What is a GIF?
A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a type of image file that supports short animated clips. GIFs typically contain transparent backgrounds and can be looped to repeat animation. They are commonly used on websites and social media to add visual interest and humor.
Some key characteristics of GIFs:
- GIFs can contain multiple frames, allowing for short repeating animations.
- They support transparency, allowing the animation to be overlaid on colored backgrounds.
- GIFs are limited to a 256 color palette.
- The file size is generally small, making them easy to share online.
- Most GIFs are short video clips less than 15 seconds long.
GIFs first emerged in the late 1980s as a way to bring simple graphics and animations to early websites and online forums. Over the decades, they have remained popular for their versatility and compatibility across platforms. While more advanced video formats like MP4 have largely replaced GIFs for long-form video, GIFs remain ubiquitous online for their simplicity and nostalgic appeal.
What are loading GIFs?
Loading GIFs are a specific type of GIF used to indicate that content is loading or a process is underway. They usually consist of an animated icon or graphic that conveys activity, such as:
- A spinning circle or wheel
- An hourglass or clock
- Dots or bars that fill up
- A looping progress bar
These animations signify to the user that they need to wait as something loads in the background. The movement implies that processing is taking place and content is getting ready to appear.
Loading GIFs serve an important function on websites and apps by providing visual feedback that a task is underway. Without a loading indicator, the user might wonder if the system is broken or their request went through. The animation reassures them that operations are running smoothly.
Common Uses of Loading GIFs
Some common uses and places where loading GIFs are displayed:
- While a web page or image is loading
- When submitting a form or saving changes
- During file uploads or downloads
- When fetching new content or data from a server
- Between screens and transitions in an app
- When connecting to a network or service
Loading GIFs improve perceived performance by giving users a sense of progress. Even if a task takes a while, showing a relevant animation indicates activity is happening. This provides a better experience than a static screen where nothing appears to occur.
Why are loading GIFs important?
There are several key reasons why loading GIFs are an important design element:
Feedback
As mentioned, the primary purpose of a loading indicator is to provide user feedback. Without an animation, the user is left guessing whether their action triggered an operation or if the system is unresponsive. Loading GIFs acknowledge the user request and confirm work is in progress.
Progress
Even if loading a page or completing a process takes a while, a loading GIF indicates incremental progress. The animation draws attention to the specific activity happening rather than just idle wait time. This makes waits feel shorter.
Assurance
Loading animations provide a sense of assurance that everything is operating smoothly and content is on the way. The presence of activity reassures the user that there are no problems and to just wait a moment.
Engagement
Loading GIFs give the user something visually interesting to look at while waiting. The motion engages users for the short time it takes to retrieve content. Simply displaying a static “Loading…” message is dull by comparison.
Branding
Loading animations allow companies to inject some branding and personality. For example, a sports app could display a spinning team logo while loading user profiles. This strengthens brand association.
Responsiveness
The presence of a loading indicator signals a responsive system. Even if it takes a few seconds to complete an operation, showing that activity is happening improves perceived responsiveness. Users feel assured their input was received.
Best practices for loading GIFs
For loading GIFs to be effective, follow these best practices:
Use familiar, expected graphics
Stick to commonly recognized animations like spinning circles, moving bars, sand timers, and progress indicators. Don’t get too flashy or distracting. You want the imagery to signal a process is occurring.
Match the theme and tone
While you want recognizable graphics, the style should fit aesthetically with the rest of the interface. A finance app and gaming app may use very different types of graphics while remaining appropriate for their audiences.
Animate at a reasonable speed
The motion should be brisk enough to convey activity without being overly hyper or frenetic. Typically a cycle of one to three seconds is appropriate for most loading animations.
Provide clear contrast
There should be sufficient contrast between the loading GIF and background so that it stands out. Don’t make it too subtle or transparent. The animation needs to attract attention.
Let GIFs fully complete their cycles
Don’t interrupt and remove a loading GIF mid-cycle. Allow it to fully complete at least one loop so it doesn’t appear abruptly cut off. The graceful appearance and disappearance contributes to a smooth experience.
Include text with the GIF
Supplement the animation with text like “Loading”, “Please wait”, or more specific messaging. This makes your intention unambiguous. Don’t rely solely on the visual metaphor – include labels too.
Position near clicked triggers
Display the loading indicator near whatever the user clicked to initiate the process, such as a submit button or link. Spatial proximity conveys the connection.
Only display loading GIFs for slow processes
Don’t overuse loading indicators everywhere or for very quick actions. Reserve loading screens for processes that inherently take some time to complete.
How to create and customize loading GIFs
Want to make your own custom loading animations? Here are some options:
Use an online GIF maker
Many free tools like Giphy.com let you generate animated GIFs right in the browser. Simply upload images or select from stock content and apply transforms like rotations, bounces, and repeats. Adjust frame delays and download your new GIF.
Convert a video
Convert an existing video file into an animated GIF using online converters. Trim off only the segment you want animated, crop, adjust frame rate and other settings, then download the final small GIF file.
Design in Photoshop
Use Photoshop’s timeline and animation capabilities to assemble a GIF frame-by-frame. Allow fine control over each layer and frame. Export for web when complete.
Find a loading GIF library
Sites like loading.io offer libraries of free and paid loading GIFs. Search their collections and customize with available settings to generate desired animations.
Animate with CSS or JavaScript
For apps and web interfaces, an alternative is generating animations with CSS or JavaScript instead of using GIF files. This allows closer integration and customization for interactive elements.
The key is choosing a method that aligns with where and how the loading indicator will be displayed in your project. Conventional GIF format provides compatibility across environments.
When NOT to use a loading indicator
While loading animations serve useful purposes, there are situations where they may not be appropriate or necessary:
- For very fast processes that complete in under one second
- When loading cached or local data that appears instantly
- On low bandwidth networks where the GIF itself could slow things down
- Where motion could be visibly distracting or cause discomfort
- On screens with exposures under one second where animation is not noticeable
- In interfaces with passive background loading that isn’t triggered by explicit user action
Use good judgment on when a static wait message might suffice too. Find a good balance – don’t overuse animations gratuitously.
Conclusion
Loading GIFs are compact animated indicators that improve perceived performance and assure users that operations are underway. When used appropriately, they provide useful feedback, progress, engagement, and branding. Follow best practices when implementing loading screens with GIFs by keeping animations simple, well- contrasted, smoothly cycled, and positioned meaningfully. Used right, they signal responsiveness and give users confidence in an interface.