diff --git a/.cursor/plans/fix_entrance_fouc_fc913a84.plan.md b/.cursor/plans/fix_entrance_fouc_fc913a84.plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5be4e220
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.cursor/plans/fix_entrance_fouc_fc913a84.plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+---
+name: Fix entrance FOUC
+overview: Prevent delayed entrance flashes without changing IntersectionObserver geometry by making the transient neutral styles author-important, using real zero delays, and giving entrance effects backwards fill by default. Align validation, documentation, and Interactor guidance with the runtime behavior.
+todos:
+  - id: important-initial-css
+    content: Emit author-important transient FOUC declarations and preserve true zero animation delays
+    status: completed
+  - id: entrance-fill-defaults
+    content: Default every entrance preset descriptor to backwards fill while preserving explicit overrides
+    status: completed
+  - id: validation-guidance
+    content: Add backwards-fill validation guidance and align Interact docs, rules, and Interactor skill
+    status: completed
+  - id: regression-tests
+    content: Cover CSS serialization, timing, all entrance presets, validator behavior, and run targeted verification
+    status: completed
+isProject: false
+---
+
+# Fix Delayed Entrance FOUC
+
+## Implementation
+
+- Extend the internal declaration shape in [`packages/interact/src/types/css.ts`](packages/interact/src/types/css.ts) with an `important` flag and serialize it in [`packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts`](packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts). Mark every [`DEFAULT_INITIAL`](packages/interact/src/core/css.ts) declaration important so `visibility: hidden` and neutral transform properties override pre-trigger animation values, while retaining the existing `:not([data-interact-enter])` lifecycle.
+- In [`packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts`](packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts), replace the synthetic `delay || 1` fallback with `delay ?? 0`. Do not add the proposed `0.1ms` initial override, because it would alter computed sequence timing and could move a playing animation back from its active phase into its delay phase.
+- Add a small `getEntranceFill()` helper in [`packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts`](packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts), returning `options.fill ?? 'backwards'`. Apply it after `...options` to every animation descriptor in all 19 modules under [`packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/`](packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/) so both CSS and WAAPI paths default to backwards fill while explicit `none`, `forwards`, or `both` values remain authoritative.
+
+## Validation and guidance
+
+- Add an informational `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS` semantic check in [`packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts`](packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts), wire it through [`collectSemanticWarnings.ts`](packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/collectSemanticWarnings.ts) and [`errors.ts`](packages/interact-validate/src/errors.ts), and recommend explicit `backwards` or `both` for effective `viewEnter`/`once` animation effects, including nested sequence effects. Keep this advisory so preset defaults remain a safety net rather than a schema requirement.
+- Update the authoritative entrance/FOUC guidance and generated CSS examples in [`packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md`](packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md), [`packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md`](packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md), [`packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md`](packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md), and [`packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md`](packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md): explain the important neutral pre-trigger rule, use `fill: 'backwards'` for `once`, and reserve `both` for effects that must retain their final keyframe.
+- Update the repository Interactor source in [`skills/interactor/SKILL.md`](skills/interactor/SKILL.md) plus its `config-schema`, `triggers`, `integration-recipes`, and `validate` references. Make explicit backwards fill an invariant in generated `viewEnter`/`once` configs and update the relevant eval expectation; do not manually edit external installed skill snapshots.
+
+## Regression coverage
+
+- Update [`packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts`](packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts) and [`cssUtils.spec.ts`](packages/interact/test/cssUtils.spec.ts) to verify important initial declarations are emitted only for eligible same-element `viewEnter`/`once` effects and disappear from the post-start selector.
+- Update [`packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts`](packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts) to assert omitted/zero delay produces `0ms`, while positive delays remain unchanged.
+- Add centralized entrance-preset tests covering all 19 exports: every generated descriptor defaults to `backwards`, and an explicit fill value is preserved. Retain existing per-preset behavior tests and add coverage for the currently untested `ExpandIn` export through this matrix.
+- Add validator tests for direct effects, referenced registry effects, sequence effects, implicit `once`, accepted `backwards`/`both`, and informational severity/category overrides.
+
+## Verification
+
+- Run `nvm use`, then targeted tests and type checks for `@wix/motion`, `@wix/motion-presets`, `@wix/interact`, and `@wix/interact-validate`; finish with repository lint/format checks for touched files.
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/README.md b/packages/interact-validate/README.md
index 53648fc7..5d6de63d 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/README.md
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/README.md
@@ -194,25 +194,26 @@ The single source of truth for every code the validator emits. The agent-facing
 
 These encode statically-detectable authoring pitfalls from the trigger rule files. Each belongs to a [rule category](#severity-model), so set the category to `'off'` to silence it or `'error'` to make it fail `valid`.
 
-| Code                                   | Trigger                                                                                                                 | Rule category            |
-| -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
-| `UNUSED_EFFECT`                        | A `config.effects` entry is never referenced.                                                                           | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
-| `UNUSED_SEQUENCE`                      | A `config.sequences` entry is never referenced.                                                                         | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
-| `UNUSED_CONDITION`                     | A `config.conditions` entry is never referenced.                                                                        | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
-| `DUPLICATE_KEYFRAME_NAME`              | A `keyframeEffect.name` is reused across effects.                                                                       | `UNIQUE_DEFINITION_IDS`  |
-| `SAME_ELEMENT_RETRIGGER`               | `viewEnter` with a non-`once` `triggerType` on the same source+target element.                                          | `SAME_ELEMENT_RETRIGGER` |
-| `HIT_AREA_SHIFT`                       | `hover`/`pointerMove` `keyframeEffect` with a `translate`/`scale`/`matrix` transform on the same source+target element. | `HIT_AREA_SHIFT`         |
-| `SCROLL_PRESET_MISSING_RANGE`          | A `*Scroll` `namedEffect` on `viewProgress` omits `range`.                                                              | `SCROLL_RANGE`           |
-| `SCROLL_PRESET_BAD_RANGE`              | A scroll preset `range` is not `'in'`/`'out'`/`'continuous'`.                                                           | `SCROLL_RANGE`           |
-| `ANIMATION_END_SELF_REFERENCE`         | An `animationEnd` interaction waits on an effect it also produces (never starts).                                       | `ANIMATION_END_GRAPH`    |
-| `LIST_ITEM_SELECTOR_WITHOUT_CONTAINER` | `listItemSelector` present without `listContainer` (inert).                                                             | `ELEMENT_SELECTION`      |
-| `REDUNDANT_SELECTOR_WITH_LIST_ITEM`    | `selector` ignored when `listContainer` + `listItemSelector` are both present.                                          | `ELEMENT_SELECTION`      |
-| `EMPTY_STYLE_PROPERTIES`               | A state effect's `transition.styleProperties` / `transitionProperties` is `[]` (toggles nothing).                       | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
-| `STATE_REMOVE_WITHOUT_EFFECT_ID`       | `stateAction: 'remove'` with no `effectId` to pair with a matching `'add'`.                                             | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
-| `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH`                | A scrubbed (`viewProgress`/`pointerMove`) or toggling (`alternate`/`repeat`/`state`) effect omits `fill: 'both'`.       | `RECOMMENDED_FILL`       |
-| `POINTER_AXIS_IGNORED`                 | `pointerMove` `params.axis` set on a `namedEffect`/`customEffect` (axis only applies to `keyframeEffect`).              | `POINTER_AXIS`           |
-| `KEYFRAME_PROP_NOT_CAMEL_CASE`         | A `keyframeEffect` property name is kebab-case (not WAAPI camelCase).                                                   | `KEYFRAME_STYLE`         |
-| `INVALID_INSET`                        | `viewEnter` `params.inset` is not 1–4 CSS lengths/percentages.                                                          | `VIEW_INSET`             |
+| Code                                   | Trigger                                                                                                                                     | Rule category            |
+| -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
+| `UNUSED_EFFECT`                        | A `config.effects` entry is never referenced.                                                                                               | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
+| `UNUSED_SEQUENCE`                      | A `config.sequences` entry is never referenced.                                                                                             | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
+| `UNUSED_CONDITION`                     | A `config.conditions` entry is never referenced.                                                                                            | `UNUSED_DEFINITION`      |
+| `DUPLICATE_KEYFRAME_NAME`              | A `keyframeEffect.name` is reused across effects.                                                                                           | `UNIQUE_DEFINITION_IDS`  |
+| `SAME_ELEMENT_RETRIGGER`               | `viewEnter` with a non-`once` `triggerType` on the same source+target element.                                                              | `SAME_ELEMENT_RETRIGGER` |
+| `HIT_AREA_SHIFT`                       | `hover`/`pointerMove` `keyframeEffect` with a `translate`/`scale`/`matrix` transform on the same source+target element.                     | `HIT_AREA_SHIFT`         |
+| `SCROLL_PRESET_MISSING_RANGE`          | A `*Scroll` `namedEffect` on `viewProgress` omits `range`.                                                                                  | `SCROLL_RANGE`           |
+| `SCROLL_PRESET_BAD_RANGE`              | A scroll preset `range` is not `'in'`/`'out'`/`'continuous'`.                                                                               | `SCROLL_RANGE`           |
+| `ANIMATION_END_SELF_REFERENCE`         | An `animationEnd` interaction waits on an effect it also produces (never starts).                                                           | `ANIMATION_END_GRAPH`    |
+| `LIST_ITEM_SELECTOR_WITHOUT_CONTAINER` | `listItemSelector` present without `listContainer` (inert).                                                                                 | `ELEMENT_SELECTION`      |
+| `REDUNDANT_SELECTOR_WITH_LIST_ITEM`    | `selector` ignored when `listContainer` + `listItemSelector` are both present.                                                              | `ELEMENT_SELECTION`      |
+| `EMPTY_STYLE_PROPERTIES`               | A state effect's `transition.styleProperties` / `transitionProperties` is `[]` (toggles nothing).                                           | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
+| `STATE_REMOVE_WITHOUT_EFFECT_ID`       | `stateAction: 'remove'` with no `effectId` to pair with a matching `'add'`.                                                                 | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
+| `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH`                | A scrubbed (`viewProgress`/`pointerMove`) or toggling (`alternate`/`repeat`/`state`) effect omits `fill: 'both'`.                           | `RECOMMENDED_FILL`       |
+| `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS`           | A `viewEnter` + `once` named/keyframe effect targeting another element or using a same-element delay omits `fill: 'backwards'` or `'both'`. | `RECOMMENDED_FILL`       |
+| `POINTER_AXIS_IGNORED`                 | `pointerMove` `params.axis` set on a `namedEffect`/`customEffect` (axis only applies to `keyframeEffect`).                                  | `POINTER_AXIS`           |
+| `KEYFRAME_PROP_NOT_CAMEL_CASE`         | A `keyframeEffect` property name is kebab-case (not WAAPI camelCase).                                                                       | `KEYFRAME_STYLE`         |
+| `INVALID_INSET`                        | `viewEnter` `params.inset` is not 1–4 CSS lengths/percentages.                                                                              | `VIEW_INSET`             |
 
 ## Usage recipes
 
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/src/errors.ts b/packages/interact-validate/src/errors.ts
index 2d4820c5..d2bae0c1 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/src/errors.ts
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/src/errors.ts
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ const RULE_CODE_MAP: Record<string, string> = {
   EMPTY_STYLE_PROPERTIES: 'STATE_EFFECT',
   STATE_REMOVE_WITHOUT_EFFECT_ID: 'STATE_EFFECT',
   RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH: 'RECOMMENDED_FILL',
+  RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS: 'RECOMMENDED_FILL',
   POINTER_AXIS_IGNORED: 'POINTER_AXIS',
   KEYFRAME_PROP_NOT_CAMEL_CASE: 'KEYFRAME_STYLE',
   INVALID_INSET: 'VIEW_INSET',
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/fouc.ts b/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/fouc.ts
index 7761158c..7d2f585b 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/fouc.ts
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/fouc.ts
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import { RETRIGGER_TYPES } from '../types';
 const DISCRETE_TRIGGERS = ['hover', 'click', 'interest', 'activate'];
 const HIT_AREA_TRANSFORM = /(translate|scale|matrix)/;
 
-function targetsSameElementAsSource(owner: AnyInteraction, effect: AnyEffect): boolean {
+export function targetsSameElementAsSource(owner: AnyInteraction, effect: AnyEffect): boolean {
   if (effect.key !== undefined && effect.key !== owner.key) return false;
   const refiners = ['selector', 'listContainer', 'listItemSelector'] as const;
   for (const field of refiners) {
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts b/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts
index f0a7ccf0..decf7bab 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/src/semantic/recommendedPatterns.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
 import type { Path, SemanticIssue, AnyEffect, AnyInteraction } from '../types';
 import { RETRIGGER_TYPES } from '../types';
 
-// recommended `fill: 'both'` for scrubbed and toggling effects
+function isKeyframeEffect(effect: AnyEffect): boolean {
+  return !!(effect.namedEffect || effect.keyframeEffect);
+}
+
+// recommended fill for scrubbed, toggling, and viewEnter entrance effects
 export function checkRecommendedFill(
   path: Path,
   effect: AnyEffect,
@@ -11,16 +15,34 @@ export function checkRecommendedFill(
   const isScrubbed = owner?.trigger === 'viewProgress' || owner?.trigger === 'pointerMove';
   const isToggling =
     effect.triggerType !== undefined && RETRIGGER_TYPES.includes(effect.triggerType);
-  if (!isScrubbed && !isToggling) return [];
-  const reason = isScrubbed
-    ? `${owner?.trigger} (scrubbed) effects`
-    : `triggerType '${effect.triggerType}' effects`;
+
+  if (isScrubbed || isToggling) {
+    const reason = isScrubbed
+      ? `${owner?.trigger} (scrubbed) effects`
+      : `triggerType '${effect.triggerType}' effects`;
+    return [
+      {
+        code: 'custom',
+        params: { domainCode: 'RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH' },
+        path: [...path, 'fill'],
+        message: `Include \`fill: 'both'\` for ${reason} so the effect stays applied and is not garbage-collected.`,
+        severity: 'info',
+      },
+    ];
+  }
+
+  if (!owner || owner.trigger !== 'viewEnter') return [];
+  const triggerType = effect.triggerType ?? 'once';
+  if (triggerType !== 'once') return [];
+  if (!isKeyframeEffect(effect)) return [];
+  if (effect.fill === 'backwards' || effect.fill === 'both') return [];
+
   return [
     {
       code: 'custom',
-      params: { domainCode: 'RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH' },
+      params: { domainCode: 'RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS' },
       path: [...path, 'fill'],
-      message: `Include \`fill: 'both'\` for ${reason} so the effect stays applied and is not garbage-collected.`,
+      message: `Include \`fill: 'backwards'\` (or \`'both'\` when the final keyframe must persist) so the starting keyframe applies before the animation starts on a target without FOUC hiding rules.`,
       severity: 'info',
     },
   ];
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/src/types.ts b/packages/interact-validate/src/types.ts
index f624292f..2d9c6140 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/src/types.ts
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/src/types.ts
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ export type AnyEffect = {
   triggerType?: string;
   stateAction?: string;
   fill?: string;
+  delay?: number;
   namedEffect?: { type?: string; range?: unknown; [k: string]: unknown };
   keyframeEffect?: { name?: string; keyframes?: Array<Record<string, unknown>> };
   transition?: { styleProperties?: unknown[] };
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/test/rules/recommendedFillBackwards.spec.ts b/packages/interact-validate/test/rules/recommendedFillBackwards.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..30983a3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/test/rules/recommendedFillBackwards.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,186 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { validateInteractConfig } from '../../src';
+
+const CODE = 'RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS';
+
+describe('recommendedFillBackwards — RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS', () => {
+  it('warns for a delayed same-element viewEnter once effect that omits fill', () => {
+    const result = validateInteractConfig({
+      interactions: [
+        {
+          key: 'el',
+          trigger: 'viewEnter',
+          effects: [
+            {
+              namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' },
+              duration: 400,
+              delay: 200,
+              triggerType: 'once',
+            },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const err = result.errors.find((e) => e.code === CODE);
+    expect(err).toBeDefined();
+    expect(err?.severity).toBe('info');
+    expect(err?.path).toEqual(['interactions', 0, 'effects', 0, 'fill']);
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('warns for a separate-target viewEnter effect with implicit once triggerType', () => {
+    const result = validateInteractConfig({
+      interactions: [
+        {
+          key: 'source',
+          trigger: 'viewEnter',
+          effects: [{ key: 'target', namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' }, duration: 400 }],
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    expect(result.errors.some((e) => e.code === CODE)).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('warns for a viewEnter once keyframeEffect without fill', () => {
+    const result = validateInteractConfig({
+      interactions: [
+        {
+          key: 'el',
+          trigger: 'viewEnter',
+          effects: [
+            {
+              keyframeEffect: { name: 'fade', keyframes: [{ opacity: '0' }, { opacity: '1' }] },
+              duration: 400,
+              delay: 200,
+            },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    expect(result.errors.some((e) => e.code === CODE)).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('warns for a viewEnter once sequence effect without fill', () => {
+    const result = validateInteractConfig({
+      interactions: [
+        {
+          key: 'el',
+          trigger: 'viewEnter',
+          sequences: [
+            {
+              effects: [
+                {
+                  selector: '.card',
+                  namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' },
+                  duration: 400,
+                },
+              ],
+            },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    expect(
+      result.errors.some(
+        (e) => e.code === CODE && e.path.join('.') === 'interactions.0.sequences.0.effects.0.fill',
+      ),
+    ).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  describe('no warning for the documented valid patterns', () => {
+    it('does not warn when fill: backwards is present', () => {
+      const result = validateInteractConfig({
+        interactions: [
+          {
+            key: 'el',
+            trigger: 'viewEnter',
+            effects: [
+              {
+                fill: 'backwards',
+                namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' },
+                duration: 400,
+                triggerType: 'once',
+              },
+            ],
+          },
+        ],
+      });
+
+      expect(result.errors.filter((e) => e.code === CODE)).toHaveLength(0);
+    });
+
+    it('does not warn when fill: both is present', () => {
+      const result = validateInteractConfig({
+        interactions: [
+          {
+            key: 'el',
+            trigger: 'viewEnter',
+            effects: [
+              {
+                fill: 'both',
+                namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' },
+                duration: 400,
+                triggerType: 'once',
+              },
+            ],
+          },
+        ],
+      });
+
+      expect(result.errors.filter((e) => e.code === CODE)).toHaveLength(0);
+    });
+
+    it('does not warn for a customEffect entrance', () => {
+      const result = validateInteractConfig({
+        interactions: [
+          {
+            key: 'source',
+            trigger: 'viewEnter',
+            effects: [{ key: 'target', customEffect: () => {}, duration: 400 }],
+          },
+        ],
+      });
+
+      expect(result.errors.filter((e) => e.code === CODE)).toHaveLength(0);
+    });
+
+    it('does not warn for non-viewEnter triggers', () => {
+      const result = validateInteractConfig({
+        interactions: [
+          {
+            key: 'el',
+            trigger: 'click',
+            effects: [{ namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' }, duration: 400 }],
+          },
+        ],
+      });
+
+      expect(result.errors.filter((e) => e.code === CODE)).toHaveLength(0);
+    });
+
+    it('does not warn for viewEnter repeat effects', () => {
+      const result = validateInteractConfig({
+        interactions: [
+          {
+            key: 'el',
+            trigger: 'viewEnter',
+            effects: [
+              {
+                key: 'other',
+                namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' },
+                duration: 400,
+                triggerType: 'repeat',
+              },
+            ],
+          },
+        ],
+      });
+
+      expect(result.errors.filter((e) => e.code === CODE)).toHaveLength(0);
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/packages/interact-validate/test/validate.spec.ts b/packages/interact-validate/test/validate.spec.ts
index e4bb4de7..1d0f0c9d 100644
--- a/packages/interact-validate/test/validate.spec.ts
+++ b/packages/interact-validate/test/validate.spec.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ const VALID_CONFIG = {
     {
       key: 'el',
       trigger: 'viewEnter',
-      effects: [{ namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' }, duration: 400 }],
+      effects: [{ namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn' }, duration: 400, fill: 'backwards' }],
     },
   ],
 };
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ const CONFIG_WITH_WARNING = {
     {
       key: 'el',
       trigger: 'viewEnter',
-      effects: [{ namedEffect: { type: 'SlideIn' }, duration: 400 }],
+      effects: [{ namedEffect: { type: 'SlideIn' }, duration: 400, fill: 'backwards' }],
     },
   ],
 };
diff --git a/packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md b/packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md
index be44558d..64f82da3 100644
--- a/packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md
+++ b/packages/interact/docs/api/functions.md
@@ -247,7 +247,9 @@ The output covers every CSS-expressible aspect of the configuration:
 
 For entrance animations where the source and target are the same element, `generate()` emits an initial rule that hides the element until its animation starts. Inject the generated CSS into `<head>` (preferred) or the beginning of `<body>`.
 
-The initial rule uses `:not([data-interact-enter])` so the element becomes visible once the animation begins. This only applies to `viewEnter` interactions with `triggerType: 'once'` (the default for `viewEnter`).
+The initial rule uses `:not([data-interact-enter])` so the element becomes visible once the animation begins. This only applies to `viewEnter` interactions with `triggerType: 'once'` (the default for `viewEnter`)
+
+For any entrance animation, use `fill: 'backwards'` (or `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist). Entrance presets default to `backwards`.
 
 For `triggerType: 'repeat'`/`'alternate'`/`'state'`, manually apply the starting keyframe as inline styles on the target element and use `fill: 'both'`.
 
@@ -256,10 +258,10 @@ For `triggerType: 'repeat'`/`'alternate'`/`'state'`, manually apply the starting
 ```css
 [data-interact-key='hero']:not([data-interact-enter]) {
   visibility: hidden;
-  transform: none;
-  translate: none;
-  scale: none;
-  rotate: none;
+  transform: none !important;
+  translate: none !important;
+  scale: none !important;
+  rotate: none !important;
 }
 ```
 
diff --git a/packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md b/packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md
index 01aa40d9..721150a9 100644
--- a/packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md
+++ b/packages/interact/docs/examples/entrance-animations.md
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ Add a delay for dramatic timing.
         },
         duration: 1000,
         delay: 500,  // Wait 500ms before starting
+        fill: 'backwards',  // Hold first keyframe during delay
         easing: 'ease-out'
     }]
 }
diff --git a/packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md b/packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md
index 5942ed3d..5a3587fd 100644
--- a/packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md
+++ b/packages/interact/rules/full-lean.md
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ Each effect applies a visual change to a target element. An effect is either inl
 **`fill` guidance:**
 
 - `'both'` — use for scroll-driven (`viewProgress`), pointer-driven (`pointerMove`), and toggling effects (`hover`/`click` with `alternate`, `repeat`, or `state` type).
-- `'backwards'` — use for entrance animations with `type: 'once'` when the element's own CSS already matches the final keyframe (applies the initial keyframe during any `delay`).
+- `'backwards'` — use for entrance animations (`viewEnter` + `once`). Entrance presets default to `'backwards'`; set it explicitly for inline `keyframeEffect` entrances. Use `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist after the animation.
 
 **`composite`** — same as CSS's `animation-composition`. Controls how this effect combines with others on the same property (transforms & filters):
 
diff --git a/packages/interact/rules/validate.md b/packages/interact/rules/validate.md
index 794c0ac5..07d46944 100644
--- a/packages/interact/rules/validate.md
+++ b/packages/interact/rules/validate.md
@@ -233,6 +233,7 @@ Statically-detectable authoring pitfalls lifted from the trigger rule files. Eac
 | `EMPTY_STYLE_PROPERTIES`               | A state effect's `transition.styleProperties` / `transitionProperties` is `[]` (toggles nothing).                                                     | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
 | `STATE_REMOVE_WITHOUT_EFFECT_ID`       | `stateAction: 'remove'` with no `effectId` to pair with a matching `'add'`.                                                                           | `STATE_EFFECT`           |
 | `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BOTH`                | A scrubbed (`viewProgress`/`pointerMove`) or toggling (`alternate`/`repeat`/`state`) effect omits `fill: 'both'`.                                     | `RECOMMENDED_FILL`       |
+| `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS`           | A `viewEnter` + `once` named/keyframe effect targeting another element or using a same-element delay omits `fill: 'backwards'` or `'both'`.           | `RECOMMENDED_FILL`       |
 | `POINTER_AXIS_IGNORED`                 | `pointerMove` `params.axis` set on a `namedEffect`/`customEffect` (axis only applies to `keyframeEffect`).                                            | `POINTER_AXIS`           |
 | `KEYFRAME_PROP_NOT_CAMEL_CASE`         | A `keyframeEffect` property name is kebab-case (not WAAPI camelCase).                                                                                 | `KEYFRAME_STYLE`         |
 | `INVALID_INSET`                        | `viewEnter` `params.inset` is not 1–4 whitespace-separated CSS lengths/percentages.                                                                   | `VIEW_INSET`             |
diff --git a/packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md b/packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md
index eae35403..0b1c600b 100644
--- a/packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md
+++ b/packages/interact/rules/viewenter.md
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ This document contains rules for generating interactions that respond to element
 
 **Solution:** Call `generate(config, useFirstChild)` at build/generation time and embed the resulting CSS before first paint. Among all the CSS it produces, `generate()` includes initial rules that hide entrance-animated elements from the moment the page renders, before JS runs. The rules use `:not([data-interact-enter])` so elements become visible once the animation starts.
 
+For entrance animations, set `fill: 'backwards'` (or `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist). Entrance presets default to `backwards`; inline `keyframeEffect` entrances should set it explicitly.
+
 ### Generate CSS at build time and embed in HTML
 
 Prefer running this for the complete config in a **build/generation script**
@@ -90,6 +92,7 @@ const css = generate(config, useFirstChild); // true for web; false for react/va
 - Inject runtime-generated CSS before the corresponding `Interact.create()` call
   and before revealing initially hidden content to minimize FOUC.
 - FOUC initial rules apply only to `viewEnter` + `triggerType: 'once'` (or no `triggerType`, which defaults to `'once'`) where source and target are the same element.
+- For `viewEnter` + `once` entrance animations, use `fill: 'backwards'` (or `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist after the animation).
 - For `viewEnter` with `triggerType: 'repeat'`/`'alternate'`/`'state'`, manually apply the starting keyframe as inline styles on the target element and use `fill: 'both'`.
 - `generate(config)` processes all interactions in the config, not just `viewEnter`.
 
@@ -152,7 +155,7 @@ Use `keyframeEffect` or `namedEffect` when the viewEnter should play an animatio
 - `[KEYFRAMES]` — array of keyframe objects (e.g. `[{ opacity: 0 }, { opacity: 1 }]`). Property names in camelCase.
 - `[EFFECT_NAME]` — unique string identifier for a `keyframeEffect`.
 - `[NAMED_EFFECT_DEFINITION]` — object with properties of pre-built effect from `@wix/motion-presets`. Refer to motion-presets rules for available presets and their options.
-- `[FILL_MODE]` — `'both'` for `triggerType: 'alternate'`, `'repeat'`, or `'state'`. For `triggerType: 'once'`: use `'backwards'` when the animation's final keyframe has no additional effect (over element's base style); use `'both'` otherwise.
+- `[FILL_MODE]` — `'both'` for `triggerType: 'alternate'`, `'repeat'`, or `'state'`. For `triggerType: 'once'`: use `'backwards'` for entrance, so the first keyframe applies during any `delay` (use `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist after the animation).
 - `[DURATION_MS]` — animation duration in milliseconds.
 - `[EASING_FUNCTION]` — CSS easing string or named easing from `@wix/motion`.
 - `[DELAY_MS]` — optional delay before the effect starts, in milliseconds.
diff --git a/packages/interact/src/core/css.ts b/packages/interact/src/core/css.ts
index aba27765..d5b1e10d 100644
--- a/packages/interact/src/core/css.ts
+++ b/packages/interact/src/core/css.ts
@@ -25,10 +25,10 @@ import { getCSSAnimation, MotionKeyframeEffect, TriggerVariant } from '@wix/moti
 
 export const DEFAULT_INITIAL = [
   { name: 'visibility', value: 'hidden' },
-  { name: 'transform', value: 'none' },
-  { name: 'translate', value: 'none' },
-  { name: 'scale', value: 'none' },
-  { name: 'rotate', value: 'none' },
+  { name: 'transform', value: 'none', important: true },
+  { name: 'translate', value: 'none', important: true },
+  { name: 'scale', value: 'none', important: true },
+  { name: 'rotate', value: 'none', important: true },
 ];
 
 const LIST_ANIMATION_PROPERTY_NAMES = [
diff --git a/packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts b/packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts
index 5abd8e27..6a9c28eb 100644
--- a/packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts
+++ b/packages/interact/src/core/cssUtils.ts
@@ -145,7 +145,9 @@ export function CSSRuleToString(rule: CSSRuleData): string {
     selector = applySelectorCondition(selector, selectorCondition);
   }
 
-  const declarationsStr = declarations.map(({ name, value }) => `${name}: ${value};`).join('\n');
+  const declarationsStr = declarations
+    .map(({ name, value, important }) => `${name}: ${value}${important ? ' !important' : ''};`)
+    .join('\n');
   const cssRule = `${selector} {\n${declarationsStr}\n}`;
 
   return media ? `@media ${media} {\n${cssRule}\n}` : cssRule;
diff --git a/packages/interact/src/types/css.ts b/packages/interact/src/types/css.ts
index 433dd02d..7e7f05a9 100644
--- a/packages/interact/src/types/css.ts
+++ b/packages/interact/src/types/css.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ export type ListCustomProps = {
 export type CSSRuleData = {
   key: string;
   childSelector?: string;
-  declarations: { name: string; value: string | number }[];
+  declarations: { name: string; value: string | number; important?: boolean }[];
   media?: string;
   states?: string[];
   selectorCondition?: string;
diff --git a/packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts b/packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts
index 88c9ac3d..dc57ede2 100644
--- a/packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts
+++ b/packages/interact/test/css.spec.ts
@@ -440,10 +440,11 @@ describe('css._generate', () => {
       )!;
       expect(initialRule).toBeDefined();
 
-      DEFAULT_INITIAL.forEach(({ name, value }) => {
+      DEFAULT_INITIAL.forEach(({ name, value, important }) => {
         const decl = initialRule.declarations.find((d) => d.name === name);
         expect(decl, `expected DEFAULT_INITIAL declaration: ${name}`).toBeDefined();
         expect(decl!.value).toBe(value);
+        expect(decl!.important).toBe(important);
       });
 
       const animationRule = cssRules.find(
diff --git a/packages/interact/test/cssUtils.spec.ts b/packages/interact/test/cssUtils.spec.ts
index 3a30b0c4..6c13107d 100644
--- a/packages/interact/test/cssUtils.spec.ts
+++ b/packages/interact/test/cssUtils.spec.ts
@@ -221,6 +221,20 @@ describe('CSSRuleToString', () => {
     expect(CSSRuleToString(rule)).toEqual(expected);
   });
 
+  it('should serialize important declarations when flagged', () => {
+    const rule: CSSRuleData = {
+      key: 'my-el',
+      dataInteractEnterSelector: ':not([data-interact-enter])',
+      declarations: [
+        { name: 'visibility', value: 'hidden', important: true },
+        { name: 'transform', value: 'none', important: true },
+      ],
+    };
+    const expected =
+      '[data-interact-key="my-el"]:not([data-interact-enter]) {\nvisibility: hidden !important;\ntransform: none !important;\n}';
+    expect(CSSRuleToString(rule)).toEqual(expected);
+  });
+
   it('should dataInteractEnterSelector when provided', () => {
     const rule: CSSRuleData = {
       key: 'my-el',
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ArcIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ArcIn.ts
index e6876044..1b0c1a46 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ArcIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ArcIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { ArcIn, TimeAnimationOptions, EffectFourDirections, DomApi } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, parseLength } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, parseLength, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const ROTATION_ANGLE = 80;
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
   return [
     {
       ...options,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       name: fadeIn,
       duration: options.duration! * 0.7,
       easing: 'sineIn',
@@ -54,6 +55,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     },
     {
       ...options,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       name: arcIn,
       easing,
       custom,
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BlurIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BlurIn.ts
index d5df1228..1b1cbf55 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BlurIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BlurIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { BlurIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 
 export function getNames(_: TimeAnimationOptions) {
   return ['motion-fadeIn', 'motion-blurIn'];
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       duration: options.duration! * 0.7,
       easing: 'sineIn',
       custom: {},
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: blurIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       composite: 'add' as const, // make sure we don't override existing filters on the component
       custom,
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BounceIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BounceIn.ts
index 4e10e063..562aef99 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BounceIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/BounceIn.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,10 @@
-import { getEasingFamily, getEasing, toKeyframeValue, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import {
+  getEasingFamily,
+  getEasing,
+  toKeyframeValue,
+  parseDirection,
+  getEntranceFill,
+} from '../../utils';
 import type { BounceIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
@@ -80,6 +86,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'quadOut',
       duration: (options.duration! * BOUNCE_KEYFRAMES[3].offset) / 100,
       custom: {},
@@ -88,6 +95,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: bounceIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'linear',
       custom,
       keyframes,
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/CurveIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/CurveIn.ts
index dc4bc8ff..33b94287 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/CurveIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/CurveIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { CurveIn, TimeAnimationOptions, DomApi } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, parseLength } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, parseLength, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { TWO_SIDES_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DEPTH = { value: 300, unit: 'px' };
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: curveIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
@@ -67,6 +68,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/DropIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/DropIn.ts
index 13eb7a87..3218a1fd 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/DropIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/DropIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { TimeAnimationOptions, DropIn } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 
 export function getNames(_: TimeAnimationOptions) {
   return ['motion-fadeIn', 'motion-dropIn'];
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'quadOut',
       duration: options.duration! * 0.8,
       custom: {},
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: dropIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ExpandIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ExpandIn.ts
index 3a997ed1..073c97c8 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ExpandIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ExpandIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 import type { TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { getCssUnits, toKeyframeValue, parseLength, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import {
+  getCssUnits,
+  toKeyframeValue,
+  parseLength,
+  parseDirection,
+  getEntranceFill,
+} from '../../utils';
 import type { ExpandIn } from '../../types';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
@@ -58,6 +64,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       easing,
       duration: options.duration! * 0.7,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
     },
@@ -65,6 +72,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: expandIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FadeIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FadeIn.ts
index e4180504..4f25cd47 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FadeIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FadeIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import { TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
 
+import { getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
+
 export function getNames(_: TimeAnimationOptions) {
   return ['motion-fadeIn'];
 }
@@ -15,6 +17,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'sineInOut',
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
     },
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FlipIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FlipIn.ts
index 955e7946..148f4adf 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FlipIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FlipIn.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { parseDirection, toKeyframeValue } from '../../utils';
+import { parseDirection, toKeyframeValue, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import type { EffectFourDirections, FlipIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing: 'quadOut',
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
     },
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: flipIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FloatIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FloatIn.ts
index ce74df8e..97d28514 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FloatIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FloatIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { TimeAnimationOptions, FloatIn, EffectFourDirections } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: EffectFourDirections = 'left';
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: floatIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
@@ -61,6 +62,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FoldIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FoldIn.ts
index c351b154..15a088d2 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FoldIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/FoldIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { EffectFourDirections, FoldIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { parseDirection, toKeyframeValue } from '../../utils';
+import { parseDirection, toKeyframeValue, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 export function getNames(_: TimeAnimationOptions) {
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing: 'quadOut',
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
     },
@@ -59,6 +60,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: foldIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/GlideIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/GlideIn.ts
index 7efd98b5..719e528b 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/GlideIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/GlideIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 import type { TimeAnimationOptions, GlideIn } from '../../types';
-import { getCssUnits, toKeyframeValue, parseLength, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import {
+  getCssUnits,
+  toKeyframeValue,
+  parseLength,
+  parseDirection,
+  getEntranceFill,
+} from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION = 180;
@@ -55,6 +61,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: glideIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
@@ -77,6 +84,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ opacity: 0, offset: 0, easing: 'step-start' }],
     },
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/RevealIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/RevealIn.ts
index a30a4437..9f23baaa 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/RevealIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/RevealIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { RevealIn, TimeAnimationOptions, EffectFourDirections } from '../../types';
-import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: EffectFourDirections = 'left';
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: revealIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShapeIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShapeIn.ts
index fb820841..677855d1 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShapeIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShapeIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { Shape, ShapeIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 
 export function getNames(_: TimeAnimationOptions) {
   return ['motion-fadeIn', 'motion-shapeIn'];
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'quadOut',
       duration: options.duration! * 0.8,
       custom: {},
@@ -47,6 +48,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: shapeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShuttersIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShuttersIn.ts
index 55460f82..34a0ecb0 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShuttersIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/ShuttersIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 import { ShuttersIn, TimeAnimationOptions, EffectFourDirections } from '../../types';
-import { getShuttersClipPaths, getEasing, toKeyframeValue, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import {
+  getShuttersClipPaths,
+  getEasing,
+  toKeyframeValue,
+  parseDirection,
+  getEntranceFill,
+} from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: EffectFourDirections = 'right';
@@ -32,6 +38,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: shuttersIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
@@ -45,6 +52,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ opacity: 0, offset: 0, easing: 'step-start' }],
     },
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SlideIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SlideIn.ts
index a593fd54..d037f4fa 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SlideIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SlideIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { EffectFourDirections, SlideIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: EffectFourDirections = 'left';
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: slideIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
@@ -63,6 +64,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SpinIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SpinIn.ts
index 7c4b4e6d..749e5837 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SpinIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/SpinIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { SpinIn, TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { SPIN_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: (typeof SPIN_DIRECTIONS)[number] = 'clockwise';
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing: 'cubicIn',
       duration: options.duration! * initialScale,
       custom: {},
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: spinIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TiltIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TiltIn.ts
index a6a13ecb..543c81f5 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TiltIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TiltIn.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,10 @@
-import { getClipPolygonParams, toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, parseLength } from '../../utils';
+import {
+  getClipPolygonParams,
+  toKeyframeValue,
+  parseDirection,
+  parseLength,
+  getEntranceFill,
+} from '../../utils';
 import type { TiltIn, TimeAnimationOptions, EffectTwoSides } from '../../types';
 import { TWO_SIDES_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
@@ -46,6 +52,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       duration: options.duration! * 0.2,
       easing: 'cubicOut',
       custom: {},
@@ -54,6 +61,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: tiltInRotate,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom: rotateCustom,
       keyframes: [
@@ -68,6 +76,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: tiltInClip,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       composite: 'add' as const,
       duration: options.duration! * 0.8,
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TurnIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TurnIn.ts
index 10683750..8d5f679a 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TurnIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/TurnIn.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { TurnIn, TimeAnimationOptions, EffectFourCorners } from '../../types';
-import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { toKeyframeValue, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import { FOUR_CORNERS_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 const DEFAULT_DIRECTION: EffectFourCorners = 'top-left';
 
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       duration: options.duration! * 0.6,
       easing: 'sineIn',
       custom: {},
@@ -54,6 +55,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions, asWeb = false) {
     {
       ...options,
       name: turnIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       easing,
       custom,
       keyframes: [
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/WinkIn.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/WinkIn.ts
index 3f2fab66..4ad4dfd1 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/WinkIn.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/WinkIn.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection } from '../../utils';
+import { getClipPolygonParams, parseDirection, getEntranceFill } from '../../utils';
 import type { TimeAnimationOptions, WinkIn } from '../../types';
 import { AXIS_DIRECTIONS } from '../../consts';
 
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
       ...options,
       easing: 'quadOut',
       name: fadeIn,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom: {},
       keyframes: [{ offset: 0, opacity: 0 }],
     },
@@ -47,6 +48,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
       ...options,
       easing,
       name: winkInClip,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
@@ -62,6 +64,7 @@ export function style(options: TimeAnimationOptions) {
       duration: options.duration! * 0.85,
       easing,
       name: winkInRotate,
+      fill: getEntranceFill(options),
       custom,
       keyframes: [
         {
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/test/entranceFill.spec.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/test/entranceFill.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d77eb974
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/library/entrance/test/entranceFill.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+import { describe, expect, test } from 'vitest';
+
+import * as entrancePresets from '../index';
+import { baseMockOptions } from './testUtils';
+import type { TimeAnimationOptions } from '../../../types';
+
+const presetEntries = Object.entries(entrancePresets) as [
+  string,
+  { style: (options: TimeAnimationOptions) => unknown[] },
+][];
+
+describe('entrance presets fill defaults', () => {
+  test.each(presetEntries)(
+    '%s defaults every animation descriptor to backwards fill',
+    (_name, preset) => {
+      const mockOptions = {
+        ...baseMockOptions,
+        duration: 500,
+        namedEffect: { type: _name },
+      } as TimeAnimationOptions;
+
+      const result = preset.style(mockOptions);
+
+      expect(result.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+      result.forEach((animation) => {
+        expect((animation as { fill?: string }).fill).toBe('backwards');
+      });
+    },
+  );
+
+  test.each(presetEntries)('%s preserves an explicit fill override', (_name, preset) => {
+    const mockOptions = {
+      ...baseMockOptions,
+      duration: 500,
+      fill: 'forwards',
+      namedEffect: { type: _name },
+    } as TimeAnimationOptions;
+
+    const result = preset.style(mockOptions);
+
+    result.forEach((animation) => {
+      expect((animation as { fill?: string }).fill).toBe('forwards');
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts b/packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts
index 852ad1d7..85598d23 100644
--- a/packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts
+++ b/packages/motion-presets/src/utils.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import type {
   EffectScrollRange,
   Point,
   ScrubTransitionEasing,
+  AnimationFillMode,
+  TimeAnimationOptions,
 } from '@wix/motion';
 
 export type Direction =
@@ -203,6 +205,10 @@ export function deg2rad(angleInDeg: number): number {
   return (angleInDeg * Math.PI) / 180;
 }
 
+export function getEntranceFill(options: TimeAnimationOptions): AnimationFillMode {
+  return options.fill ?? 'backwards';
+}
+
 export function getTransformParams(
   originDirection: { dx: number; dy: number },
   angleInRad: number,
diff --git a/packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts b/packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts
index edc94cb1..4d61acf0 100644
--- a/packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts
+++ b/packages/motion/src/api/cssAnimations.ts
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ function getAnimationAsCSS(
   const isAutoDuration = duration === 'auto';
 
   return `${animationName} ${isAutoDuration ? 'auto' : `${duration}ms`}${
-    isAutoDuration ? ' ' : ` ${delay || 1}ms `
+    isAutoDuration ? ' ' : ` ${delay ?? 0}ms `
   }${easing}${fill && fill !== 'none' ? ` ${fill}` : ''} ${
     !iterations || iterations === Infinity ? 'infinite' : iterations
   }${direction === 'normal' ? '' : ` ${direction}`} ${isRunning ? '' : 'paused'}`;
diff --git a/packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts b/packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts
index 698096f0..50139818 100644
--- a/packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts
+++ b/packages/motion/test/motion.spec.ts
@@ -315,12 +315,37 @@ describe('motion.ts', () => {
 
         expect(result[0]).toMatchObject({
           target: '#test-target',
-          animation: 'fade-in 1000ms 1ms ease-in forwards 2 paused',
+          animation: 'fade-in 1000ms 0ms ease-in forwards 2 paused',
           name: 'fade-in',
           keyframes: [{ opacity: 0 }, { opacity: 1 }],
         });
       });
 
+      test('should preserve explicit zero delay in generated CSS animation shorthand', () => {
+        const animationOptions: AnimationOptions = {
+          namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn', id: 'fade' },
+          duration: 1000,
+          delay: 0,
+        };
+
+        const result = getCSSAnimation('test-target', animationOptions);
+
+        expect(result[0].animation).toContain('0ms');
+        expect(result[0].animation).not.toContain('1ms');
+      });
+
+      test('should preserve positive delay in generated CSS animation shorthand', () => {
+        const animationOptions: AnimationOptions = {
+          namedEffect: { type: 'FadeIn', id: 'fade' },
+          duration: 1000,
+          delay: 200,
+        };
+
+        const result = getCSSAnimation('test-target', animationOptions);
+
+        expect(result[0].animation).toContain('200ms');
+      });
+
       test('should handle named effects', () => {
         const animationOptions: AnimationOptions = {
           namedEffect: {
diff --git a/skills/interactor/SKILL.md b/skills/interactor/SKILL.md
index 012ae4ca..4251a271 100644
--- a/skills/interactor/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/interactor/SKILL.md
@@ -244,9 +244,11 @@ animation no-ops. Apply them every time, even if you don't open a reference file
 3. **FOUC prevention.** Follow the canonical CSS generation policy in
    `references/integration-recipes.md`. For the generated initial-rule behavior
    and trigger-specific exceptions, see “CSS generation & FOUC” in
-   `references/config-schema.md`. For `viewEnter` + `once` where source ≠ target,
-   `generate()` emits no hiding rules — set `fill: 'backwards'` on the effect so
-   targets don't flash before the trigger.
+   `references/config-schema.md`. Same-element `viewEnter` + `once` entrances get
+   author-important neutral initial rules from `generate()`. Always set
+   `fill: 'backwards'` on `viewEnter` + `once` animation effects (or `'both'`
+   when the final keyframe must persist) so delayed entrances hold their first
+   keyframe after the entrance marker is set.
 
 4. **Vanilla binding.** You must then call the **standalone** `add(element, 'key')` for
    each element once it exists in the DOM. For clean up call the `remove('key')` function.
diff --git a/skills/interactor/references/config-schema.md b/skills/interactor/references/config-schema.md
index 5d83ea15..8db1c478 100644
--- a/skills/interactor/references/config-schema.md
+++ b/skills/interactor/references/config-schema.md
@@ -122,8 +122,10 @@ referenced entry and may override any of them (`key`, `duration`, `easing`,
 ```
 
 **`fill` guidance:** use `'both'` for scroll/pointer-driven and for toggling
-hover/click (`alternate`/`repeat`/`state`). Use `'backwards'` for `viewEnter` +
-`once` entrances when source ≠ target (see [CSS generation & FOUC](#css-generation--fouc)).
+hover/click (`alternate`/`repeat`/`state`). Entrance presets default to
+`'backwards'`. Set `fill: 'backwards'` explicitly for `viewEnter` + `once`
+`keyframeEffect` entrances. Use `'both'` when the final keyframe must persist
+after the animation (see [CSS generation & FOUC](#css-generation--fouc)).
 
 **`composite`:** `'replace'` (default) overwrites prior values; `'add'`
 concatenates transform/filter functions; `'accumulate'` sums matching function args
@@ -360,12 +362,14 @@ selectors target `:first-child`; `false` for **vanilla** and **React**. The defa
 is `true`, so vanilla/React callers must pass `false` explicitly.
 
 **FOUC prevention (viewEnter + once):** For entrance animations where source and
-target are the **same** element, `generate()` emits initial rules that hide the
-target until its animation starts (gated by `:not([data-interact-enter])`). When
-source ≠ target, `generate()` emits **no** hiding rules for the targets — so set
-`fill: 'backwards'` on the effect to prevent FOUC. This matters most with motion-presets
-`namedEffect`s. For `repeat`/`alternate`/`state`, inline the
-starting keyframe and use `fill: 'both'`. `viewProgress` needs no FOUC rules.
+target are the **same** element, `generate()` emits author-important initial rules
+that hide the target and neutralize transforms until its animation starts (gated
+by `:not([data-interact-enter])`). When source ≠ target, `generate()` emits **no**
+hiding rules for the targets. In both cases, set `fill: 'backwards'` on every
+`viewEnter` + `once` animation effect so any `delay` holds the first keyframe
+after the entrance marker is set. Use `'both'` when the final keyframe must
+persist. Entrance presets default to `backwards`. For `repeat`/`alternate`/`state`,
+inline the starting keyframe and use `fill: 'both'`. `viewProgress` needs no FOUC rules.
 
 For when and where to emit this CSS, follow the canonical static/pre-rendered
 policy in `references/integration-recipes.md`.
diff --git a/skills/interactor/references/triggers.md b/skills/interactor/references/triggers.md
index 2a8e3a98..0acb5728 100644
--- a/skills/interactor/references/triggers.md
+++ b/skills/interactor/references/triggers.md
@@ -45,9 +45,10 @@ use **separate** source and target elements (trigger on a stable wrapper, animat
 child via `selector`, or point the effect at a different `key`).
 
 **FOUC:** `once` entrances need injected `generate()` CSS before first paint (see
-`config-schema.md` and SKILL.md invariant 3). When source ≠ target (staggering
-children via `selector`) `generate()` emits no hiding rules for those targets — also
-set `fill: 'backwards'` on the effect so they don't flash before the trigger.
+`config-schema.md` and SKILL.md invariant 3). Set `fill: 'backwards'` on every
+`viewEnter` + `once` animation effect so any `delay` holds the first keyframe.
+When source ≠ target (staggering children via `selector`) `generate()` emits no
+hiding rules for those targets — `fill: 'backwards'` is still required.
 
 ```ts
 { interactions: [{ key: 'hero', trigger: 'viewEnter', params: { threshold: 0.2 },
diff --git a/skills/interactor/references/validate.md b/skills/interactor/references/validate.md
index bf85c9aa..7d82c7bf 100644
--- a/skills/interactor/references/validate.md
+++ b/skills/interactor/references/validate.md
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ Keep applying the semantic checklist in SKILL.md and trigger/preset references f
 - **Preset registry** — whether `namedEffect.type` is a registered preset or has valid options
 - **DOM / markup** — element existence for keys/selectors, matching `data-interact-key` / `interactKey`
 - **`registerEffects()` order** — unregistered presets log a warning, not a validation error
-- **FOUC / `generate()`** — CSS injection, `useFirstChild` parity
+- **FOUC / `generate()`** — CSS injection, `useFirstChild` parity (validator also emits `RECOMMENDED_FILL_BACKWARDS` when a `viewEnter` + `once` named/keyframe effect targeting another element or using a same-element delay omits `backwards`/`both`)
 - **`overflow: clip`** — ancestors with `overflow: hidden` break `viewProgress`
 
 ---