# Animation fill mode

Decides what an element looks like before and after an animation.

## What does `animation-fill-mode` do?

`animation-fill-mode` decides what an element looks like before an animation starts and after it ends. `forwards` keeps the last frame.

```css
.fade-in { animation: appear 0.5s forwards; }   /* stays visible when done */
```

Level: Journeyman · [More CSS terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/css/journeyman)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/animation-fill-mode