Loader

A loader, also known as an activity indicator or spinner, is an animated graphic that notifies users that an operation is in progress. It helps manage expectations during a waiting period of unknown duration, such as fetching data or processing a request.

When to use

Data fetching

When loading data from a server or API to populate a page or component.

Data fetching

When loading data from a server or API to populate a page or component.

Data fetching

When loading data from a server or API to populate a page or component.

Form submissions

Display after a user submits a form to indicate that their submission is being processed.

Form submissions

Display after a user submits a form to indicate that their submission is being processed.

Form submissions

Display after a user submits a form to indicate that their submission is being processed.

In-place loading

Use within a specific component (like a card or modal) when only that section of the UI is loading new content.

In-place loading

Use within a specific component (like a card or modal) when only that section of the UI is loading new content.

In-place loading

Use within a specific component (like a card or modal) when only that section of the UI is loading new content.

Page transitions

Display a loader during initial page loads or when navigating between complex views.

Page transitions

Display a loader during initial page loads or when navigating between complex views.

Page transitions

Display a loader during initial page loads or when navigating between complex views.

When to avoid

Determinate processes

If a process has a known duration or progress (like a file upload), use a progress bar instead. A progress bar is more informative as it shows how much is complete.

Determinate processes

If a process has a known duration or progress (like a file upload), use a progress bar instead. A progress bar is more informative as it shows how much is complete.

Determinate processes

If a process has a known duration or progress (like a file upload), use a progress bar instead. A progress bar is more informative as it shows how much is complete.

Very fast actions

Avoid showing a loader for operations that complete in under a second. A brief flash of a loader can be more distracting than helpful.

Very fast actions

Avoid showing a loader for operations that complete in under a second. A brief flash of a loader can be more distracting than helpful.

Very fast actions

Avoid showing a loader for operations that complete in under a second. A brief flash of a loader can be more distracting than helpful.

Specifications

Types

Oval

Asset A

A circular spinner. This is a classic, universally understood loader suitable for most use cases, especially in compact spaces.

Bars

Asset A

A series of animating vertical bars. A stylistic alternative to the oval.

Dots

Asset A

A sequence of three or more animating dots. Another alternative to the oval.

Oval

Asset A

A circular spinner. This is a classic, universally understood loader suitable for most use cases, especially in compact spaces.

Bars

Asset A

A series of animating vertical bars. A stylistic alternative to the oval.

Dots

Asset A

A sequence of three or more animating dots. Another alternative to the oval.

Oval

Asset A

A circular spinner. This is a classic, universally understood loader suitable for most use cases, especially in compact spaces.

Bars

Asset A

A series of animating vertical bars. A stylistic alternative to the oval.

Dots

Asset A

A sequence of three or more animating dots. Another alternative to the oval.

Size

xs

Asset A

Sm

Asset A

Md

Asset A

Lg

Asset A

Xl

Asset A

xs

Asset A

Sm

Asset A

Md

Asset A

Lg

Asset A

Xl

Asset A

xs

Asset A

Sm

Asset A

Md

Asset A

Lg

Asset A

Xl

Asset A

xs

Asset A

Sm

Asset A

Md

Asset A

Lg

Asset A

Xl

Asset A

Anatomy

Asset A

1

Track

Represents the total progress to be completed for the animated spinner. Not all of Loader variants include a track based on the component style and animation type.

2

Indicator

Animates along the track to visually represent the current percentage of completion.

Value

Loader

Loader

© 2025 Border LLC. All rights reserved.

A proud product of the Border UX team.

© 2025 Border LLC. All rights reserved.

A proud product of the Border UX team.

© 2025 Border LLC. All rights reserved.

A proud product of the Border UX team.

© 2025 Border LLC. All rights reserved.

A proud product of the Border UX team.

© 2025 Border LLC. All rights reserved.

A proud product of the Border UX team.