Launch screen

The launch screen is a user’s first experience of your app.


Usage

Launch screens can be displayed upon an app’s launch from the home screen when an app loads, instead of displaying a blank screen. Displaying a launch screen can decrease the sense of a long load time, and has the potential to add delight to the user experience.

Launch screens shouldn’t be displayed if an app is running.

Types of launch screens

There are two types of launch screens:

There are two types of launch screens:

  • Placeholder UI launch screens display a non-interactive preview of the app’s actual UI. This launch screen is appropriate for both app launches and activity transitions within an app.
  • Branded launch screens provide momentary brand exposure.
Branded launch screen
Placeholder UI

Placeholder UI

Usage

For apps with short loading times, or that aren’t promoting branding, a placeholder UI displays the fewest possible shifts from the launch screen to the...

For apps with short loading times, or that aren’t promoting branding, a placeholder UI displays the fewest possible shifts from the launch screen to the app. Additionally, placeholder UIs have a higher perceived response time.

A placeholder UI

Behavior

On launch, core structural elements – such as the status bar, app bar, and bottom sheet – are displayed without content until the app has...

On launch, core structural elements – such as the status bar, app bar, and bottom sheet – are displayed without content until the app has loaded.

Placeholder elements, with subtle animation, should be displayed in locations where content will load.

DoA branded indicator is displayed until a placeholder UI loads. Content loads using a subtle fade transition.
Don'tDon’t display multiple progress indicators, which divide focus.

Placeholder elements should remain positioned where content will load to avoid unexpected shifts in positioning.

Don'tDon’t display content that rearranges itself instantly as it loads, as this can produce a jarring experience.

Branded launch

Usage

Branded launch screens express branding while an app loads, by displaying a logo or other elements that improve brand recognition. Avoid using text on this...

Branded launch screens express branding while an app loads, by displaying a logo or other elements that improve brand recognition. Avoid using text on this screen except your logo and, if applicable, a tagline.

Examples of branded launch screens

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