React Warp Background
Futuristic 3D warp effects that transport interfaces to hyperspace. Build immersive React sci-fi backgrounds with CSS perspective transforms, animated light beams, customizable parameters, and TypeScript support for Next.js applications with shadcn/ui.
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Flat interfaces belong in the past. The future is dimensional, immersive, alive with motion. This React component creates the iconic "warp speed" effect from science fiction—streaking light beams that suggest traveling through hyperspace, with 3D perspective that makes content feel like it's floating in dimensional space.
Hyperspace warp speed effects
Watch light beams streak through 3D space with perspective transforms and dynamic timing:
Built for React applications with TypeScript and Next.js. Uses CSS 3D transforms and perspective for true dimensional depth without WebGL complexity. Animated light beams with randomized colors and timing create that classic "jumping to lightspeed" effect. Perfect for sci-fi themes, tech showcases, or any interface that needs to feel futuristic.
Installation
npx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/warp-background.jsonnpx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/warp-background.jsonpnpm dlx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/warp-background.jsonbunx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/warp-background.jsonUsage
import { WarpBackground } from "@/components/ui/warp-background";
import { Card, CardContent, CardTitle } from "@/components/ui/card";
export default function FuturisticDashboard() {
return (
<div className="h-screen w-full">
<WarpBackground
perspective={100}
beamsPerSide={4}
beamSize={6}
beamDuration={2.5}
className="flex items-center justify-center"
>
<Card className="w-96 backdrop-blur-sm bg-black/20 border-white/20">
<CardContent className="p-6 text-center">
<CardTitle className="text-white text-2xl mb-4">
Welcome to the Future
</CardTitle>
<p className="text-gray-300">
Your interface just jumped to lightspeed
</p>
</CardContent>
</Card>
</WarpBackground>
</div>
);
}Why most 3D effects look fake
Most developers use flat CSS transforms or try complex WebGL libraries. Simple transforms look obviously 2D, while WebGL is overkill for UI effects and kills performance. Others use static gradients that don't move, missing the dynamic energy of real sci-fi interfaces.
This React component uses CSS 3D perspective transforms—the sweet spot between simple and complex. Light beams animate with randomized hue values and aspect ratios, creating organic variation. Perspective depth makes content float in dimensional space without GPU-heavy 3D rendering. It's the difference between a flat screen and a holographic display.
Features
- CSS 3D perspective transforms creating true dimensional depth without WebGL complexity
- Animated light beam system with randomized colors, timing, and trajectories
- Customizable warp intensity controlling perspective depth and beam configurations
- Dynamic grid backgrounds adapting to beam positions and container dimensions
- Framer Motion integration providing smooth animations with configurable timing
- Content overlay support with proper z-index management for floating UI elements
- Responsive container adaptation automatically adjusting to viewport and window changes
- Performance optimized using hardware-accelerated CSS transforms
- TypeScript definitions for all perspective and animation customization parameters
- shadcn/ui compatible with seamless Card integration and theme support
API Reference
WarpBackground
Main component for CSS 3D perspective warp speed effects with animated light beams.
| Prop | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
children | ReactNode | - | Content to float above the warp effect |
perspective | number | 100 | 3D perspective depth (50=dramatic, 200=subtle) |
beamsPerSide | number | 3 | Light beams per container edge (2-6 recommended) |
beamSize | number | 5 | Beam width as percentage of container (3-10 optimal) |
beamDelayMax | number | 3 | Maximum animation start delay in seconds |
beamDelayMin | number | 0 | Minimum animation start delay in seconds |
beamDuration | number | 3 | Animation cycle duration in seconds (1-5 range) |
gridColor | string | "var(--border)" | Background grid color (CSS color or theme variable) |
className | string | - | Additional CSS classes for the container element |
3D Perspective Configuration
Perspective values control the dimensional depth effect:
// Dramatic depth (most sci-fi)
perspective={50} // Strong 3D effect, content "pops" forward
// Balanced depth (recommended)
perspective={100} // Default, natural 3D feeling
// Subtle depth
perspective={200} // Gentle dimensional effect
// Extreme depth (use sparingly)
perspective={30} // Very dramatic, can be disorientingLight Beam Intensity Patterns
// Minimal warp effect
beamsPerSide={2} beamSize={3} beamDuration={4}
// Standard hyperspace
beamsPerSide={3} beamSize={5} beamDuration={3} // Default settings
// Intense warp jump
beamsPerSide={5} beamSize={8} beamDuration={2}
// Chaotic hyperspace storm
beamsPerSide={6} beamSize={10} beamDuration={1.5}Animation Timing Control
// Synchronized beams (all start together)
beamDelayMin={0} beamDelayMax={0}
// Natural variation (organic timing)
beamDelayMin={0} beamDelayMax={3} // Default
// Staggered waves (delayed starts)
beamDelayMin={1} beamDelayMax={5}Common gotchas
Perspective value confusion: Lower perspective values create MORE dramatic 3D effects, not less. Values below 50 can be disorienting. Values above 300 start looking flat.
Content positioning complexity: The component creates a 3D transform context. Child elements need proper positioning to "float" above the warp effect. Use flexbox utilities in className for centering.
Performance with many beams: High beamsPerSide values (6+) with large beamSize (10+) can impact performance. Each beam is an animated element with complex transforms.
Mobile device limitations: 3D transforms can drain battery faster on mobile. Consider reducing beam count or disabling the effect on low-end devices.
Z-index layering issues: The 3D transform context can affect z-index stacking. If content disappears, check that child elements have proper positioning.
Grid color theme integration: The default var(--border) adapts to themes, but might be invisible on some custom themes. Test across light and dark modes.
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