What Are Lottie Files? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve spent any time digging through web design tutorials or playing around with tools like Webflow or Figma, chances are you’ve come across the term “Lottie file.” So what is it, and why does it matter for your work as a designer? Here’s the simple version.

What Are Lottie Files?

Lottie files are lightweight, scalable animations that you can use on websites and apps. They’re usually created in animation software like Adobe After Effects, then exported as JSON files using a plugin called Bodymovin.

In plain English:

• You get smooth, high-quality animations.
• They work on all screen sizes and devices.
• They don’t slow down your site as much as GIFs or video files might.