Entry 26 · the alphabet of motion

Z

Zoom

A change in apparent scale, suggesting depth without translating.

CSS @keyframes · zoom

The long entry

Zoom is the cinematographer's simplest and most dramatic move. In film it is a lens primitive; in motion design, it is a CSS scale. Used for emphasis, intimacy, or revelation — zooming in says 'look at this'; zooming out says 'see the larger picture'. Combined with a small translate, zoom approximates a true camera move.