Overview
Loading indicators are used to convey to the user that they will need to wait some time for a software- or hardware-related operation to complete. They can be used to convey a range of ongoing processes, including network, disk and CPU operations.
Generally, loading indicators should be used if the wait period is longer than a second.
Using linear loaders
Use linear loaders for the following:
- Loading initial page content
- Representing the progress of a measurable task
Append linear loaders to appbars to load page content
Place linear loaders near information related to the task being measured
Append linear loaders to data tables
Using circular loaders
Use circular loaders for the following:
- Loading learning content renderers
- Indicating the presence of a working background task
- Loading a set of new information
- Pull-to-refresh behaviors on mobile
Place below existing content to indicate where new content appears
Center circular loaders when loading new information