Ceaser by Matthew Lein is a classic CSS easing tool that brought interactive cubic-bezier editing to the web development community. It features the popular Penner easing equations from Flash and jQuery, along with interactive testing for position, width, height, and opacity transitions. While Ceaser pioneered many features developers still rely on today, Fixie's easing visualizer builds on this foundation with a modern interface, enhanced comparison capabilities, and additional preview options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fixie's tool compatible with Ceaser's output?
Yes, completely. Both tools generate standard CSS cubic-bezier() functions that produce identical animation timing. If you've been using Ceaser, you can switch to Fixie without any changes to your workflow or CSS code. The generated curves are mathematically identical.
What are the Penner equations?
The Penner easing equations are a set of timing functions originally created by Robert Penner for Flash animation. They became industry standards and were adopted by jQuery and many animation libraries. Names like easeInQuad, easeOutCubic, and easeInOutQuart come from these equations. Both Ceaser and Fixie include them as presets since they're proven, production-tested curves.
Why does Fixie emphasize side-by-side comparison?
When building design systems or component libraries, consistency in animation timing is crucial. Side-by-side comparison makes it easy to evaluate subtle differences between curves and ensure you're choosing the right timing function for each use case. It's also useful for showing options to designers or stakeholders before finalizing animation decisions.
Does Fixie support touch devices like Ceaser?
Yes. Fixie's interface is designed for both mouse/trackpad and touch input, making it work well on tablets and mobile devices. Ceaser also supports touch, so both tools work on modern smartphones and tablets. The drag-and-drop curve editing works smoothly on touch screens.
Should I switch from Ceaser to Fixie?
If you're happy with Ceaser, there's no pressing need to switch — it's a reliable tool that continues to work well. Fixie offers a more modern interface with additional features like comparison view and enhanced previews. If those features appeal to you, try Fixie. If you prefer Ceaser's classic simplicity and focused design, keep using it. Both are excellent free tools with no signup required.