barba-js

Generated source view for the actual executable engineering/barba-js skill. The durable routing article is Frontend and Design Skills. Source: skills/engineering/barba-js/SKILL.md

Runtime Source

Bundled Resources

These files are part of the executable skill folder and must be preserved with the skill source.

Description

Page transitions library for creating fluid, smooth transitions between website pages. Use this skill when implementing page transitions, creating SPA-like experiences, adding animated route changes, or building websites with smooth navigation. Triggers on tasks involving Barba.js, page transitions, routing, view management, transition hooks, GSAP integration, or smooth page navigation. Works with gsap-scrolltrigger for transition animations.

Skill Source

---
name: barba-js
description: Page transitions library for creating fluid, smooth transitions between website pages. Use this skill when implementing page transitions, creating SPA-like experiences, adding animated route changes, or building websites with smooth navigation. Triggers on tasks involving Barba.js, page transitions, routing, view management, transition hooks, GSAP integration, or smooth page navigation. Works with gsap-scrolltrigger for transition animations.
origin: personal
source_slug: barba-js
---


# Barba.js

Modern page transition library for creating fluid, smooth transitions between website pages. Barba.js makes multi-page websites feel like Single Page Applications (SPAs) by hijacking navigation and managing transitions without full page reloads.

## Overview

Barba.js is a lightweight (7kb minified and compressed) JavaScript library that intercepts navigation between pages, fetches new content via AJAX, and smoothly transitions between old and new containers. It reduces page load delays and HTTP requests while maintaining the benefits of traditional multi-page architecture.

**Core Features**:
- Smooth page transitions without full reloads
- Lifecycle hooks for precise control over transition phases
- View-based logic for page-specific behaviors
- Built-in routing with @barba/router plugin
- Extensible plugin system
- Small footprint and high performance
- Framework-agnostic (works with vanilla JS, GSAP, anime.js, etc.)


## Progressive Disclosure

This `SKILL.md` is the routing layer. Detailed recipes, examples, integration notes, and troubleshooting guidance live in `references/details.md` so they are loaded only when the task needs them.

Before producing concrete output, making a design recommendation, or debugging an implementation, load the relevant reference section below. Do not rely on memory for branch-specific APIs, examples, or caveats.

| Task branch | Read first |
| --- | --- |
| Core Concepts | `references/details.md#core-concepts` |
| Common Patterns | `references/details.md#common-patterns` |
| Integration Patterns | `references/details.md#integration-patterns` |
| Performance Optimization | `references/details.md#performance-optimization` |
| Common Pitfalls | `references/details.md#common-pitfalls` |
| Resources | `references/details.md#resources` |

## Related Skills

- **gsap-scrolltrigger** - For advanced GSAP animations in transitions
- **locomotive-scroll** - Can be combined with Barba for smooth scrolling between pages
- **motion-framer** - Alternative approach for React-based page transitions

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Timeline

• 2026-07-15 | Generated a browseable source page from the actual executable skill file. Source: skills/engineering/barba-js/SKILL.md