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lightweight-3d-effects — Claude Code skill: 3D without heavy

A skill for decorative 3D elements and micro-interactions: pseudo-3D illustrations, animated backgrounds, tilt on hover. Useful when a landing page needs depth without a full WebGL stack.

Install into Claude Code · Skills CLI (Vercel) All methods and platforms ↓
npx skills add freshtechbro/claudedesignskills --skill lightweight-3d-effects -a claude-code
Open on GitHub

What lightweight-3d-effects does

The skill bundles three libraries around one job. Zdog draws flat, rounded shapes in 3D space on Canvas or SVG. Vanta.js handles animated backgrounds on top of Three.js. Vanilla-Tilt.js adds parallax tilt that follows the mouse or gyroscope.

What you get is working code: Zdog primitives (ellipse, rect, rounded rect, polygon, line, bezier curve), groups for building composite models, and three animation patterns — continuous rotation, a sine bounce, and easing a rotation angle toward a target. The Vanta.js section shows Waves and Clouds configured with colors and wave parameters.

Vanta.js needs Three.js loaded first, otherwise the background never starts — that is the usual snag. Zdog ships at roughly 28kb minified, Vanta.js with Three.js at about 120KB. If your project already runs a real 3D engine, skip these: they are for decorative depth, not for scenes.

What it helps with

  • add a pseudo-3D illustration to a landing page without a Three.js scene
  • build an animated background for a hero section
  • make cards tilt under the cursor
  • animate a static block with a rotating shape
  • assemble a composite model from simple Zdog shapes using groups

Example prompts for the agent

  • Add a Zdog pseudo-3D illustration to the landing page: a spinning cube built from rects
  • Set up a Vanta.js Waves background for the hero section with color 0x23153c
  • Add parallax tilt to the product cards with Vanilla-Tilt.js

How to install lightweight-3d-effects

1Skills CLI (Vercel)

npx skills add freshtechbro/claudedesignskills --skill lightweight-3d-effects -a claude-code

2Manually: put the files in place

~/.claude/skills/lightweight-3d-effects/SKILL.md

Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/lightweight-3d-effects/

Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways

Questions about lightweight-3d-effects

How do I install lightweight-3d-effects in Claude?

Run npx skills add freshtechbro/claudedesignskills --skill lightweight-3d-effects -a claude-code. The skill lands in ~/.claude/skills/lightweight-3d-effects/SKILL.md.

What does lightweight-3d-effects do?

It gives the agent code samples and settings for decorative 3D: pseudo-3D shapes with Zdog, animated backgrounds with Vanta.js, and element tilt via Vanilla-Tilt.js.

What libraries does the skill rely on?

Zdog, Vanta.js and Vanilla-Tilt.js. Vanta.js also needs Three.js loaded separately — without it the backgrounds will not run.

Source text

SKILL.md · MIT
---
name: lightweight-3d-effects
description: Lightweight 3D effects for decorative elements and micro-interactions using Zdog, Vanta.js, and Vanilla-Tilt.js. Use this skill when adding pseudo-3D illustrations, animated backgrounds, parallax tilt effects, decorative 3D elements, or subtle depth effects without heavy frameworks. Triggers on tasks involving Zdog pseudo-3D, Vanta.js backgrounds, Vanilla-Tilt parallax, card tilt effects, hero section animations, or lightweight landing page visuals. Ideal for performance-focused designs.
---

# Lightweight 3D Effects Skill

## Overview

This skill combines three powerful libraries for decorative 3D elements and micro-interactions:
- **Zdog**: Pseudo-3D engine for designer-friendly vector illustrations
- **Vanta.js**: Animated 3D backgrounds powered by Three.js/p5.js
- **Vanilla-Tilt.js**: Smooth parallax tilt effects responding to mouse/gyroscope

## When to Use This Skill
- Add decorative 3D illustrations without heavy frameworks
- Create animated backgrounds for hero sections
- Implement subtle parallax tilt effects on cards/images
- Build lightweight landing pages with visual depth
- Add micro-interactions that enhance UX without performance impact

## Zdog - Pseudo-3D Illustrations

### Core Concepts

Zdog is a pseudo-3D engine that renders flat, round designs in 3D space using Canvas or SVG.

**Key Features:**
- Designer-friendly declarative API
- Small file size (~28kb minified)
- Canvas or SVG rendering
- Drag rotation built-in
- Smooth animations

### Basic Setup

```html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <script src="https://unpkg.com/zdog@1/dist/zdog.dist.min.js"></script>
  <style>
    .zdog-canvas {
      display: block;
      margin: 0 auto;
      background: #FDB;
      cursor: move;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <canvas class="zdog-canvas" width="240" height="240"></canvas>

  <script>
    let isSpinning = true;

    let illo = new Zdog.Illustration({
      element: '.zdog-canvas',
      zoom: 4,
      dragRotate: true,
      onDragStart: function() {
        isSpinning = false;
      },
    });

    // Add shapes
    new Zdog.Ellipse({
      addTo: illo,
      diameter: 20,
      translate: { z: 10 },
      stroke: 5,
      color: '#636',
    });

    new Zdog.Rect({
      addTo: illo,
      width: 20,
      height: 20,
      translate: { z: -10 },
      stroke: 3,
      color: '#E62',
      fill: true,
    });

    function animate() {
      illo.rotate.y += isSpinning ? 0.03 : 0;
      illo.updateRenderGraph();
      requestAnimationFrame(animate);
    }
    animate();
  </script>
</body>
</html>
```

### Zdog Shapes

**Basic Shapes:**

```javascript
// Circle
new Zdog.Ellipse({
  addTo: illo,
  diameter: 80,
  stroke: 20,
  color: '#636',
});

// Rectangle
new Zdog.Rect({
  addTo: illo,
  width: 80,
  height: 60,
  stroke: 10,
  color: '#E62',
  fill: true,
});

// Rounded Rectangle
new Zdog.RoundedRect({
  addTo: illo,
  width: 60,
  height: 40,
  cornerRadius: 10,
  stroke: 4,
  color: '#C25',
  fill: true,
});

// Polygon
new Zdog.Polygon({
  addTo: illo,
  radius: 40,
  sides: 5,
  stroke: 8,
  color: '#EA0',
  fill: true,
});

// Line
new Zdog.Shape({
  addTo: illo,
  path: [
    { x: -40, y: 0 },
    { x: 40, y: 0 },
  ],
  stroke: 6,
  color: '#636',
});

// Bezier Curve
new Zdog.Shape({
  addTo: illo,
  path: [
    { x: -40, y: -20 },
    {
      bezier: [
        { x: -40, y: 20 },
        { x: 40, y: 20 },
        { x: 40, y: -20 },
      ],
    },
  ],
  stroke: 4,
  color: '#C25',
  closed: false,
});
```

### Zdog Groups

Organize shapes into groups for complex models:

```javascript
// Create a group
let head = new Zdog.Group({
  addTo: illo,
  translate: { y: -40 },
});

// Add shapes to group
new Zdog.Ellipse({
  addTo: head,
  diameter: 60,
  stroke: 30,
  color: '#FED',
});

// Eyes
new Zdog.Ellipse({
  addTo: head,
  diameter: 8,
  stroke: 4,
  color: '#333',
  translate: { x: -10, z: 15 },
});

new Zdog.Ellipse({
  addTo: head,
  diameter: 8,
  stroke: 4,
  color: '#333',
  translate: { x: 10, z: 15 },
});

// Mouth
new Zdog.Shape({
  addTo: head,
  path: [
    { x: -10, y: 0 },
    {
      bezier: [
        { x: -5, y: 5 },
        { x: 5, y: 5 },
        { x: 10, y: 0 },
      ],
    },
  ],
  stroke: 2,
  color: '#333',
  translate: { y: 5, z: 15 },
  closed: false,
});

// Rotate entire group
head.rotate.y = Math.PI / 4;
```

### Zdog Animation

```javascript
// Continuous rotation
function animate() {
  illo.rotate.y += 0.03;
  illo.updateRenderGraph();
  requestAnimationFrame(animate);
}
animate();

// Bounce animation
let t = 0;
function bounceAnimate() {
  t += 0.05;
  illo.translate.y = Math.sin(t) * 20;
  illo.updateRenderGraph();
  requestAnimationFrame(bounceAnimate);
}
bounceAnimate();

// Interactive rotation with easing
let targetRotateY = 0;
let currentRotateY = 0;

document.addEventListener('mousemove', (event) => {
  targetRotateY = (event.clientX / window.innerWidth - 0.5) * Math.PI;
});

function smoothAnimate() {
  // Ease towards target
  currentRotateY += (targetRotateY - currentRotateY) * 0.1;
  illo.rotate.y = currentRotateY;
  illo.updateRenderGraph();
  requestAnimationFrame(smoothAnimate);
}
smoothAnimate();
```

---

## Vanta.js - Animated 3D Backgrounds

### Core Concepts

Vanta.js provides animated WebGL backgrounds with minimal setup, powered by Three.js or p5.js.

**Key Features:**
- 14+ animated effects (Waves, Birds, Net, Clouds, etc.)
- Mouse/touch interaction
- Customizable colors and settings
- ~120KB total (including Three.js)
- 60fps on most devices

### Basic Setup

```html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <style>
    #vanta-bg {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100vh;
    }
    .content {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      color: white;
      text-align: center;
      padding: 100px 20px;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div id="vanta-bg">
    <div class="content">
      <h1>My Animated Background</h1>
      <p>Content goes here</p>
    </div>
  </div>

  <!-- Three.js (required) -->
  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/build/three.min.js"></script>

  <!-- Vanta.js effect -->
  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/vanta.waves.min.js"></script>

  <script>
    VANTA.WAVES({
      el: "#vanta-bg",
      mouseControls: true,
      touchControls: true,
      gyroControls: false,
      minHeight: 200.00,
      minWidth: 200.00,
      scale: 1.00,
      scaleMobile: 1.00,
      color: 0x23153c,
      shininess: 30.00,
      waveHeight: 15.00,
      waveSpeed: 0.75,
      zoom: 0.65
    });
  </script>
</body>
</html>
```

### Available Effects

**1. WAVES** (Three.js)
```javascript
VANTA.WAVES({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  color: 0x23153c,
  shininess: 30,
  waveHeight: 15,
  waveSpeed: 0.75,
  zoom: 0.65
});
```

**2. CLOUDS** (Three.js)
```javascript
VANTA.CLOUDS({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  skyColor: 0x68b8d7,
  cloudColor: 0xadc1de,
  cloudShadowColor: 0x183550,
  sunColor: 0xff9919,
  sunGlareColor: 0xff6633,
  sunlightColor: 0xff9933,
  speed: 1.0
});
```

**3. BIRDS** (p5.js required)
```html
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/lib/p5.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/vanta.birds.min.js"></script>

<script>
  VANTA.BIRDS({
    el: "#vanta-bg",
    backgroundColor: 0x23153c,
    color1: 0xff0000,
    color2: 0x0000ff,
    birdSize: 1.5,
    wingSpan: 20,
    speedLimit: 5,
    separation: 40,
    alignment: 40,
    cohesion: 40,
    quantity: 3
  });
</script>
```

**4. NET** (Three.js)
```javascript
VANTA.NET({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  color: 0x3fff00,
  backgroundColor: 0x23153c,
  points: 10,
  maxDistance: 20,
  spacing: 15,
  showDots: true
});
```

**5. CELLS** (p5.js required)
```javascript
VANTA.CELLS({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  color1: 0x00ff00,
  color2: 0xff0000,
  size: 1.5,
  speed: 1.0,
  scale: 1.0
});
```

**6. FOG** (Three.js)
```javascript
VANTA.FOG({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  highlightColor: 0xff3f81,
  midtoneColor: 0x1d004d,
  lowlightColor: 0x2b1a5e,
  baseColor: 0x000000,
  blurFactor: 0.6,
  speed: 1.0,
  zoom: 1.0
});
```

**Other effects:** GLOBE, TRUNK, TOPOLOGY, DOTS, HALO, RINGS

### Configuration Options

```javascript
// Common options for all effects
{
  el: "#element-id",              // Required: target element
  mouseControls: true,             // Enable mouse interaction
  touchControls: true,             // Enable touch interaction
  gyroControls: false,             // Device orientation
  minHeight: 200.00,               // Minimum height
  minWidth: 200.00,                // Minimum width
  scale: 1.00,                     // Size scale
  scaleMobile: 1.00,               // Mobile scale

  // Colors (hex numbers, not strings)
  color: 0x23153c,
  backgroundColor: 0x000000,

  // Performance
  forceAnimate: false,             // Force animation even when hidden

  // Effect-specific options vary by effect
}
```

### Vanta.js Methods

```javascript
// Initialize and store reference
const vantaEffect = VANTA.WAVES({
  el: "#vanta-bg",
  // ... options
});

// Destroy when done (important for SPAs)
vantaEffect.destroy();

// Update options dynamically
vantaEffect.setOptions({
  color: 0xff0000,
  waveHeight: 20
});

// Resize (usually automatic)
vantaEffect.resize();
```

### React Integration

```jsx
import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react';
import VANTA from 'vanta/dist/vanta.waves.min';
import * as THREE from 'three';

function VantaBackground() {
  const vantaRef = useRef(null);
  const [vantaEffect, setVantaEffect] = useState(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    if (!vantaEffect) {
      setVantaEffect(VANTA.WAVES({
        el: vantaRef.current,
        THREE: THREE,
        mouseControls: true,
        touchControls: true,
        color: 0x23153c,
        shininess: 30,
        waveHeight: 15,
        waveSpeed: 0.75
      }));
    }

    return () => {
      if (vantaEffect) vantaEffect.destroy();
    };
  }, [vantaEffect]);

  return (
    <div ref={vantaRef} style={{ width: '100%', height: '100vh' }}>
      <div className="content">
        <h1>React + Vanta.js</h1>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
}
```

---

## Vanilla-Tilt.js - Parallax Tilt Effects

### Core Concepts

Vanilla-Tilt.js adds smooth 3D tilt effects responding to mouse movement and device orientation.

**Key Features:**
- Lightweight (~8.5kb minified)
- No dependencies
- Gyroscope support
- Optional glare effect
- Smooth transitions

### Basic Setup

```html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <style>
    .tilt-card {
      width: 300px;
      height: 400px;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
      border-radius: 15px;
      margin: 50px auto;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: white;
      font-size: 24px;
      transform-style: preserve-3d;
    }

    .tilt-inner {
      transform: translateZ(60px);
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="tilt-card" data-tilt>
    <div class="tilt-inner">Hover Me!</div>
  </div>

  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/vanilla-tilt.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
```

### Configuration Options

```javascript
VanillaTilt.init(document.querySelector(".tilt-card"), {
  // Rotation
  max: 25,                    // Max tilt angle (degrees)
  reverse: false,             // Reverse tilt direction
  startX: 0,                  // Initial tilt X (degrees)
  startY: 0,                  // Initial tilt Y (degrees)

  // Appearance
  perspective: 1000,          // Transform perspective (lower = more intense)
  scale: 1.1,                 // Scale on hover (1 = no scale)

  // Animation
  speed: 400,                 // Transition speed (ms)
  transition: true,           // Enable smooth transitions
  easing: "cubic-bezier(.03,.98,.52,.99)",

  // Behavior
  axis: null,                 // Restrict to "x" or "y" axis
  reset: true,                // Reset on mouse leave
  "reset-to-start": true,     // Reset to start position vs [0,0]

  // Glare effect
  glare: true,                // Enable glare
  "max-glare": 0.5,          // Glare opacity (0-1)
  "glare-prerender": false,   // Pre-render glare elements

  // Advanced
  full-page-listening: false, // Listen to entire page
  gyroscope: true,            // Enable device orientation
  gyroscopeMinAngleX: -45,    // Min X angle
  gyroscopeMaxAngleX: 45,     // Max X angle
  gyroscopeMinAngleY: -45,    // Min Y angle
  gyroscopeMaxAngleY: 45,     // Max Y angle
  gyroscopeSamples: 10        // Calibration samples
});
```

### Advanced Examples

**Card with Glare Effect:**

```html
<div class="tilt-card" data-tilt
     data-tilt-glare
     data-tilt-max-glare="0.5"
     data-tilt-scale="1.1">
  <div class="tilt-inner">
    <h3>Premium Card</h3>
    <p>With glare effect</p>
  </div>
</div>
```

**Layered 3D Effect:**

```html
<style>
  .tilt-card {
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
  }
  .layer-1 {
    transform: translateZ(20px);
  }
  .layer-2 {
    transform: translateZ(40px);
  }
  .layer-3 {
    transform: translateZ(60px);
  }
</style>

<div class="tilt-card" data-tilt data-tilt-max="15">
  <div class="layer-1">Background</div>
  <div class="layer-2">Middle</div>
  <div class="layer-3">Front</div>
</div>
```

**Programmatic Control:**

```javascript
const element = document.querySelector(".tilt-card");

VanillaTilt.init(element, {
  max: 25,
  speed: 400,
  glare: true,
  "max-glare": 0.5
});

// Get tilt values
element.addEventListener("tiltChange", (e) => {
  console.log("Tilt:", e.detail);
});

// Reset programmatically
element.vanillaTilt.reset();

// Destroy instance
element.vanillaTilt.destroy();

// Get current values
const values = element.vanillaTilt.getValues();
console.log(values); // { tiltX, tiltY, percentageX, percentageY, angle }
```

### React Integration

```jsx
import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
import VanillaTilt from 'vanilla-tilt';

function TiltCard({ children, options }) {
  const tiltRef = useRef(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    const element = tiltRef.current;

    VanillaTilt.init(element, {
      max: 25,
      speed: 400,
      glare: true,
      "max-glare": 0.5,
      ...options
    });

    return () => {
      element.vanillaTilt.destroy();
    };
  }, [options]);

  return (
    <div ref={tiltRef} className="tilt-card">
      {children}
    </div>
  );
}

// Usage
<TiltCard options={{ max: 30, scale: 1.1 }}>
  <h3>My Card</h3>
</TiltCard>
```

---

## Common Patterns

### Pattern 1: Hero Section with Vanta + Content

```html
<section id="hero">
  <div class="hero-content">
    <h1>Welcome</h1>
    <p>Animated background with content overlay</p>
    <button>Get Started</button>
  </div>
</section>

<style>
  #hero {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100vh;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  .hero-content {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
    color: white;
    text-align: center;
    padding-top: 20vh;
  }
</style>

<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/build/three.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/vanta.waves.min.js"></script>

<script>
  VANTA.WAVES({
    el: "#hero",
    mouseControls: true,
    touchControls: true,
    color: 0x23153c,
    waveHeight: 20,
    waveSpeed: 1.0
  });
</script>
```

### Pattern 2: Zdog Icon Grid

```html
<div class="icon-grid">
  <canvas class="icon" width="120" height="120"></canvas>
  <canvas class="icon" width="120" height="120"></canvas>
  <canvas class="icon" width="120" height="120"></canvas>
</div>

<script src="https://unpkg.com/zdog@1/dist/zdog.dist.min.js"></script>

<script>
  document.querySelectorAll('.icon').forEach((canvas, index) => {
    let illo = new Zdog.Illustration({
      element: canvas,
      zoom: 3,
      dragRotate: true
    });

    // Create different icon for each canvas
    const icons = [
      createHeartIcon,
      createStarIcon,
      createCheckIcon
    ];

    icons[index](illo);

    function animate() {
      illo.rotate.y += 0.02;
      illo.updateRenderGraph();
      requestAnimationFrame(animate);
    }
    animate();
  });

  function createHeartIcon(illo) {
    new Zdog.Shape({
      addTo: illo,
      path: [
        { x: 0, y: -10 },
        {
          bezier: [
            { x: -20, y: -20 },
            { x: -20, y: 0 },
            { x: 0, y: 10 }
          ]
        },
        {
          bezier: [
            { x: 20, y: 0 },
            { x: 20, y: -20 },
            { x: 0, y: -10 }
          ]
        }
      ],
      stroke: 6,
      color: '#E62',
      fill: true,
      closed: false
    });
  }
</script>
```

### Pattern 3: Tilt Card Gallery

```html
<div class="card-gallery">
  <div class="card" data-tilt data-tilt-glare data-tilt-max-glare="0.3">
    <img src="product1.jpg" alt="Product 1">
    <h3>Product 1</h3>
  </div>

  <div class="card" data-tilt data-tilt-glare data-tilt-max-glare="0.3">
    <img src="product2.jpg" alt="Product 2">
    <h3>Product 2</h3>
  </div>

  <div class="card" data-tilt data-tilt-glare data-tilt-max-glare="0.3">
    <img src="product3.jpg" alt="Product 3">
    <h3>Product 3</h3>
  </div>
</div>

<style>
  .card-gallery {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
    gap: 30px;
    padding: 50px;
  }

  .card {
    background: white;
    border-radius: 15px;
    padding: 20px;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
  }

  .card img {
    width: 100%;
    border-radius: 10px;
    transform: translateZ(40px);
  }

  .card h3 {
    margin-top: 15px;
    transform: translateZ(60px);
  }
</style>

<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/vanilla-tilt.min.js"></script>
```

### Pattern 4: Combined Effect - Vanta Background + Tilt Cards

```html
<div id="vanta-section">
  <div class="container">
    <h1>Our Services</h1>

    <div class="services-grid">
      <div class="service-card" data-tilt data-tilt-scale="1.05">
        <div class="icon">🚀</div>
        <h3>Fast</h3>
        <p>Lightning quick performance</p>
      </div>

      <div class="service-card" data-tilt data-tilt-scale="1.05">
        <div class="icon">🎨</div>
        <h3>Beautiful</h3>
        <p>Stunning visual design</p>
      </div>

      <div class="service-card" data-tilt data-tilt-scale="1.05">
        <div class="icon">💪</div>
        <h3>Powerful</h3>
        <p>Feature-rich platform</p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

<script>
  // Vanta background
  VANTA.NET({
    el: "#vanta-section",
    color: 0x3fff00,
    backgroundColor: 0x23153c,
    points: 10,
    maxDistance: 20
  });

  // Tilt cards
  VanillaTilt.init(document.querySelectorAll(".service-card"), {
    max: 15,
    speed: 400,
    glare: true,
    "max-glare": 0.3
  });
</script>
```

---

## Performance Best Practices

### Zdog Optimization

1. **Limit Shape Count**: Keep total shapes under 100 for smooth 60fps
2. **Use Groups**: Organize related shapes for easier management
3. **Optimize Animation Loop**: Only call `updateRenderGraph()` when needed
4. **Canvas vs SVG**: Canvas is faster for animations, SVG for static illustrations

### Vanta.js Optimization

1. **Single Instance**: Use only 1-2 Vanta effects per page
2. **Mobile Fallback**: Disable on mobile or use static background
3. **Destroy on Unmount**: Always call `.destroy()` in SPAs
4. **Reduce Particle Count**: Lower `points`, `quantity` for better performance

```javascript
// Mobile detection and fallback
const isMobile = /iPhone|iPad|iPod|Android/i.test(navigator.userAgent);

if (!isMobile) {
  VANTA.WAVES({
    el: "#hero",
    // ... options
  });
} else {
  document.getElementById('hero').style.background = 'linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)';
}
```

### Vanilla-Tilt Optimization

1. **Limit Instances**: Apply to visible elements only
2. **Reduce `gyroscopeSamples`**: Lower for better mobile performance
3. **Disable on Low-End Devices**: Check device capabilities
4. **Use CSS `will-change`**: Hint browser for transforms

```css
.tilt-card {
  will-change: transform;
}
```

---

## Common Pitfalls

### Pitfall 1: Multiple Vanta Instances

**Problem**: Multiple Vanta effects cause performance issues

**Solution**: Use only one effect, or lazy-load effects per section

```javascript
// Intersection Observer to load Vanta only when visible
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries) => {
  entries.forEach(entry => {
    if (entry.isIntersecting && !entry.target.vantaEffect) {
      entry.target.vantaEffect = VANTA.WAVES({
        el: entry.target,
        // ... options
      });
    }
  });
});

observer.observe(document.getElementById('hero'));
```

### Pitfall 2: Memory Leaks in SPAs

**Problem**: Vanta/Tilt not destroyed on component unmount

**Solution**: Always clean up

```javascript
// React useEffect cleanup
useEffect(() => {
  const effect = VANTA.WAVES({ el: vantaRef.current });

  return () => {
    effect.destroy(); // Important!
  };
}, []);
```

### Pitfall 3: Zdog Not Rendering

**Problem**: Canvas appears blank

**Causes**:
- Forgot to call `updateRenderGraph()`
- Canvas size is 0
- Shapes are outside view

**Solution**:

```javascript
// Always call updateRenderGraph after shape changes
illo.updateRenderGraph();

// Ensure canvas has dimensions
<canvas width="240" height="240"></canvas>

// Check shape positions are visible
new Zdog.Ellipse({
  addTo: illo,
  diameter: 20,
  translate: { z: 0 }, // Keep close to origin
});
```

### Pitfall 4: Tilt Not Working on Mobile

**Problem**: Tilt doesn't respond on mobile devices

**Solution**: Enable gyroscope controls

```javascript
VanillaTilt.init(element, {
  gyroscope: true,
  gyroscopeMinAngleX: -45,
  gyroscopeMaxAngleX: 45
});
```

### Pitfall 5: Color Format Confusion (Vanta.js)

**Problem**: Colors don't work

**Cause**: Vanta.js uses hex **numbers**, not strings

```javascript
// ❌ Wrong
color: "#23153c"

// ✅ Correct
color: 0x23153c
```

---

## Resources

**Zdog:**
- [Zdog Documentation](https://zzz.dog/)
- [Zdog GitHub](https://github.com/metafizzy/zdog)
- [Zdog Codepen Examples](https://codepen.io/collection/DzdGMe/)

**Vanta.js:**
- [Vanta.js Official Site](https://www.vantajs.com/)
- [Vanta.js GitHub](https://github.com/tengbao/vanta)
- [Effect Customizer](https://www.vantajs.com/?effect=waves)

**Vanilla-Tilt.js:**
- [Vanilla-Tilt GitHub](https://github.com/micku7zu/vanilla-tilt.js)
- [NPM Package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/vanilla-tilt)

## Related Skills

- **threejs-webgl**: For more complex 3D graphics beyond decorative effects
- **gsap-scrolltrigger**: For animating these effects on scroll
- **motion-framer**: For React component animations alongside these effects
- **react-three-fiber**: Advanced 3D when lightweight effects aren't enough

© freshtechbro · MIT · freshtechbro/claudedesignskills

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