JavaFX Metronome Using TranslateTransition

Metronome Using Translate Transition in JavaFX
If you’re learning JavaFX animations, this guide will teach you how to create a simple metronome using TranslateTransition. This example demonstrates how to animate a circle back and forth with start, pause, resume, and stop buttons, perfect for beginners learning Java animation and GUI programming.

What is TranslateTransition? ​

TranslateTransition in JavaFX allows you to move nodes (like shapes, images, or buttons) from one position to another over a specified duration.

Key features:

• fromX / toX: horizontal movement
• fromY / toY: vertical movement
• autoReverse: reverses movement automatically
• cycleCount: number of repetitions
• Interpolator: defines motion style (linear, ease-in, etc.)

In this metronome example, the circle moves horizontally like a pendulum.

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JavaFX Metronome Code Explained ​

1. Imports and Setup​

import javafx.animation.*;
import javafx.application.Application;
import javafx.event.ActionEvent;
import javafx.event.EventHandler;
import javafx.scene.Group;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.scene.control.Button;
import javafx.scene.layout.HBox;
import javafx.scene.paint.Color;
import javafx.scene.shape.Circle;
import javafx.stage.Stage;
import javafx.util.Duration;

These imports include all necessary JavaFX classes for animations, shapes, buttons, and events.

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2. Create the Circle Node ​

Circle circle = new Circle(100, 50, 4, Color.BLUE);

• centerX, centerY: initial position
• radius: size of the circle
• fill: color of the circle

This circle will act as the pendulum of our metronome.

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3. Create TranslateTransition Animation ​

TranslateTransition anim = new TranslateTransition(Duration.millis(1000), circle);
anim.setFromX(0);
anim.setToX(200);
anim.setInterpolator(Interpolator.LINEAR);
anim.setAutoReverse(true);
anim.setCycleCount(Timeline.INDEFINITE);

• Moves the circle from 0 to 200 pixels horizontally
• Linear motion ensures constant speed
• AutoReverse makes the circle move back and forth
• INDEFINITE cycle makes the metronome continuous

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4. Buttons for Controlling the Animation ​

Button startButton = new Button("Start");
startButton.setOnAction(e -> anim.playFromStart());

Button pauseButton = new Button("Pause");
pauseButton.setOnAction(e -> anim.pause());

Button resumeButton = new Button("Resume");
resumeButton.setOnAction(e -> anim.play());

Button stopButton = new Button("Stop");
stopButton.setOnAction(e -> anim.stop());

• Start: begin the animation from the beginning
• Pause: temporarily pause animation
• Resume: continue from pause
• Stop: halt animation completely

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5. Layout the GUI with HBox ​

HBox controls = new HBox(10, startButton, pauseButton, resumeButton, stopButton);
controls.setLayoutX(60);
controls.setLayoutY(420);

Group root = new Group(circle, controls);
Scene scene = new Scene(root, 400, 500);
stage.setScene(scene);
stage.setTitle("Metronome using TranslateTransition");
stage.show();

• HBox: arranges buttons in a row with spacing
• Group: adds circle and buttons to the scene
• Scene: defines the window size

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6. Disable Buttons Based on Animation Status ​

startButton.disableProperty().bind(anim.statusProperty().isNotEqualTo(Animation.Status.STOPPED));
pauseButton.disableProperty().bind(anim.statusProperty().isNotEqualTo(Animation.Status.RUNNING));
resumeButton.disableProperty().bind(anim.statusProperty().isNotEqualTo(Animation.Status.PAUSED));
stopButton.disableProperty().bind(anim.statusProperty().isEqualTo(Animation.Status.STOPPED));

• Automatically enables/disables buttons based on animation state
• Prevents invalid actions (like pausing an already paused animation)

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Key Takeaways ​

• TranslateTransition is perfect for pendulum or linear animations
• Combine it with buttons for interactive controls
• JavaFX interpolators let you create smooth and professional animations
• This metronome example is a great starting point for learning JavaFX GUI and animation techniques

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Full Code Reference ​

You can copy and run the full JavaFX metronome code provided in this article to see the animation in action. Experiment by changing duration, distance, and interpolator for different effects!