Have you ever landed on a website and watched a little graphic twirl or blink at you while the page loads? That, my friend, is the handiwork of CSS loaders. Imagine them as the unsung heroes that keep you hooked while the digital stage is set behind the scenes.
This isn’t just about spinning circles and hourglasses.
We’re diving into the art of keeping users engaged.
You’ll stroll through a gallery of CSS loaders that are a sheer treat to the eyes. We’re talking AJAX loaders that sync in harmony, progress bars that set the right expectations, and preloader animations so sleek, they’ll make you wish the loading took just a bit longer.
By the tail end of our chat, you’ll be equipped with an arsenal of examples that are so much more than animated loading bars; they’re miniature gateways to a sublime user experience.
Get ready to amp up your web pages with load-time magic!
CSS Loaders To Check Out
Web designers try to make the wait time easier for visitors. But they need the right inspiration and the latest knowledge.
So, here are the latest and best CSS loaders to use.
Loaders For Use On All Types Of Websites
CSS Animated Loader
Author: Christofer Vilander
This loader is made with HTML & CSS code.
Loaders
Author: Aaron Iker
This demo features a set of 3 HTML & CSS code loaders and spinners.
pure css loader
Author: Martin Grand
This option is a pure css loader that 3d transforms.
Bubble Gum Loader
Author: ilithya
Here is a simple pure CSS loader. Users can resize it by editing one variable within the code.
The loader is automatically responsive with the vmin unit.
CSS Loader
Author: Derek Morash
This option is a unique loader image made of three lines spinning around within each other.
Groovy CSS Spinner
Author: Josh
This loader image is a large spiral grid-like wheel.
Lightsaber Fight Loader
Author: Sam Garcia
A 100% CSS loader that resembles a lightsaber fight.
Sit ‘n Spin
Author: esjay
Here is a pure CSS spinner mixin that uses an inlined SVG as the source.
Text Ring Loading Animation
Author: Jon Kantner
With this loading animation the text ‘Loading…’ appears within two spinning CSS 3D rings.
Pure CSS Loader
Author: Izzy Skye
This option is a wireframe-style pure css loader.
Pure CSS circular spinner
Author: Andrea Rufo
This is a CSS (CSS3) circular spinner.
CSS Spinner
Author: Izmael Magomedov
This option features multiple 3D spinners within each other.
CSS Spinner
Author: Ty Strong
This demo is a spinning and pulsing loader made with Slim and CSS.
Helix CSS Loader
Author: Jerry Low
This option uses a spiraling DNA strand-like helix to create a spinner.
Pure CSS Spinners
Author: Cory LaViska
This is a collection of 5 spinners and loaders for a browser.
Pure Css Loader – Square
Author: Robert Borghesi
Here is a simple loader with an animated grid layout.
Pure CSS Spinner
Author: FezVrasta
This loader image has a single spinner around three dots. This design is useful for redirecting users to another page.
WordPress Spinner CSS
Author: Kuus
This HTML & CSS design is plain and suitable for redirecting users to another page.
CSS3 Loading Spinner
Author: Iván Villamil
Here is a colorful pure css loader with two elements.
Alternating CSS Spinner
Author: Katrine-Marie Burmeister
An animated CSS spinner that alternates its rotation from 0 to 360 degrees and back.
css spinner
Author: Massimo
A mixin animation for redirecting users to another page.
iOS CSS spinner
Author: victordg
A smooth loader, similar to a design you’d see in an app.
SVG ∞ loader (no JS, cross-browser, minimal code)
Author: Ana Tudor
A HTML & CSS loader built without JavaScript. A white line runs through an eight-shaped design to create an infinity symbol.
This CSS loader will display for a few seconds while the site content loads.
Fake CSS Loader
Author: Jesper Hills
Here is an HTML, CSS, and JS built WebKit loader.
Android 4.4 Kitkat Loading Screen
Author: Simon Clavey
This CSS-powered loader is a sleek design.
It has a less than 4s load time to redirect visitors to another webpage. It features lively colors with a cooling effect.
Revolver Style CSS Loader
Author: David Fitas
This western-style CSS loader uses box shadows to depict each chamber.
Spinning CSS Loader
Author: Gray Ghost
Here is a one-div spinning loader made without JavaScript. It resembles Google Chrome’s browser tab loader.
It uses the following techniques to bring the animation to life:
- Keyframes
- Pseudos
- Half a circle for the loader to fill
DotsLoaderView
Author: Steelkiwi Inc. (steelkiwi)
This design is for making presentable websites with a touch of playfulness. This is achieved using bouncing black balls that appear and disappear.
CSS loader
Author: Stephen Richard
Here is a spinning loader that transforms into plus and minus signs.
Pure CSS loader #2
Author: Jerome Renders
This easy-to-use pure CSS loader uses transforms & animations. Modify it by changing the values in CSS code.
Simple CSS Loader
Author: Rita Bradley
Rita Bradley’s version of the simple loader from Colt Steele’s Advanced Developer Bootcamp.
Nice CSS3 spin loader
Author: Julien Knebel
This is a nice simple CSS3 spin loader made with Learner Style Sheets (LESS).
CSS Loader
Author: Paolo Duzioni
Here is a simple CSS loader made with transforms and CSS3 animations.
CSS Spinner
Author: Minesh Mitha
This demo is a CSS, HTML, and JavaScript-built loader. It supports redirecting users to another page.
Add CSS Preloader to Your Website
Author: Zeeshan Ansari
A simple loader designed for use on all types of websites.
CSS Loader
Author: Geoffrey Crofte
Designed with pure CSS and HTML, this demo features a collection of 6 loading styles.
Hypnotic CSS Loader
Author: Max
This CSS loading icon features a hypnotic animation.
Pong Pure CSS Loader
Author: Emily Goldfein
A pure CSS loading icon without JavaScript. It features an animated ping pong effect and has a nice background color.
Loading Image
Author: Doug Harper
Here is a top-class HTML & CSS loading icon that features a hex-brick design.
tweenmax css loader
Author: PETIT Alexandre
This option is built with HTML, CSS & JavaScript. It has an animated border that can transform and rotate while the browser is loading.
Galleria Tbilisi – loading
Author: Misha Tsankashvili
This design has 5 spinners in the form of dots and a cool screen color that changes while the web content loads.
Css Loader #codevember
Author: Arthur Rob
A simple pure CSS loading icon that is great for browsers and web pages.
SpinKit
Author: Tobias Ahlin
This demo is a collection of animated pure CSS loading indicators.
CSS Loader
Author: Anders K
Here is an animated CSS loader that is useful for web pages and browsers.
css loader
Author: Connor
A multicolored animated loading image made of 5 dots.
CSS loader spinner gif
Author: Colin Howeth
An infinite spinning loader icon similar to the style used in web pages and browsers like Google.
CSS loader
Author: Adrián Guerrero González
Here is a transforming loader for those who don’t fancy spinners.
Twitter-like spinner
Author: Juschz
A pure CSS loader that uses SVG animations.
Pure CSS Spinners
Author: Mark Kahn
This demo is a single-element CSS spinner.
gooey css loader
Author: Shrikanth
This option displays entertaining merge and color animations while the web content loads.
Pure CSS Spinner
Author: James Nowland
The Google Drive pure CC loader inspired this design. Users can adjust the top four values in the code to change the timing of the icon’s spin.
Single-div loader
A beautiful multicolored loader by Mario Sanz. It is a beautiful and entertaining option for web browsers.
pushing pixels css loader
Author: dave
This HTML & CSS loader consists of 7 dots in a linear format.
Super Simple CSS Spinner
Author: Thomas Mandelid
This is a simple CSS spinner for loading web content and resources.
Loader
Author: Vadzim Tsupryk
This is a pure CSS loader that features a single ball moving from end to end of the text content.
CSS Spinner
Author: Alexander Erlandsson
This demo uses CSS & HTML code and features 3 spinners with a dot size of 10 px.
Chart Animation
Author: Ettrics
A lively CSS, HTML, & JavaScript design that will help you create interactive charts.
Book Loader (CSS Only)
Author: Aaron Iker
A CSS loader image that resembles a book with its pages turning.
Another Pure CSS Loader
Author: Ian M
The developer used HTML & CSS code to create this. The loader image looks like something from Windows 10.
Animated 3d Flipping Loading Text
Author: Sandip Dust
This option is an image of the word ‘loading’. Each letter is animated and flips in 3D.
CSS Loader animation
Author: Uwe Chardon
This is a great loading icon for web browsers and apps.
ARROWS LOADER CSS
Author: Jules Forrest
This option features 5 loading arrows riding a wave.
Animated CSS Loader
Author: Adam Jenkins
This demo uses CSS3 animation.
Loading
Author: Katherine Kato
A playful loading icon made to entertain site and app users while they wait for content to load.
CSS loader with borders
Author: Jesgrapa
This is a CSS loader with borders made without JavaScript.
Single Element Rainbow Pen Loader
Author: Dario Corsi
This is a nice HTML & CSS option for web browsers. The div class code creates a varicolored animated display block.
CSS Loader
Author: Louis Hoebregts
A simple loading image made of dots.
Loading Animation 3
Author: Adam Dipinto
This is an HTML & CSS loading image made of multicolored animated dots.
CSS Loader
Author: Louis Hoebregts
This demo is a spinning loading image made of dots.
Pure CSS Planet Loader Animation #cpc-planets
Author: Rafaela Lucas
This demo has an outer space vibe to keep visitors engaged while the web page loads.
Pure CSS Loader
Author: Rafael González
This demo is a sassy SVG snippet.
Awesome loading screen using only HTML & CSS
Author: Ahmad Emran
This example is a loading screen made with HTML & CSS code.
CSS Loader Animation
Author: Prathamesh Koshti
This example features a radial gradient background with a width of 350 px.
Loading Bar
Author: Chris Smith
This loader is great for browsers. It features an infinite red to transparent loading animation that flows left to right every three seconds.
Pure CSS Loader Ring of Light
Author: Mark Roseboom
This is a pure CSS ring loader of glowing light.
Chrome Cast Loader
Author: Robin Brons
This CSS loader has 3 varicolored rings rotating clockwise. It is the perfect loading effect for browsers and web pages.
PURE CSS LOADER
Author: Wifeo
This option 4 dot spinners that transform into one large dot.
Cog loading animation
Author: Jamie Coulter
This CSS loader looks like rotating gears. It is useful for when a site is loading files from the server.
CSS Loader
Author: Che
Here is a CSS loader inspired by Dan Eden’s iOS7 Toggle Pen: http://codepen.io/daneden/pen/cmIHG
Loader
Author: Alexandr Izumenko
This CSS preloader animation is colorful. The rotating cubes resemble the windows logo.
It features 4 color cubes that rotate counterclockwise.
Only CSS Loader – Wizard
Author: Guilmain Dorian
This pure CSS loading animation does not include JavaScript or HTML.
Single element Slack loader
Author: CrocoDillon
This is a single element CSS preloader. The loading effect is a disassembling and reassembling hash sign.
Pure CSS Loader
Author: Josh Bader
Here is a pure CSS loader made with keyframe animations and shadows.
CSS Dash Loader
Author: Cassidy Williams
This cool CSS loader animation is HTML & CSS-based.
The design is suitable as a page load image. It creates an appealing effect using moving dashes and editable colors.
Simple Pure CSS Loader
Author: Izzy Skye
Here is a pure CSS loader with a double rotation animation.
Color Map Dot Loader
Author: Ryan Mulligan
Here is a CSS loader that uses a SASS map to define the colors.
Fancy CSS loaders / spinners
Author: Jenning
This demo features a collection of 9 CSS loaders/ spinners.
Simple Loaders for Web Applications
Author: raphaelfabeni
This CSS loader design engages and entertains visitors while the web page is loading.
CSS loader
Author: Vijaya Kumar Vulchi
This demo is a cool single element pure css loader & spinner.
CSS Loader animation
Author: Sonja Strieder
This design’s CSS code is easily customizable to complement any site.
CSS Loading Animations For Transport And Travel Sites
Car CSS Loader
Author: Mattia Bericchia
The animation in this loader displays a moving car that transforms into a truck to show that the page is loading. It is a CSS element that is useful for business sites like:
- Car sales
- Car repair
- Car insurance
Travel Preloader
Author: Matthew Nahmias
This CSS preloader is useful for travel and transport business websites. The loading image can be keyed to show different vehicles and/or text to match the site’s purpose.
For example:
- Tourism
- Travels
- Hiking
- Cycling
CSS Loading Animations And Spinners With A Hover Effect
CSS3 Loaders
Author: Siddharth Parmar
This demo is a set of 4 CSS3 loaders and spinners for all types of websites. Each CSS3 loader rotates clockwise and counterclockwise.
These animations also feature a hover effect.
CSS Loaders And Spinners For Service Providers
Preloader Animation
Author: Jason Miller
This preloader is similar to the snake game. It has an energy plug icon animation.
It is useful for third parties that connect businesses and clients, such as internet providers.
CSS Loading Animations And Spinners For Food Websites
Pure CSS bubbles float in loader animation
Author: Ana Tudor
Here is a pure CSS loader animation with bubbles floating in a donut.
Making Pancake
Author: Pawel
This loader is an animation of flipping a pancake in a frying pan. It’s a great fit for websites dedicated to cooking or baking.
CSS Loaders And Spinners For All Types Of Business Websites
Vivid CSS3 Spinner
Author: Kevin Jannis
The two loaders that are suitable for children’s education websites or companies that make products or services for kids. The loaders feature a rotating flower-like rainbow to get visitors excited.
CSS Loader
Author: Mathieu Richard
This design grabs the user’s attention with a rolling cube. The cube gets bigger as it moves forward and smaller as it goes back.
This is a good option for businesses that want to present a smart and sophisticated image.
CSS Stairs Loader
Author: Irko Palenius
This loader has a minimalistic design. It is suitable for businesses that want to display a trustworthy and serious image.
It features a descending and ascending staircase with a white ball bouncing on top.
Loading Pen
Author: Dave McCarthy
This loader can support all kinds of business websites with its universal animation. The caterpillar-like circles move left to right and come together at each side.
CSS Loader
Author: Glen Cheney
This CSS preloader animation is a good choice to support any kind of business. This cubed CSS loader displays moving cubes to create a loading effect.
CSS3 animation spinners and preloaders
Author: foxeisen
This is a set of 5 colorful CSS preloaders and spinners for business websites. They are available in various colors and shapes.
Prism Loading Screen
Author: Ken Chen
This loading screen image is similar to one of LinkedIn’s backgrounds. It looks like constellations in outer space with a central main element as an area for a corporate logo.
This is good for the B2B sector and companies that work with international clients.
Loader
Author: Alex Rutherford
This loader shows an animation of rotating images with a countdown. Users can edit the loader to use any image(s), so it’s a great fit for any business.
Daily UI #20 | CSS loader
Author: HÃ¥vard Brynjulfsen
Here is a beautiful loader for use on almost any kind of web platform.
Pure CSS loader #4
Author: Jerome Renders
This loader is inspired by Mike Mirandi’s dribbble shot. It is a 3d chart/ loader made with keyframes, Sass loops, and randomness.
The code is easily customizable to suit your preferences.
Icon Fonts – CSS-Loader
Author: Tim Pietrusky
A versatile loader for all types of websites and browsers.
Redirecting Loader
Author: Mr. Alien
This loader animation image is of a silhouetted man with a jetpack flying at great speed.
This loader is for redirecting users to another page. It’s useful for companies that want to highlight the speed of their services.
Loader Animation
Author: Nikhil Krishnan
This is a collection of 10 SVG loaders for businesses that want to maintain a serious image. These custom animated loaders come in different shapes and sizes.
Sliding Square LoaderView
Author: Steelkiwi Inc. (steelkiwi)
This loader is great for making the wait time less frustrating. It’s a cool option for businesses that sell electronics or games online.
Blurred Gear Loader
Author: Joni Trythall
The Blurred Gear Loader is for companies that market machinery or mechanic parts. The loader animation is of 3 spinning gearwheels.
FAQs about CSS loaders
What Are CSS Loaders?
They’re that nifty bit of visual magic you see when a website’s loading. Not just flashy; they keep users chill while the back end does its hustle. It’s a pure CSS play, no images required, ensuring smooth sailing on the high seas of web performance.
How Do CSS Loaders Enhance User Experience?
They’re a distraction, in the best way. A stellar CSS loader can turn that dull wait time into a few seconds of wow. It’s about keeping visitors around with a sprinkle of UI design charm, so they don’t bounce before the good stuff loads.
Are CSS Loaders Only for Aesthetic Appeal?
Nah, they’re more than a pretty face. They’re a cue, a nod to the user that stuff’s happening, and it’s worth the wait. They bridge the gap between click and content, keeping the user looped in with the page load process – it’s UX gold.
Can CSS Loaders Affect Web Performance?
Counter-intuitive, but yes, they can be a drag if not done right. Balancing the CSS animation’s pizzazz with page load efficiency is key. A well-crafted CSS loader should be lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t add to the waiting we’re trying to ease.
What Roles Do AJAX Loaders Play in This?
AJAX loaders join the party when content loads on the fly – think infinite scrolling stories on your feed. They handle the behind-the-scenes content fetch without refreshing your page, all while the CSS loader keeps you in the loop.
Are There SEO Benefits to Using CSS Loaders?
Indirectly, sure. SEO is all about user experience now, and if your CSS preloaders improve that? Thumbs up from search engines. They’re watching for signals that users find your site valuable – and sticking around for content to load thanks to a sweet loader counts.
Is It Hard to Create a Custom CSS Loader?
Not at all! It’s a playground for creativity. With CSS3 loader effects and keyframes, you’re the artist. Sure, there’s a learning curve if you’re aiming for custom animated loading bars or something fresh, but the basics? Piece of cake.
Do CSS Loaders Work Across All Browsers?
They’re pretty good friends with modern browsers, but some old-timers might not get the memo. The trick is to test and tweak your CSS animation, ensuring cross-browser compatibility, so no user gets left with loader envy.
How Does JavaScript Tie Into CSS Loaders?
It’s the dynamic duo of web interaction design. While CSS handles the style, JavaScript’s the puppet master, controlling when and how the loader appears and behaves based on user actions or page load events.
Can CSS Loaders Be Made Accessible?
Absolutely, and they should be. Accessible web design includes everyone in the fun. Properly labeled with WAI-ARIA attributes, even those utilizing screen readers can understand that content is on its way. It’s all about inclusive design, from the ground up.
Ending thoughts
And there you have it. A colorful parade of examples of CSS loaders that can transform the simplest of waits into an engaging pause. These aren’t just load-time fillers; they’re the grace notes in the symphony of web design, amping up the user experience and keeping the rhythm while the content cues up backstage.
It’s been a journey through spinners that could give figure skaters a run for their money and bars that fill up with a promise of the wonders to come. So, think of these little guys as your website’s first hello—a prelude to the story you’re about to tell.
May your pages load quick, but if they ever don’t—equip them with a loader that speaks volumes in silent twirls and captivating progress. Keep it simple, keep it bold, and always remember, a touch of animation beckons the viewer’s attention more than static silence ever could.
If you liked this article about CSS loaders, you should check out this article about CSS progress bars.
There are also similar articles discussing CSS select styles, CSS login forms, CSS background patterns, and CSS image effects.
And let’s not forget about articles on CSS dropdown menus, CSS border animations, CSS arrows, and CSS cards.
This is SO helpful! Thanks a bunch!!!! 😀