG rendering approach and the performance optimizations are also noted as impressive. A few commenters mention potential improvements, like adding features for specific use cases (e.g., mind mapping) or addressing minor UI/UX quirks. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with many commending the project's clean design and technical execution.
Summary of Comments ( 19 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44088216
Hacker News commenters generally praised Lottie for its small file size, performance, and ease of use compared to GIFs or embedded video. Several mentioned using it successfully in production, particularly for mobile apps, highlighting its efficiency in terms of bandwidth and battery life. Some expressed concern about potential security issues stemming from its use of JSON, particularly for animations sourced from untrusted parties. A few commenters discussed alternatives, like Rive, comparing their respective features and performance characteristics, with some suggesting Rive might be more suitable for interactive animations. Others appreciated the accessibility Lottie offers designers, enabling them to easily export animations directly from After Effects. Finally, some pointed out the limitations of the format, such as difficulty handling complex animations or certain After Effects features.
The Hacker News post "Lottie is an open format for animated vector graphics" (linking to lottie.github.io) has a modest number of comments, generating a discussion primarily focused on the practical uses and limitations of the Lottie format.
Several commenters praise Lottie's efficiency and small file size, particularly for mobile applications where minimizing resource usage is crucial. One user highlights its usefulness for embedding complex animations without resorting to large GIFs or embedded video, significantly reducing app size. This efficiency is echoed by another commenter who appreciates Lottie's ability to keep animations sharp at different resolutions, unlike raster-based solutions.
The conversation also touches on the integration of Lottie with different design tools. One comment specifically mentions using Lottie with After Effects and points to the Bodymovin plugin as a key tool for the workflow. However, another commenter raises a concern about limitations in exporting certain After Effects features to Lottie, cautioning against assuming full feature parity. They suggest that while simple animations translate well, more complex effects or features might not be fully supported, requiring workarounds or simplification.
Performance is another recurring theme. One commenter praises Lottie's performance on both Android and iOS, while another mentions using it specifically for micro-interactions within a mobile app. This suggests that Lottie is well-suited for adding subtle animations to enhance user experience without impacting performance.
A few comments delve into technical details. One user mentions the use of a JSON format for Lottie files, contributing to the small file size and parsing efficiency. Another explores the rendering process, explaining how Lottie animations are rendered on the CPU rather than the GPU, which might impact performance in certain scenarios, although generally perceived as positive for UI animations.
Finally, some comments offer practical advice, such as recommending specific tools for converting SVG files into Lottie animations. This practical focus underscores the community's interest in using Lottie for real-world applications.
While the discussion isn't extensive, it provides valuable insights into the perceived advantages and limitations of Lottie, highlighting its strengths in mobile development, its reliance on specific tools and workflows, and some technical considerations related to performance and file format. The comments generally express a positive view of Lottie, particularly for its efficiency and ease of use in mobile applications.