When a user visits a website, the browser must download different content parts to display the desired content. These parts load faster or slower, depending on the content itself, the user's internet connection speed, and various other parameters.
Loading animation shows the loading status of a page in the background that the user is trying to visit or even the progress of loading the page of interest.
So, as we can conclude from the definition already mentioned in the previous paragraph, the purpose of these animations is to convince users that the website is working on loading the page. Therefore, we can see that the loading page plays a massive role in the users' experience. It is crucial since it will cause the user to be patient because the page they want to visit will be displayed soon.
Also, It is important to mention another fact that supports loading animations and why their usage is essential. Everyone would instead prefer to see loading animation that partially loaded content on the site. Simply because seeing loading animation is much more eye-appealing than parts of the website just sitting there and waiting for the rest of it to load and appear.
The following article will explain how to easily add animation to the WordPress site using plugins developed for this purpose.
1. WP Smart Preloader
Adding load animation is highly recommended because it is easy to implement and does not require any changes to the WordPress theme.
First, of course, you need to install and activate the WP Smart Preloader plugin, and after activation, configure the configuration page with the plugin configuration. This option is available in the settings.
Further, you can choose an animation to load the page or upload your custom HTML and CSS if you want to create a custom animation. However, you can also choose to change the duration and display of the animation or even leave the default values.
After adjusting above mentioned preferences, all you have to do now is save all of those settings. Further, you can go to the site and check how the loading animation works.
2. Preloader Matrix
Preloader Matrix is another plugin with which you can add a preload animation to your WordPress site. It is also straightforward to use because it does not require coding and supports more than 40 types of animations. Also, we have to say that it is super user-friendly.
However, after activating the plugin through the Plugins menu in WordPress, go to the Settings menu and select the Matrix Preloader. Now it is time to enter the background color code and set or upload your preloader image. You also get to choose the location where this loading animation will appear on the screen.
Also, you can leave it as the default, which is across the whole site. Now your loading animation is ready to animate your site.
- Just some of the fantastic features that this tool offers are:
- Show only once per session or always
- Preloaded SVG animation and color customization
- Adding custom image
- Background color
- Opacity
- Adding text and color to the loading screen
- Adding animation to screen and text
- Compatible with major browsers used nowadays
- Lightweight
- Responsiveness and fast in terms of speed
3. Loading Page with Loading Screen
Loading Page with Loading Screen helps you add loading animation to your site, and the basic features also have some fantastic premium features.
Displaying the content of the animation page after the upload process is complete allows you to select the colors of the loading progress screen. Also, it will enable you to view or remove text that shows the percentage of loading. These are just some of the main features included in this plugin.
The Lazy Loading feature allows to load faster and reduce bandwidth consumption. However, it will enable choosing a loading progress screen. Allows selecting an image as a placeholder to replace the authentic images during preloading. Also, you can use the website's logo or any other image in the loading progress. These are some of the premium features offered by this plugin.
Regarding the installation of this plugin, It is almost the same as previous plugins. After you download the zipped plugin, go to the plugins section on your WordPress dashboard, click the Add new button, and click the upload link. Browse and find the zipped plugin you just downloaded. After installing the plugin, activate the plugin by clicking on activate, and the plugin is ready. It doesn't get any simpler.
4. Preloader Awesome – Page Loading Animation with Spinner & Gif
However, although the main version of this plugin offers everything you need, there is a pro version with even more powerful features also available. By using the main version of this plugin, you get the following features:
- 14 Transition style,
- 10 Built-in Animated CSS Loader,
- Upload Your animated GIF,
- Unlimited Colors,
- Support Default Page,
- Many pages support loader,
- Support post type loader,
- Progress Bar,
- Progress Status Counter,
- Animation Time,
- Mobile-Friendly,
- Cross-browser tested,
- Customize Background Color and many other features.
This plugin can be used in many ways and to create different types of websites such as:
- company website,
- program website,
- project website,
- personal website,
- services website,
- plugin website,
- themes website,
- software website,
- store website,
- event website,
- restaurant website,
- school website
And this is just part of them. We recommend you giving it a shot because we are sure you won't regret it.
Conclusion
As the text itself explains and shows, adding animations to your WordPress site is a straightforward process. With such simple steps and such a massive number of possibilities, it is just up to you to choose what suits you best, and the effect that the animations will add to your site will surely be the best possible.