Method 1: Creating Drag-and-Drop Effect in Framer

Framer is a powerful design tool that makes it easier to create drag-and-drop effect.

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Steps to Create Drag-and-Drop in Framer

Step 1: Set Up the Canvas

• Press the "F" key to create a frame.
• Name it “Main” (or any name you prefer), set it as a stack, and give it a height of 100vh and width of 1fr.
• Add another frame in the middle and make it size of (3000x3000px), make it transparent, and name it "Canvas". Pin it to the center of the viewport.

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Step 2: Set Constraints

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 Limit drag movement using constraints:

• Set the Main layer in the constraint area and assign a scroll section name to “main”.
• Link the “Canvas” layer to this section in the drag effect settings.

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Step 3: Add Drag Effect

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• Select the Canvas layer and add a drag effect from the Effects panel.
• Turn off Freeform Mode and set the section to Main.
• Also, turn off Snapback and Momentum to allow smoother dragging.
• Preview your design to ensure everything works.

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Step 4: Add Elements

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• Add items like shapes, images, or icons to the draggable layer.
• Select all the draggable items, go to the effects panel, and set the drag effect to Freeform mode. Turn off Snapback and Momentum here as well.
• Ensure the Overflow property for the Canvas layer is set to Visible.

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Step 5: Add Hover and Rotation Effects

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• Make it dynamic! Add animations like:some text
  • Hover Effects: Scale up the size of items when items are being dragged.
  • Rotation: Slightly rotate items for a playful and engaging effect.

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Method 2: Drag-and-Drop Effect in Spline

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Spline takes interactivity to the next level by integrating 3D objects and animations into your website. If you want something immersive and eye-catching, Spline is your go-to.

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Steps to Create Drag-and-Drop in Spline

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Step 1: Select Objects

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• Pick the 3D objects in your scene that you want to make draggable.
• Open the Simulation Panel, enable Physics, and set gravity to 0 for a stable drag-and-drop effect.

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Step 2: Add Drag-and-Drop Event

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• Select an object to start the drag-and-drop effect.
• Go to the Events Panel, create a new event, and choose Drag and Drop.

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Step 3: Customize Drag Settings

Adjust settings to refine your effect:some text

• Cursor Appearance: Choose "Hand," "Move," or "Default" for the hover cursor.
• Plane: Set to Adaptive to Camera.
• Damping: Set values (e.g., 1 for instant drag or 80 for slower, smoother drag).
• Relative To: Choose World coordinates for more flexibility.
• Drag Limits: Define boundaries for X, Y, and Z axes to restrict drag movement.

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Step 4: Add Objects

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• Add all the draggable objects to the drag-and-drop event list.
• Test it out to see how your objects behave.

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Step 5: Enable Physics

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• For extra realism, turn on Physics for your draggable objects and set their Body Type to Dynamic.

Step 6: Test Your Animation

• Enter preview mode and check if the drag-and-drop effect works smoothly.
• Fine-tune the physics and animations as needed for the best experience.

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Which Tool Should You Choose?

• Framer: Go with Framer if you’re working on a 2D project that requires a fast, intuitive setup and lightweight and fast loading performance.
• Spline: Choose Spline if your project demands visually immersive 3D effects or physics-based interactions. But larger file size can impact load times especially with complex 3D scenes.

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Both tools have their strengths, and the best choice really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re after something simple and straightforward, Framer is a great option. But if you want to push the boundaries with cutting-edge 3D interactions, Spline is the way to go. Either way, you’ll end up with a drag-and-drop effect that makes your website more interactive and engaging for users.

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