How to Add Parallax Scrolling in Wix
TL;DR:
- Select a strip or background image in the Wix Editor to enable parallax scrolling
- Go to Settings, then Scroll Effects to turn on the parallax option
- Adjust the speed slider to control how pronounced the effect appears
- Use parallax effects sparingly to keep your site loading quickly
- Focus on key sections rather than applying effects everywhere
Parallax scrolling creates a sense of depth by making background images move slower than the content in front of them. It's one of those effects that can make your Wix site feel more dynamic, but only when used thoughtfully.
Setting Up Parallax Scrolling
Getting parallax effects working in Wix is straightforward once you know where to look.
Step 1: Choose your element
Start by clicking on the strip or background image where you want the effect. This needs to be a section with a background image rather than text or other elements.
Step 2: Access the settings
Look for the Settings option in the editor's side panel. This appears when you've selected your strip or background.
Step 3: Find Scroll Effects
In the settings menu, you'll see a Scroll Effects option. Click to enable this feature.
Step 4: Select parallax
Choose 'Parallax' from the list of available effects. You'll see a speed slider that controls how fast or slow the background moves compared to your foreground content.
Step 5: Adjust the speed
The slider lets you fine-tune the effect. A slower speed creates a subtle movement, while faster settings make the parallax more obvious.
When to Use Parallax Effects
The key with parallax scrolling is restraint. Here's what works best:
Focus on hero sections
Your main banner or header area often benefits most from parallax effects. This is where visitors first land, so a subtle movement can create immediate visual interest.
Feature sections
If you have a section showcasing key services or products, a gentle parallax effect can help it stand out without being distracting.
Background imagery
Parallax works best with images that have depth or layers. Flat, simple images don't show off the effect as well.
Performance Considerations
Parallax effects require your browser to do extra work, which can slow things down if you're not careful.
Less is more
Stick to one or two parallax sections per page. More than this and you risk creating a janky scrolling experience.
Test on mobile
Parallax effects can be particularly demanding on mobile devices. Always check how your site performs on phones and tablets.
Monitor loading times
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to keep an eye on how your site performs. If scores drop significantly after adding parallax effects, consider scaling back.
FAQs
Can I use parallax scrolling on all Wix templates?
Most modern Wix templates support parallax scrolling, but some older designs might have limitations. If you don't see the Scroll Effects option, your template might not support it.
How does the speed setting change the effect?
The speed controls how much the background moves relative to your foreground content. Slower speeds create subtle movement, while faster speeds make the effect more dramatic.
Will parallax effects slow down my website?
They can if overused. A few well-placed parallax sections shouldn't cause problems, but loading multiple effects on one page can impact performance.
Do parallax effects work on mobile?
Yes, but they can be more demanding on mobile processors. Some phones might disable parallax effects automatically to preserve battery life.
Jargon Buster
Parallax Scrolling – A visual effect where background images move at a different speed than foreground content, creating an illusion of depth
Strip – In Wix, this refers to the horizontal sections that make up your page layout
Scroll Effects – Animations and visual effects that trigger as visitors scroll through your website
Loading Time – How long it takes for your website to fully display when someone visits it
Wrap-up
Parallax scrolling can add a professional touch to your Wix site when used thoughtfully. The setup process is simple, but the real skill lies in knowing when and where to apply these effects. Start with one section, test how it performs, and build from there. Remember that a fast-loading site with subtle parallax effects will always beat a slow site with impressive animations.
Ready to take your Wix design skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more advanced techniques and design strategies.