Lottie Max

What is a .lottie file (dotLottie)?

A .lottie file is a compact, zipped package for Lottie animations — about 3× smaller than .json, able to bundle multiple animations, assets, and themes.

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  • #lottie
  • #concept
  • #export

A .lottie file (called dotLottie) is a packaged, compressed version of a Lottie animation. Where a plain .json is the raw, human-readable description, a .lottie is a small ZIP archive that wraps one or more animations together with any images, themes, and a manifest — typically about 3× smaller than the equivalent JSON.

A .lottie file is a zip that bundles the animation JSON with assets and themes, about 3x smaller than .json
A .lottie file is a zip that bundles the animation JSON with assets and themes, about 3x smaller than .json

Why it exists

Raw Lottie JSON is great for editing and universal compatibility, but it can get large and it can only hold a single animation. dotLottie solves both:

  • Smaller downloads. Compression cuts file size dramatically — ideal for production.
  • Bundling. One file can carry multiple animations plus their assets.
  • Themes & metadata. The manifest can describe variants and playback defaults.

.lottie vs .json — which to use

Use .lottie when shipping to production and your player supports it; use .json for maximum compatibility or quick copy-paste. Full breakdown: dotLottie vs Lottie JSON.

How to get one

In Lottie Max, click Export → Download .lottie. It’s generated in your browser — nothing is uploaded. See the full export guide.

Playing a .lottie

Modern players read it directly — for example @lottiefiles/dotlottie-react on the web, or the dotLottie web component for plain HTML. If you need a runtime that only understands raw JSON, export .json instead.

Try it in the studio

No account, nothing to install — it runs in your browser.

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