This comprehensive comparison breaks down every difference between Block Editor Animations free and Pro, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements, budget, and goals.

Whether you’re a blogger adding subtle animations, a small business owner creating an engaging homepage, or an agency managing dozens of client sites, this guide will help you determine which version of Block Editor Animations is right for you.

What You’ll Learn

In this Block Editor Animations free vs Pro comparison, we’ll cover:

• Complete feature-by-feature comparison
• Animation effects: 20 vs 100+
• Supported blocks comparison
• Pricing and value analysis
• Real-world use case scenarios
• Who should use free vs Pro
• Upgrade considerations
• ROI calculations

Let’s dive into the complete comparison.

Quick Comparison Table

Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of Block Editor Animations free vs Pro:

Let’s explore each category in detail.

Animation Effects: 20 vs 100+

The most significant difference between Block Editor Animations free and Pro is the number of animation effects available.

Free Version: 20 Animation Effects

The free version includes 20 carefully selected animation effects covering essential use cases:

Fading Effects (5):

• Fade
• Fade Up
• Fade Down
• Fade Left
• Fade Right

Sliding Effects (4):

• Slide Up
• Slide Down
• Slide Left
• Slide Right

Zooming Effects (4):

• Zoom In
• Zoom Out
• Zoom In Up
• Zoom In Down

Rotating Effects (2):

• Rotate In
• Rotate In Down

Other Effects (5):

• Flip Left
• Flip Right
• Flip Up
• Bounce
• Flash

Verdict: The free version’s 20 effects cover 80% of typical animation needs. Perfect for:

• Standard business websites
• Blogs and portfolios
• Small e-commerce sites
• Personal projects

Pro Version: 100+ Animation Effects

Block Editor Animations Pro expands the animation library dramatically with 100+ effects:

All free effects PLUS:

Advanced Fading (10+):

• Fade Up Big
• Fade Down Big
• Fade Left Big
• Fade Right Big
• Fade variations

Advanced Sliding (10+):

• Slide from corners
• Diagonal slides
• Custom direction slides
• Slide with rotation

Advanced Zooming (10+):

• Zoom with fade
• Zoom with rotation
• Zoom from specific points
• Zoom variations

Advanced Rotating (10+):

• Rotate clockwise/counterclockwise
• Rotate with zoom
• 3D rotations
• Multiple rotation angles

Attention Seekers (15+):

• Bounce In/Out variations
• Flash
• Pulse
• Rubber Band
• Shake
• Swing
• Tada
• Wobble
• Jello
• Heartbeat

Flipping 3D Effects (10+):

• Flip In X/Y
• Flip Out X/Y
• Flip variations
• 3D flips

Back Entrances/Exits (8+):

• Back In Down/Up/Left/Right
• Back Out variations

Light Speed (4+):

• Light Speed In Left/Right
• Light Speed Out Left/Right

Special Effects (20+):

• Roll In/Out
• Hinge
• Jack In The Box
• Custom animations

Verdict: Pro’s 100+ effects are essential for:

• Creative agencies
• Portfolio sites requiring uniqueness
• E-commerce sites needing variety
• Entertainment/media websites
• Sites competing in saturated markets

When 20 Effects Are Enough

You likely don’t need Pro if:

• You’re building standard business websites
• You prefer subtle, professional animations
• Your content is text-focused
• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re just starting with animations

When You Need 100+ Effects

Consider Pro’s expanded library if:

• You manage multiple client sites requiring variety
• Your brand personality is bold/creative
• You’re building entertainment or creative sites
• You want to stand out from competitors
• You need different effects for different page types

Animation Presets: 5 vs Unlimited

Animation presets package complete animation configurations for one-click application.

Free Version: 5 Built-In Presets (Read-Only)

Block Editor Animations free includes 5 professionally configured presets:

1. Subtle Fade In – General content
2. Attention Bounce – CTAs
3. Smooth Slide Up – Cards and features
4. Dynamic Zoom In – Hero sections
5. Elegant Rotate – Icons

Limitations:

• Cannot create new presets
• Cannot edit existing presets
• Cannot delete presets
• No import/export capability
• Fixed to these 5 only

Verdict: The 5 free presets save significant time for standard sites but lack customization.

Pro Version: Unlimited Custom Presets

Block Editor Animations Pro unlocks full preset functionality:

Capabilities:

• Create unlimited custom presets
• Edit any preset (including built-in ones)
• Delete unwanted presets
• Rename presets
• Import/export preset libraries
• Share presets across sites
• Organize by category or client

Use Cases:

Brand-Specific Presets: Create presets matching brand guidelines:

• “Brand Primary Headline” (specific timing)
• “Brand Button Animation” (custom bounce)
• “Brand Image Reveal” (exact effect + settings)

Client Site Libraries: Build preset libraries per client:

• Client A: Export 10 custom presets
• Import to all Client A sites
• Instant brand consistency

Project Templates: Create reusable animation templates:

• “Landing Page Hero”
• “Blog Post Featured Image”
• “E-commerce Product Card”

Verdict: Custom presets are game-changing for:

• Agencies managing multiple clients
• Brands with strict animation guidelines
• Template builders
• Teams needing consistency
• Power users building many sites

Preset Time Savings Comparison

Free version with 5 presets:

• Save ~2 minutes per block using presets
• Limited to 5 animation styles site-wide

Pro version with unlimited presets:

• Save ~2 minutes per block using presets
• Create unlimited brand-specific presets
• Export/import saves hours across multiple sites
• Team efficiency multiplies

Example: Agency managing 20 client sites:

• Create 8 custom presets per client
• Export preset library
• Import to client site in 30 seconds
• Instant brand-compliant animations

Time saved: 3-4 hours per client site = 60-80 hours across 20 sites.

Supported Blocks: 8 Core vs All Blocks

Block support determines which Gutenberg blocks you can animate.

Free Version: 8 Core Blocks

Block Editor Animations free supports essential WordPress core blocks:

Design Blocks (3):

• core/group
• core/column
• core/columns

Media Blocks (1):

• core/image

Text Blocks (4):

• core/heading
• core/paragraph
• core/button
• core/buttons

What you CAN animate:

• Homepage hero sections (groups + headings)
• Text content (paragraphs, headings)
• Call-to-action buttons
• Basic layouts (columns, groups)
• Standard images

What you CANNOT animate:

• Video blocks
• Gallery blocks
• Cover blocks
• List blocks
• Quote blocks
• Table blocks
• Custom blocks from themes/plugins
• Third-party page builder blocks

Verdict: Free version’s 8 blocks work for:

• Simple blogs and portfolios
• Text-heavy content sites
• Basic business websites
• Projects with standard layouts

Pro Version: All WordPress Blocks

Block Editor Animations Pro removes all block restrictions:

All core blocks supported:

• Every WordPress core block (40+)
• Video blocks
• Gallery blocks
• Cover blocks
• Media & Text blocks
• Quote blocks
• List blocks
• Table blocks
• Spacer blocks
• Separator blocks
• Code blocks
• And more…

Custom blocks supported:

• Theme-specific blocks
• Plugin-provided blocks
• WooCommerce blocks
• Form builder blocks
• Page builder blocks (Kadence, Stackable, etc.)
• Any third-party block

Verdict: Pro’s universal block support is essential for:

• E-commerce sites (WooCommerce blocks)
• Media-rich sites (video, gallery)
• Sites using page builders
• Complex layouts
• Custom theme blocks

Block Support Scenarios

Scenario 1: Simple Blog

• Needs: Headings, paragraphs, images, buttons
• Recommendation: Free version (all needs covered)

Scenario 2: E-commerce Store

• Needs: Product galleries, video demos, WooCommerce blocks
• Recommendation: Pro version (requires gallery/video/custom blocks)

Scenario 3: Agency Portfolio

• Needs: Video backgrounds, complex layouts, cover blocks
• Recommendation: Pro version (requires advanced blocks)

Scenario 4: Corporate Website

• Needs: Standard content blocks, occasional video
• Recommendation: Free for most pages, upgrade if video animation is critical

Custom Animation Editor: No vs Yes

The custom animation editor enables creating unique animations beyond presets and effects.

Free Version: No Custom Editor

Block Editor Animations free restricts you to:

• Pre-defined animation effects (20 total)
• Pre-configured presets (5 total)
• Basic customization (duration, delay, offset, easing)
• Cannot create entirely new animation types

What you CANNOT do:

• Combine multiple effects
• Create custom keyframe animations
• Define unique animation paths
• Build complex sequential animations
• Create signature brand animations

Verdict: Lack of custom editor is fine for:

• Users satisfied with existing effects
• Standard animation needs
• Beginners learning animation
• Budget-conscious projects

Pro Version: Full Custom Animation Editor

Block Editor Animations Pro includes advanced animation editor:

Capabilities:

• Combine multiple animation effects
• Create custom keyframe animations
• Define animation sequences
• Build unique brand-specific effects
• Save custom animations for reuse

Use Cases:

Unique Brand Animations: Create signature animation matching brand identity:

• Custom bounce pattern
• Specific fade + slide combination
• Unique rotation effect

Complex Sequences: Build multi-step animations:

• Fade in → pause → slide up → rotate
• Cannot achieve with single effects

Competitive Differentiation: Stand out with animations competitors can’t replicate using standard effects.

Verdict: Custom editor is valuable for:

• Brands needing unique identity
• Creative agencies
• Sites in competitive industries
• Advanced users wanting creative control

Global Animation Settings: Limited vs Full

Global settings control site-wide animation behavior.

Free Version: Limited Global Settings

Block Editor Animations free offers basic global settings:

Available settings:

• Enable/disable animations site-wide
• Compact mode (simplified interface)
• Preview mode
• Basic performance settings

Limited control over:

• Default animation values
• Site-wide easing
• Global offset settings
• Mobile-specific rules

Verdict: Free version’s limited global settings work for:

• Single-site owners
• Simple animation strategies
• Users comfortable with per-block configuration

Pro Version: Full Global Settings Control

Block Editor Animations Pro provides comprehensive global settings:

Advanced global controls:

• Set default animation duration site-wide
• Configure default easing function
• Set standard offset value
• Define mobile behavior globally
• Configure tablet-specific settings
• Set animation disable rules
• Control overflow behavior

Benefits:

Consistency: Set defaults once, apply everywhere:

• All animations use 600ms unless overridden
• Standard ease-out easing site-wide
• Consistent offset for smooth experience

Efficiency: Change one setting, update entire site:

• Decide animations should be faster
• Change global duration from 600ms to 500ms
• All blocks update automatically

Mobile Optimization: Define mobile-specific rules globally:

• Disable complex animations on mobile
• Use simpler effects for smaller screens
• Faster durations for mobile devices

Verdict: Global settings are crucial for:

• Large sites (50+ pages)
• Multisite networks
• Sites with strict brand guidelines
• Teams needing consistency
• Agencies managing client sites

Advanced Animation Options

Several advanced features differentiate Block Editor Animations free from Pro.

Once Animation Option

Free Version: Not available Pro Version: Available

What it does: Animations trigger only once per page load, never repeat even if user scrolls up and down.

Use cases:

• Hero sections (should only animate on initial view)
• Important announcements
• Splash screens
• Entrance animations

Why it matters: Without “once,” animations repeat every time element enters viewport, which can be annoying or distracting.

Mirror Animation Option

Free Version: Not available Pro Version: Available

What it does: Animations play in reverse when element leaves viewport (entrance and exit animations).

Use cases:

• Smooth page transitions
• Elements that appear and disappear
• Artistic portfolio sites
• Creative storytelling

Why it matters: Adds polish and sophistication to animation experience.

Offset Animation Option (Advanced)

Free Version: Single offset value Pro Version: Top, bottom, left, right offset controls

What it does: Control exactly when animations trigger based on viewport position with granular control.

Why it matters: Fine-tune animation timing for complex layouts and specific user experiences.

Disable on Mobile/Tablet

Free Version: Limited control Pro Version: Full per-block device control

What it does: Selectively disable animations on specific devices per block.

Use cases:

• Complex animations on desktop, simple or none on mobile
• Performance optimization
• Device-specific user experiences

Why it matters: Mobile devices have less processing power; ability to optimize per-device ensures smooth experience across all platforms.

Search and Selection: Basic vs Select2

Finding the right animation effect quickly impacts workflow efficiency.

Free Version: Basic Dropdown

Block Editor Animations free uses standard dropdown:

• Scroll through all 20 effects
• No search capability
• No preview thumbnails
• Alphabetical or category order

Finding an effect:

1. Click dropdown
2. Scroll through list
3. Read effect names
4. Select effect
5. Preview to see if it’s right

Time: 20-30 seconds per selection

Verdict: Basic dropdown is adequate for:

• 20 effects (manageable list size)
• Users familiar with effect names
• Simple projects

Pro Version: Select2 Advanced Search

Block Editor Animations Pro integrates Select2 search:

Features:

• Type to search effects
• Instant filtering
• Category-based organization
• Preview thumbnails (roadmap feature)
• Recent/favorites (roadmap feature)

Finding an effect:

1. Click dropdown
2. Type keyword (e.g., “fade”)
3. See filtered results
4. Select effect

Time: 5-10 seconds per selection

With 100+ effects, search becomes essential.

Example:

• Looking for bounce effect
• Type “boun”
• See all bounce variations instantly
• Select appropriate one

Time saved: 15-20 seconds per effect selection Across 100 animated blocks: Save 25-33 minutes

Verdict: Select2 search is critical for:

• Pro’s 100+ effect library
• Agencies using many effects
• Users building large sites
• Anyone valuing efficiency

Performance Features: Basic vs Advanced

Performance optimization ensures fast loading despite animations.

Free Version: Basic Performance Features

Block Editor Animations free includes:

Basic optimizations:

• “Reduce Page Loading” option
• Loads animation CSS when needed
• Basic script deferral
• Standard animation library

Performance level:

• Good for most sites
• Handles 10-15 animated blocks per page
• Standard PageSpeed scores
• Acceptable mobile performance

Limitations:

• Cannot choose CSS core version
• Limited lazy loading options
• Standard library size
• Basic optimization rules

Verdict: Free performance is sufficient for:

• Small to medium sites
• Standard animation usage
• Good hosting environments
• Sites with reasonable animation quantities

Pro Version: Advanced Performance Features

Block Editor Animations Pro offers enhanced optimization:

Advanced features:

• Choose CSS core version (full, minimal, custom)
• Load animation effects on demand
• Advanced lazy loading
• Script optimization
• Custom animation library builds
• Performance dashboard
• Analytics integration

Performance level:

• Excellent for large sites
• Handles 30+ animated blocks per page
• Optimized PageSpeed scores
• Smooth mobile performance

Advanced optimizations:

Selective Effect Loading: Only load CSS for effects actually used on site:

• Use 10 of 100+ effects
• Load only those 10 effects’ CSS
• Significantly reduced file size

Custom CSS Builds: Create minimal CSS containing only what you need:

• Reduces CSS payload by 60-80%
• Faster page loads
• Better Core Web Vitals

Performance Dashboard: Monitor animation impact:

• See total animated blocks
• Identify performance bottlenecks
• Get optimization recommendations

Verdict: Pro performance features are essential for:

• Large sites (100+ pages)
• High-traffic websites
• Sites with many animations
• PageSpeed-critical projects
• Enterprise deployments

Support: Community vs Priority

Support quality and response time differ significantly.

Free Version: Community Support

Block Editor Animations free provides:

Support channels:

• WordPress.org forum
• Community-driven help
• Documentation and FAQs
• Video tutorials

Response time:

• 2-7 days average
• Depends on community availability
• No guaranteed response

Support quality:

• Varies by community member
• May not receive official answers
• Relies on volunteer support

Best for:

• Users comfortable with self-service help
• Non-urgent questions
• Learning through documentation
• Budget-conscious users

Pro Version: Priority Email Support

Block Editor Animations Pro includes:

Support channels:

• Direct email support
• Dedicated support team
• Priority ticket system
• All free support channels too

Response time:

• 24-48 hours average (often faster)
• Guaranteed response
• Follow-up until resolved

Support quality:

• Official developer responses
• Technical expertise
• Custom solutions
• Code examples
• Migration assistance

Additional benefits:

• Installation help
• Configuration guidance
• Troubleshooting assistance
• Compatibility support
• Feature requests considered

Best for:

• Agencies with client deadlines
• Mission-critical projects
• Users needing guaranteed help
• Technical implementations
• Complex customizations

Support Value Calculation

Scenario: Critical bug on client site, launch in 2 days

With free support:

• Post on forum
• Wait 2-7 days for response
• May need multiple forum posts
• Risk: Miss launch deadline

With Pro support:

• Email support team
• Receive response in 24 hours
• Get solution or workaround
• Result: Launch on time

Value: A single urgent issue can justify entire Pro investment.

Plugin Updates: Delayed vs Immediate

Update frequency and timing vary between versions.

Free Version: Delayed Updates

Block Editor Animations free receives updates:

Update schedule:

• New features arrive weeks/months after Pro
• Bug fixes slightly delayed
• Security updates prioritized (same timing)

Update frequency:

• Major updates: 2-4 per year
• Minor updates: As needed
• Security patches: Immediate

Verdict: Delayed updates are acceptable for:

• Stable production sites
• Users not needing latest features
• Standard use cases
• Budget projects

Pro Version: Immediate Updates

Block Editor Animations Pro receives:

Update schedule:

• New features immediately upon release
• Bug fixes as soon as resolved
• Security updates (same as free)

Update frequency:

• Major updates: 3-6 per year
• Minor updates: Monthly
• Beta access (optional)

Additional benefits:

• Feature voting
• Influence roadmap
• Early access program
• Test new features first

Verdict: Immediate updates are valuable for:

• Agencies building many sites
• Users wanting cutting-edge features
• Sites benefiting from latest improvements
• Power users and early adopters

Pricing and Value Comparison

Let’s compare the investment required for each version.

Free Version: $0

Block Editor Animations free is completely free:

Cost: $0 forever Limitations: Feature restrictions only Updates: Free forever Support: Community-based

Total cost of ownership (3 years):

• Year 1: $0
• Year 2: $0
• Year 3: $0
• Total: $0

Best value for:

• Personal projects
• Small blogs
• Learning animation
• Budget-conscious users
• Sites with basic needs

Pro Version: One-Time Fee

Block Editor Animations Pro pricing:

Cost: Check official website for current pricing Typical structure:

• One-time payment (not subscription)
• Single site license
• 5-site license (agencies)
• Unlimited site license (developers)

Includes:

• All Pro features
• Priority support (1 year)
• Updates (lifetime)
• No recurring fees

Total cost of ownership (3 years):

• Initial purchase: One-time fee
• Optional support renewal: Annual
• Total: Initial purchase + optional support

ROI Calculations

Scenario 1: Freelancer (10 client sites/year)

Time saved with Pro:

• Advanced features save 2-3 hours per site
• 10 sites × 2.5 hours = 25 hours saved
• Freelancer rate: $50/hour
• Value: $1,250/year

Pro cost: One-time fee (check current pricing) ROI: Pays for itself with 2-3 client sites

Scenario 2: Agency (50 client sites/year)

Time saved with Pro:

• Preset import/export saves 1 hour per site
• Advanced features save 2 hours per site
• 50 sites × 3 hours = 150 hours saved
• Agency rate: $75/hour
• Value: $11,250/year

Pro cost: Agency license (check current pricing) ROI: Pays for itself with 2-3 client sites, massive savings thereafter

Scenario 3: Small Business Owner

Time saved with Pro:

• Initial site: 3 hours saved
• Hourly value: $50
• Value: $150

Pro cost: Single site license ROI: May not pay for itself immediately Non-monetary value:

• Professional results
• Unique animations
• Competitive advantage

Who Should Use Free vs Pro?

Clear recommendations based on user type.

Choose FREE Version If You:

✓ Have a personal blog or small website ✓ Use only basic animation effects ✓ Animate standard blocks (headings, paragraphs, images, buttons) ✓ Are learning WordPress animation ✓ Have a limited budget ✓ Build 1-2 sites per year ✓ Need only subtle, professional animations ✓ Don’t require video or gallery animations ✓ Can work with 5 animation presets ✓ Are comfortable with community support

User profiles:

• Bloggers
• Portfolio websites
• Small business owners
• Students/learners
• Hobby site owners

Choose PRO Version If You:

✓ Manage multiple client websites ✓ Need 100+ animation effects ✓ Animate all block types (video, gallery, custom) ✓ Create custom animations regularly ✓ Build e-commerce sites (WooCommerce blocks) ✓ Need brand-specific animation presets ✓ Require priority support ✓ Build 5+ sites per year ✓ Value time savings (ROI positive) ✓ Need advanced performance optimization ✓ Use page builders with custom blocks ✓ Want competitive animation advantage

User profiles:

• Web agencies
• Freelance developers
• E-commerce businesses
• Marketing agencies
• Creative studios
• Enterprise websites

Upgrade Considerations

Factors to consider when deciding whether to upgrade.

Valid Reasons to Upgrade

Upgrade from free to Pro if:

1. Hit block support limitations
   • Need to animate video blocks
   • Require gallery animations
   • Using custom blocks from themes/plugins
2. Need more animation effects
   • 20 effects feel limiting
   • Want attention-seeker animations
   • Require unique effects for brand differentiation
3. Building multiple sites
   • Managing 5+ client sites
   • Want preset libraries per client
   • Need export/import functionality
4. Time is valuable
   • Freelancer/agency billing hourly
   • ROI calculation is positive
   • Want to deliver projects faster
5. Need priority support
   • Working on client deadline
   • Require guaranteed response times
   • Complex technical needs
6. Performance critical
   • Large site with many animations
   • PageSpeed score is priority
   • Need advanced optimization

Reasons to Stay with Free

Stick with free version if:

1. Current features sufficient
   • 20 effects cover your needs
   • 8 blocks are all you animate
   • 5 presets work perfectly
2. Budget constrained
   • Personal project
   • Non-profit website
   • Learning/educational use
3. Low volume
   • Building 1-2 sites per year
   • ROI doesn’t justify cost
   • Time savings not significant
4. Simple needs
   • Basic blog
   • Standard business site
   • Minimal animation strategy

Upgrade Path

How to upgrade:

1. Evaluate your needs
   • Review Pro features
   • Calculate ROI
   • Consider future projects
2. Try free version first
   • Test on real projects
   • Identify limitations
   • Determine which Pro features you need
3. Purchase Pro license
   • Visit official website
   • Choose appropriate license (single/agency/unlimited)
   • Complete purchase
4. Install Pro version
   • Download Pro plugin
   • Deactivate free version
   • Install and activate Pro
   • Enter license key
5. Existing animations preserved
   • All free version animations continue working
   • No data loss
   • Smooth transition

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try Pro before purchasing?

Currently, there’s no trial period for Block Editor Animations Pro. However, the free version provides excellent insight into the plugin’s quality and interface. Test with free version first, then upgrade if you need Pro features.

Will my animations break if I downgrade?

If you downgrade from Pro to free after using Pro-exclusive features:

• Animations using free-supported effects continue working
• Pro-exclusive effects revert to no animation
• Custom presets unavailable (but block settings preserved)
• Video/gallery block animations stop working

Recommendation: Don’t downgrade if you’ve used Pro features extensively.

Can I upgrade my license later?

Yes. You can upgrade from single-site to agency or unlimited licenses by paying the difference.

Does Pro work with free?

No. Pro replaces free entirely. Only one version can be active at a time.

Are there recurring costs?

Initial purchase: One-time payment Updates: Lifetime (included) Support: 1 year included, optional annual renewal

You can continue using Pro after support expires, but won’t receive priority support or updates.

Does Pro work on multisite?

Yes. Pro supports WordPress multisite. License terms depend on which license you purchase (check official pricing page).

Can I use Pro on client sites?

Yes, if you have appropriate license:

• Single site: Your own site only
• Agency license: Specified number of client sites
• Unlimited license: Unlimited client sites

Check license terms on official website.

What happens if my support expires?

After 1-year support period:

• Plugin continues working normally
• No new updates (stay on last version)
• No priority email support
• Can renew support annually

Conclusion

Choosing between Block Editor Animations free and Pro depends on your specific needs, budget, and use case.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose FREE if:

• Personal blog or small site
• Budget is $0
• Basic animation needs
• Learning animations
• 1-2 sites per year

Choose PRO if:

• Professional/commercial use
• Managing multiple sites
• Need advanced features
• Time savings = money
• Building 5+ sites/year
• Positive ROI calculation

Key Differences Summary

Animation effects: 20 vs 100+ Presets: 5 read-only vs unlimited custom Blocks: 8 core vs all blocks Support: Community vs priority Price: Free vs one-time fee

ROI is Critical

For professional users, Pro often pays for itself with 2-3 client sites through time savings alone.

Calculate your hourly rate × time saved to determine if Pro makes financial sense.

Both Versions Are Excellent

Whether you choose free or Pro, Block Editor Animations delivers professional WordPress block animation capabilities.

The free version provides tremendous value at $0, while Pro unlocks full potential for professional users.

Next Steps

1. Try free version on your next project
2. Identify limitations you encounter
3. Calculate ROI if considering Pro
4. Make informed decision based on needs

Download: Block Editor Animations Free Explore Pro: Visit official website

Have questions about free vs Pro? Join the discussion or leave a comment below!

The post Free vs Pro: Complete Block Editor Animations Plugin Comparison 2025 appeared first on Animate Blocks on Scroll.

If you’ve ever spent 15 minutes configuring animation settings for a single block—adjusting duration, delay, offset, easing, and effect—only to repeat the process for every similar block on your site, this update is for you.

Animation Presets in Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 solve a major pain point by packaging complete animation configurations into one-click presets. Instead of manually adjusting 7+ settings every time, you simply select a preset and instantly apply professionally configured animations.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:

• What Block Editor Animations presets are and how they work
• The 5 built-in presets included in version 1.3.1
• Step-by-step guide to using animation presets
• How presets differ from simple animation effects
• Real-world use cases and examples
• What’s coming in future versions
• How the Pro version expands preset functionality

Let’s explore how Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 makes animation faster, easier, and more consistent.

What Are Animation Presets?

Before diving into the specifics of Block Editor Animations presets, let’s clarify what presets are and why they matter.

The Problem Presets Solve

Traditional animation workflow requires configuring multiple settings for each block:

1. Animation Effect – Choose from 20+ options (fade, slide, zoom, etc.)
2. Duration – Set animation length in milliseconds
3. Delay – Define wait time before animation starts
4. Offset – Configure viewport distance trigger point
5. Easing – Select acceleration curve
6. Anchor – Set animation origin point
7. Additional options – Once, mirror, disable on mobile, etc.

For a single block, this takes 2-3 minutes. For a complete page with 10-15 animated blocks, you’re looking at 30+ minutes of repetitive configuration.

How Animation Presets Help

Block Editor Animations presets bundle all these settings into named configurations you can apply instantly:

Without presets (old way):

• Click animation effect dropdown → select “Fade Up”
• Adjust duration slider → set to 600ms
• Modify delay → set to 0ms
• Configure offset → set to 120px
• Choose easing → select “ease-out”
• Time: 2-3 minutes per block

With presets (new way):

• Click preset dropdown → select “Smooth Slide Up”
• Time: 5 seconds per block

The preset instantly applies all optimized settings, saving valuable time while ensuring professional, consistent results.

Presets vs. Animation Effects

It’s important to understand how Block Editor Animations presets differ from animation effects:

Animation Effects:

• Just the visual movement type (fade, slide, zoom, bounce)
• No timing or easing configured
• Basic building block
• Requires manual configuration of other settings

Animation Presets:

• Complete animation package
• Effect + duration + delay + offset + easing
• Ready-to-use configuration
• Optimized for specific use cases
• Professional results immediately

Think of it this way:

• Animation effects = Individual ingredients
• Animation presets = Complete recipes

The 5 Built-In Animation Presets in Version 1.3.1

Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 includes five carefully crafted presets designed for common WordPress use cases.

1. Subtle Fade In

Best for: Body text, paragraphs, supporting content, images

What it does: Creates a gentle, professional appearance effect that doesn’t distract from content. Perfect for text-heavy pages where animations should enhance rather than dominate.

Configuration:

• Effect: Fade
• Duration: 500ms (quick and subtle)
• Delay: 0ms (starts immediately)
• Offset: 120px (standard trigger distance)
• Easing: ease-out (smooth deceleration)

Use cases:

• Blog post content blocks
• About page text sections
• Product descriptions
• Team member bios
• Supporting images

Why this preset works: The 500ms duration is fast enough to feel responsive but slow enough to be noticeable. The fade effect is universally appropriate and doesn’t call excessive attention.

2. Attention Bounce

Best for: Call-to-action buttons, important announcements, featured elements

What it does: Adds energetic bounce animation that demands attention without being overwhelming. Creates playful, engaging feel perfect for conversion elements.

Configuration:

• Effect: Bounce In
• Duration: 600ms (enough time for bounce to complete)
• Delay: 200ms (lets context appear first)
• Offset: 140px (slightly earlier trigger)
• Easing: ease-out (natural bounce deceleration)

Use cases:

• Primary CTA buttons
• “Sign up now” sections
• Limited time offers
• Download buttons
• Contact form highlights

Why this preset works: The 200ms delay ensures surrounding context appears first, so users understand what they’re bouncing toward. The bounce effect creates urgency and draws eyes naturally.

3. Smooth Slide Up

Best for: Feature boxes, cards, testimonials, list items

What it does: Elements slide smoothly from bottom to top, creating upward progression feel. Professional and clean, works for virtually any content type.

Configuration:

• Effect: Slide Up
• Duration: 650ms (balanced speed)
• Delay: 0ms (can be adjusted per block)
• Offset: 120px (standard trigger)
• Easing: ease-out (smooth upward motion)

Use cases:

• Feature card grids
• Service offerings
• Team member cards
• Blog post previews
• Testimonial sections
• Pricing tables

Why this preset works: Slide up creates natural upward movement that guides eyes through content. The 650ms duration is slow enough to feel smooth but fast enough to maintain engagement.

4. Dynamic Zoom In

Best for: Hero images, headlines, important visuals, focal points

What it does: Elements scale from small to full size with emphasis, creating depth and drawing immediate attention. Bold and confident.

Configuration:

• Effect: Zoom In
• Duration: 800ms (dramatic but not slow)
• Delay: 0ms (immediate impact)
• Offset: 150px (earlier trigger for above-fold content)
• Easing: ease-out (confident deceleration)

Use cases:

• Hero section images
• Homepage headlines
• Product showcase images
• Logo reveals
• Featured banners
• Landing page focal points

Why this preset works: The 800ms duration gives zoom enough time to create impact without feeling sluggish. Higher offset (150px) ensures animation completes before element reaches center viewport.

5. Elegant Rotate

Best for: Icons, decorative elements, creative sections, brand elements

What it does: Combines rotation with fade for sophisticated entrance effect. Adds creative flair without being gimmicky.

Configuration:

• Effect: Rotate In
• Duration: 700ms (allows rotation to complete smoothly)
• Delay: 100ms (slight pause for sophistication)
• Offset: 130px (moderate trigger distance)
• Easing: ease-in-out (smooth start and end)

Use cases:

• Icon boxes
• Decorative graphics
• Creative portfolio items
• Brand elements
• Infographic components
• Award badges

Why this preset works: The ease-in-out easing creates elegant motion that feels intentional. The 100ms delay adds sophistication by preventing instant rotation.

How to Use Animation Presets in Block Editor Animations

Using Block Editor Animations presets is incredibly straightforward. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Update to Version 1.3.1

Ensure you have Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 or higher:

1. Go to Plugins in WordPress admin
2. Check for updates
3. Update Block Editor Animations if available
4. Or visit WordPress.org to download latest version

Step 2: Open a Page with Gutenberg

1. Navigate to Pages or Posts
2. Open any page in the Block Editor
3. Or create a new page to test presets

Step 3: Select a Block to Animate

1. Click any supported block on your page
2. Supported blocks include:
   • Groups
   • Columns
   • Images
   • Headings
   • Paragraphs
   • Buttons
   • (Pro version supports all blocks)

Step 4: Locate the Animation Panel

1. Look at the right sidebar
2. Find the Animation panel
3. It should be visible by default
4. If collapsed, click to expand

Step 5: Open Quick Presets Dropdown

At the top of the Animation panel, you’ll see:

Quick Presets dropdown

This is the new feature in Block Editor Animations 1.3.1.

Step 6: Select a Preset

Click the dropdown and choose from:

• Subtle Fade In
• Attention Bounce
• Smooth Slide Up
• Dynamic Zoom In
• Elegant Rotate

The moment you select a preset, all animation settings automatically populate with optimized values.

Step 7: Preview the Animation

1. Click Preview button in Block Editor
2. Open preview in new tab
3. Scroll to see animation trigger
4. Return to editor if adjustments needed

Step 8: Adjust if Needed (Optional)

After applying a Block Editor Animations preset, you can still customize:

• Duration – Make faster or slower
• Delay – Add sequential timing
• Offset – Change trigger distance
• Easing – Modify acceleration

Note: Adjusting any setting manually will clear the preset selection, allowing full customization while maintaining the preset’s values as your starting point.

Step 9: Save or Publish

1. Click Save Draft or Publish
2. View live page
3. Test animation on actual site

Preset Persistence and Behavior

Understanding how Block Editor Animations presets behave helps you use them more effectively.

Preset Selection is Saved

When you apply a preset to a block:

• The preset selection is stored in block attributes
• After saving and reopening the page, the preset dropdown shows your selection
• You can see at a glance which preset is applied

This was a key improvement in version 1.3.1.

Manual Changes Clear Preset Selection

If you apply a preset then manually adjust any setting:

• The preset dropdown resets to “Default (no preset)”
• Your custom settings remain in place
• This prevents confusion about whether preset or custom settings apply

Example:

1. Apply “Smooth Slide Up” preset
2. Manually change duration from 650ms to 800ms
3. Preset dropdown resets to “Default”
4. Your 800ms custom duration is preserved

This behavior ensures clarity about the source of your animation settings.

Presets Populate All Controls

When you select a Block Editor Animations preset:

• Animation Effect dropdown shows the preset’s effect
• Duration control displays the preset’s duration
• Delay control displays the preset’s delay
• Offset control displays the preset’s offset
• Easing dropdown shows the preset’s easing

All controls properly populate, so you can see exactly what settings the preset applies. This transparency helps you learn optimal animation configurations.

Switching Between Presets

You can switch presets on a block at any time:

1. Select block with existing preset
2. Open Quick Presets dropdown
3. Choose different preset
4. New preset’s settings immediately apply

This makes it easy to experiment with different Block Editor Animations presets until you find the perfect fit.

Real-World Use Cases

Let’s explore practical examples of using Block Editor Animations presets in common scenarios.

Use Case 1: Creating a Landing Page

Scenario: You’re building a product landing page with hero section, features, testimonials, and CTA.

Preset application:

Hero headline:

• Preset: Dynamic Zoom In
• Reason: Demands attention immediately
• Time saved: 2 minutes

Hero subheading:

• Preset: Subtle Fade In
• Manual adjustment: Add 200ms delay
• Reason: Appears after headline
• Time saved: 1.5 minutes

Feature cards (3 cards):

• Preset: Smooth Slide Up for each
• Manual adjustment: Stagger delays (0ms, 150ms, 300ms)
• Reason: Creates sequential reveal
• Time saved: 5 minutes (for all three)

Testimonial:

• Preset: Subtle Fade In
• Reason: Professional without distraction
• Time saved: 2 minutes

CTA button:

• Preset: Attention Bounce
• Reason: Draws attention to conversion point
• Time saved: 2 minutes

Total time saved: 12.5 minutes compared to manual configuration.

Use Case 2: Animating a Blog Post

Scenario: Adding subtle animations to blog content for enhanced reading experience.

Preset application:

Featured image:

• Preset: Dynamic Zoom In
• Reason: Engaging intro to post

Body paragraphs (select multiple):

• Preset: Subtle Fade In
• Applied to 5-6 key paragraphs
• Time saved: 10 minutes (2 min × 5 blocks)

Pull quotes or callouts:

• Preset: Elegant Rotate
• Reason: Visual distinction from body text

Related posts section:

• Preset: Smooth Slide Up
• Applied to post preview cards

Total time saved: 15+ minutes with consistent, professional results.

Use Case 3: E-commerce Product Page

Scenario: Creating engaging product page with images, description, reviews, and purchase button.

Preset application:

Product images:

• Preset: Dynamic Zoom In
• Reason: Emphasizes product visuals
• Applied to 3-4 images
• Time saved: 8 minutes

Product description:

• Preset: Subtle Fade In
• Reason: Readable without distraction

Features list:

• Preset: Smooth Slide Up
• Applied to each feature point
• Manual adjustment: Staggered delays
• Time saved: 6 minutes

Add to cart button:

• Preset: Attention Bounce
• Reason: Critical conversion element
• Time saved: 2 minutes

Reviews section:

• Preset: Subtle Fade In
• Applied to review cards

Total time saved: 20+ minutes while maintaining brand consistency.

Tips for Using Block Editor Animations Presets Effectively

Maximize the benefits of animation presets with these professional tips.

Tip 1: Start with Presets, Customize if Needed

Best practice:

1. Always apply a preset first
2. Preview the result
3. Only customize if the preset doesn’t quite fit

Why this works: Block Editor Animations presets are professionally tuned. In most cases, they work perfectly without adjustment. Customizing only when truly needed saves time.

Tip 2: Use Consistent Presets Throughout Site

Best practice: Create a site-wide animation style guide:

• Headlines: Dynamic Zoom In or Subtle Fade In
• Body text: Subtle Fade In
• Images: Dynamic Zoom In
• Buttons: Attention Bounce
• Cards: Smooth Slide Up
• Icons: Elegant Rotate

Why this works: Consistency creates professional feel. Users subconsciously recognize patterns, making your site feel cohesive and polished.

Tip 3: Stagger Delays for Multiple Blocks

Best practice: When applying same preset to multiple blocks:

1. Apply preset to all blocks
2. Leave first block delay at 0ms
3. Add 150ms delay to second block
4. Add 300ms delay to third block
5. Continue pattern

Why this works: Block Editor Animations presets provide perfect base configuration. Adding staggered delays creates sequential reveals while maintaining preset’s other optimized settings.

Tip 4: Mix Presets Strategically

Best practice: Don’t use the same preset for everything:

• High priority: Attention Bounce, Dynamic Zoom In
• Medium priority: Smooth Slide Up
• Low priority: Subtle Fade In
• Decorative: Elegant Rotate

Why this works: Different preset energy levels create visual hierarchy. Important elements get bold animations while supporting content stays subtle.

Tip 5: Document Your Preset Choices

Best practice: Keep notes on which presets you use where:

• Homepage hero: Dynamic Zoom In
• Feature sections: Smooth Slide Up
• Blog content: Subtle Fade In
• CTAs: Attention Bounce

Why this works: Documentation ensures consistency when you or team members add content later. Especially valuable for multi-page sites or team projects.

Understanding the Pro Version Preset Features

While Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 introduces presets to the free version, the Pro version dramatically expands preset functionality.

Free vs. Pro: Preset Comparison

Free Version (5 Presets):

• ✓ 5 built-in presets
• ✓ Read-only (can’t edit)
• ✓ One-click application
• ✓ Preset persistence
• ✗ Cannot create custom presets
• ✗ Cannot edit existing presets
• ✗ Cannot import/export presets
• ✗ No preset library management

Pro Version (Unlimited Presets):

• ✓ 5 built-in presets (same as free)
• ✓ Create unlimited custom presets
• ✓ Edit any preset
• ✓ Save your own preset library
• ✓ Import/export presets
• ✓ Share presets across sites
• ✓ Delete unwanted presets
• ✓ Rename presets

Custom Presets in Pro

The Pro version’s most powerful feature is custom preset creation:

Creating a custom preset:

1. Configure animation exactly how you want it:
   • Select effect
   • Set duration
   • Configure delay
   • Adjust offset
   • Choose easing
   • Set any advanced options
2. Click “Save as Preset” button
3. Name your preset:
   • “Brand Headline Animation”
   • “Product Card Reveal”
   • “Testimonial Fade”
4. Preset now appears in your Quick Presets dropdown
5. Apply to any block, any time

Example use case:

Your brand guideline specifies:

• All headlines: Fade Up, 700ms, ease-out, 150px offset
• All buttons: Bounce, 550ms, 250ms delay, ease-in-out

Create custom presets:

• “Brand Headline” preset
• “Brand Button” preset

Now anyone on your team can apply brand-compliant animations instantly.

Import/Export in Pro

Share presets across multiple sites:

Export:

1. Create perfect presets on site A
2. Export preset library as JSON file
3. Receives downloadable file

Import:

1. Open site B
2. Import preset JSON file
3. All presets now available on site B

Perfect for:

• Agencies managing multiple clients
• Multisite networks
• Template sites
• Team consistency

Preset Library Management

Pro version includes full preset management:

• View all custom presets
• Edit existing presets
• Delete unused presets
• Reorder preset list
• Organize by category or project

This makes Block Editor Animations presets a true workflow tool rather than just a convenience feature.

What’s New in Version 1.3.1

Beyond Block Editor Animations presets, version 1.3.1 includes additional improvements.

Dashboard Widget

New at-a-glance statistics:

• Total animated posts/pages
• Total animated blocks
• Days plugin has been active
• Quick links to settings and documentation

Access from WordPress dashboard home screen.

Enhanced Onboarding

New users see:

• Welcome notice with quick start guide
• Pointer system highlighting key features
• Interactive walkthrough of first animation
• Links to video tutorials

Makes learning Block Editor Animations faster.

Improved Security

Version 1.3.1 includes security enhancements:

• Proper nonce verification in AJAX handlers
• Capability checks for admin actions
• Sanitization improvements
• WP Pointer dismissal security

Bug Fixes

Version 1.3.1 addresses:

• Preset dropdown now shows selected preset after save/reload
• Preset application properly populates all controls
• RangeControl inputs convert between string storage and number display
• Manual setting changes correctly clear preset selection

Updated Translations

Complete translations updated:

• Spanish (es_ES) – 145 strings
• French (fr_FR) – 145 strings
• Italian (it_IT) – 145 strings

Performance Impact of Using Presets

An important question: Do Block Editor Animations presets affect site performance?

The Short Answer: No

Presets are a workflow feature, not a runtime feature.

How Presets Work Behind the Scenes

When you apply a preset:

1. Plugin populates block attributes with preset values
2. Block saves these values (effect, duration, delay, etc.)
3. Frontend loads just like any animated block
4. No additional CSS or JavaScript for presets

Result: Blocks with presets perform identically to manually configured blocks with the same settings.

Performance Is Settings-Dependent

What affects performance:

• ✓ Animation duration (longer = more processing)
• ✓ Number of simultaneous animations
• ✓ Complexity of animation effect
• ✓ Image size being animated

What doesn’t affect performance:

• ✗ Using presets vs. manual configuration
• ✗ Number of different presets used
• ✗ Switching between presets

Block Editor Animations presets simply make configuration faster—they don’t change frontend performance.

Upgrading to Version 1.3.1

How to Update

Method 1: Dashboard update

1. Go to Dashboard > Updates
2. Check for Block Editor Animations update
3. Click Update Now
4. Wait for completion

Method 2: Plugins page

1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
2. Find Block Editor Animations
3. Click Update Now if available

Method 3: Manual update

1. Download latest version from WordPress.org
2. Deactivate current version
3. Delete current version
4. Upload new ZIP file
5. Activate

After Updating

What to do:

1. Clear all caches (browser, WordPress, CDN)
2. Visit any page with animated blocks
3. Verify animations still work
4. Test new preset feature
5. Explore dashboard widget

Existing animations: All existing animations continue working perfectly. Version 1.3.1 is fully backward compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use presets with any block?

Block Editor Animations presets work with all supported blocks. Free version supports 8 core blocks (groups, columns, images, headings, paragraphs, buttons). Pro version supports all WordPress blocks.

Will existing animations be affected?

No. Existing animations remain unchanged. Presets are an additive feature that doesn’t modify existing functionality.

Can I modify preset settings after applying?

Yes. After applying a preset, all settings become editable. Modify any setting as needed. The preset dropdown will reset to “Default” to indicate custom configuration.

Do presets work on mobile?

Absolutely. Block Editor Animations presets apply the same on all devices. Animations respect device capabilities and user preferences (like prefers-reduced-motion).

How do I know which preset to use?

Refer to the preset descriptions in this article. General rule:

• Important, attention-grabbing: Attention Bounce, Dynamic Zoom In
• Standard content: Smooth Slide Up, Subtle Fade In
• Creative/decorative: Elegant Rotate

Can free users create custom presets?

No. Custom preset creation is a Pro feature. Free version includes 5 built-in presets that cannot be edited or added to.

Will more presets be added in the future?

The free version will continue including the same 5 presets to maintain consistency. The Pro version allows unlimited custom presets, so you can create as many as needed.

Conclusion

Block Editor Animations 1.3.1 introduces a powerful time-saving feature with Animation Presets that transforms the animation workflow for WordPress users.

Key Takeaways

Block Editor Animations presets:

• Save 60-80% of animation configuration time
• Provide professionally tuned settings
• Ensure consistency across your site
• Make animation accessible to beginners
• Don’t impact performance
• Are fully customizable after application

The 5 built-in presets:

1. Subtle Fade In – Perfect for body content
2. Attention Bounce – Ideal for CTAs
3. Smooth Slide Up – Great for cards and features
4. Dynamic Zoom In – Best for hero sections
5. Elegant Rotate – Excellent for icons and decorative elements

Using presets effectively:

• Start with presets, customize only if needed
• Maintain consistency across your site
• Stagger delays for sequential animations
• Mix preset types to create hierarchy
• Document your choices for team projects

Next Steps

1. Update to version 1.3.1 if you haven’t already
2. Explore the 5 built-in presets on a test page
3. Apply presets to your real site and experience the time savings
4. Share your results in the community
5. Consider Pro version for custom preset creation

Get Block Editor Animations 1.3.1

Ready to experience the time-saving power of animation presets?

• Free version: Download from WordPress.org
• Pro version: Upgrade for unlimited custom presets

Join thousands of WordPress users who are creating stunning animations faster than ever with Block Editor Animations presets.

Have questions about the new preset feature? Visit our support forum or leave a comment below!

The post Block Editor Animations 1.3.1: New Animation Presets Feature Explained appeared first on Animate Blocks on Scroll.