JavaScript hack for improving slow scrolling experience with smooth scroll on Firefox

As a web application developer, I encountered a particular scenario where there are multiple position:fixed elements, canvases, and an overflow:scroll element. Unfortunately, scrolling in Firefox becomes extremely slow when smooth scrolling is enabled.

While the solution from the user's perspective would be to simply disable smooth scrolling, as a developer, I can't guarantee that all users will do this.

Is there a way to instruct Firefox to refrain from using smooth scrolling for my website through JavaScript or HTML? Alternatively, are there any known workarounds for this issue?

Answer №1

Your query seems to be centered around how to disable smooth scrolling, but I will provide a unique perspective on addressing this issue.

What Sets This Answer Apart

While it may be possible to detect users' preference for smooth scrolling, compelling them to disable it is not the ideal solution. Instead of masking the problem, let's focus on resolving it effectively!

Introduction: The Pixel-to-Screen Pipeline

During each frame, the browser undertakes a series of steps to render content onto the screen.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/snoQr.jpg

  • JavaScript: Often utilized for tasks leading to visual alterations, JavaScript plays a crucial role in animations, data manipulation, and DOM operations. However, other tools like CSS Animations, Transitions, and Web Animations API are also commonly employed.

  • Style Calculations: This phase involves determining which CSS rules apply to specific elements based on selectors. Once identified, these rules are implemented, culminating in the final styling for each element.

  • Layout: After establishing the applicable rules for an element, the browser calculates its dimensions and position on the screen. As elements can impact one another within the web layout model, this process may involve significant computations.

  • Paint: Filling in pixels encompasses drawing text, colors, images, borders, and shadows - essentially all visual components. These drawings typically occur across multiple surfaces referred to as layers.

  • Compositing: Given that page elements are drawn into various layers, correct sequence rendering ensures accurate display. This becomes crucial for overlapping elements to avoid incorrect layer positioning.

For further insights and original source, refer to this link.

Step 1:

The initial step involves eliminating costly CSS properties that burden rendering processes. While certain properties cannot be entirely removed, substituting rgba(255,255,255,1); with #fff, sans the alpha layer, proves beneficial.

To explore intricate details, visit this resource. Not all properties require extensive layouts or painting, varying in their impact on performance.

Step 2:

Beware of triggers inducing forced synchronous layouts. These occurrences arise when mandating a layout change mid-JavaScript execution cycle, disrupting the pipeline's fluid progression. Avoid acquiring layout attributes and promptly setting them in repetitive sequences.

A detailed list of sync layout causes can be found at this reference. Delve deeper into this topic via this guide.

Step 3:

Transfer components necessitating frequent repainting onto distinct layers.

Browser repaints occur during scrolling and animation playback. To streamline this process, segregate dynamic sections (such as parallax effects, navigation bars, or animations) onto separate browser layers, akin to organizing layers in graphic editing software.

Utilize the will-change CSS property to prompt layer transitions and employ transform: translateZ(0); if necessary to compel browser layer migration.

Answer №2

Have you experimented with including

backface-visibility: hidden;

in your fixed position elements?

I believe it's best to address the root cause of the issue. Sometimes, a seemingly minor detail can lead to major performance bottlenecks that can be easily resolved with a simple code change. It's important to note that optimizing performance doesn't have to compromise the aesthetics of your app; it's just a matter of avoiding inefficient browser layout engine practices.

My hunch is that there may be something in your web app causing significant repaints and frequent reflows. Take a look at factors like the use of offsetTop and position: fixed. Additionally, considering implementing requestAnimationFrame instead of updating for every scroll event could also improve performance. You might find this guide helpful in identifying and resolving scrolling performance issues.

Answer №3

Try using inspect element to investigate and pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. If you haven't already, consider installing FireBug as an alternative to the default inspect element tool. FireBug offers more detailed code information and allows for step-by-step script analysis to identify any problems. Additionally, there are plugins available for FireBug that cater to various frameworks, enhancing diagnostic capabilities if you are using one.

While we can speculate about possible causes or provide general solutions, only you have the ability to diagnose your code and uncover the specifics.

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