In this blog post, we will explore some of the best free plugins for adding a preloader to your Divi website. We’ll walk you through the installation and configuration of these plugins, highlighting their features and how they can enhance your site’s user experience. Stay tuned as we guide you step-by-step through each recommended plugin, helping you find the perfect preloader to match your site’s style and functionality.
If you’re finding it challenging to create a preloader for your Divi website, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ve explored highly-rated, free plugins that are user-friendly and simple to use. These plugins offer a range of customization options, making it easy for anyone—whether you’re a web developer or a beginner—to implement a preloader on your site.
By following our step-by-step instructions, you can easily install and configure these plugins to enhance your website’s loading screen. From selecting pre-made designs to customizing backgrounds and adding your brand image, these plugins provide all the tools you need to create an effective and visually appealing preloader.
Don’t worry if you’re not a web developer. With our detailed guidance, you can confidently set up a preloader that suits your site’s style and functionality. Follow us through each step, and you’ll have your preloader up and running in no time, improving user experience and making your site look more professional.
What is a Preloader?
A preloader is a loading animation that appears before a website fully loads. This preloading animation is a common feature in the software world. Preloaders are not limited to icons; they can also be text messages like “Please wait” or “Our website is loading, please wait.” Often, preloaders are animated images or GIFs, depending on the developer’s preference. The primary purpose of a preloader is to inform users that the website is in the process of loading.
Most websites load quickly, but issues such as internet connectivity problems or server issues can cause delays. In such cases, a preloader serves as a helpful indication that the site will be available soon. Preloaders are typically generated using JavaScript or JQuery etc. The key benefit of a preloader is to reassure users that the website is loading and will be accessible shortly, preventing them from leaving due to temporary network issues.
Creating a Preloader Using a Plugin in Divi (WordPress)
Creating a preloader for Divi using a plugin is straightforward. If you’re not a web developer, opting for a plugin is the best choice because it allows you to create a preloader in just a few minutes. Without a plugin, creating a preloader through coding is challenging and is typically best handled by web developers.
There are numerous free and highly-rated plugins available in the WordPress plugins store that you can use to create a preloader for your website. Some of these plugins offer pre-made preloader designs, while others allow you to create custom designs. In this blog, we’ll recommend some of the best free plugins that are easy to use. We’ll guide you step-by-step through each recommended preloader. Stay with us until the end, where we’ll suggest the top preloaders to enhance your website with beautiful animated preloaders—giving you the choice to pick what suits your site best.
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List of Top Plugins for Preloader
Safelayout Cute Preloader-CSS3 WordPress Preloader
Safelayout Cute Preloader-CSS3 WordPress Preloader is a highly-rated plugin with over 3,000+ Active Installations and a five-star rating. It offers both paid and free options, but even the free features are impressive, with attractive designs that you’ll surely like. Here’s how to install it:
First, you must be on the WordPress Dashboard of your website. Scroll down until you find the Plugins option, which has an icon shaped like a plug. Click on it. Then, in the Plugins menu, select the Add New Plugin option. A new screen will appear with a search bar at the top. Type “Preloader” into the search bar and press Enter. The results will appear, so locate and install the plugin named Safelayout Cute Preloader-CSS3 (as highlighted in the screenshot below). Press the Install button. After the installation is complete, click the blue Activate button.
Configuring Your Preloader Plugin
Now, click on Plugins > Installed Plugins and find your preloader plugin. Before proceeding, make sure that your preloader plugin is activated. Once confirmed, click on Settings. You will see the Preloader Dashboard option, where the first setting allows you to choose from pre-made designs of the preloader. Select any design that suits your preference, then scroll down to find the Save option and click it. Your preloader is now ready and will be visible on your website.
How to Set Up Your Preloader Plugin
In the Screenshot below, we explain how to check if your preloader is working correctly after saving the settings as described in the previous steps. To do this, click on your website name, which is mentioned at the top of the WordPress dashboard. As your website loads, the preloader will display before the website fully opens, as shown in the screenshot below. This confirms that your preloader is functioning as expected.
How to Verify Your Preloader is Working
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This preloader offers numerous customization options, which we will explain one by one in detail. In this step, we’ll cover the Display Setting, where you can choose which pages the preloader will appear on. If you want the preloader to show on a specific page, you can easily do this with just one click. You can also set the Minimum Time and Maximum Time for how long the preloader is displayed, as shown in the screenshot. Additionally, you can configure the option to Show Close Button After a certain amount of time. Adjust these settings according to your preference.
Customizing Your Preloader: Display Settings
Configuring the Background Setting for Your Preloader
Now, in the Background Setting section, you can set a background animation. at the very top of the section You have the option to use pre-made animations for the background, or you can upload a custom animation background. After that, you’ll find the Color Option, which allows you to choose the background animation color according to your preference. Additionally, there’s a new feature in the background setting, as mentioned in the image below, called Small Background.
Configuring the Background Setting for Your Preloader
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Customizing the Progress Bar Preloader Style
The next option to enhance your website’s appearance is the Progress Bar. This feature also serves as a preloader style that you can apply to your site. It includes many options, such as pre-made designs in the shape of a progress bar, as shown in the image below. You can customize various aspects, including color changes, bar position, width, height, border radius, border color, and margins (top, left, and bottom). This level of customization is a great advantage, as it’s not commonly available in other free plugins. The options are detailed in the screenshot below and are easy to apply.
Customizing the Progress Bar Preloader Style
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Adding and Customizing Your Brand Image Preloader
Below the Progress Bar, there’s another fantastic option: Brand Image. This feature allows you to display your brand logo, name, or icons as a preloader, which adds an attractive touch to your site.
To upload your brand image, simply click on “Show Brand Image,” check the box, and enter the URL of your brand image in the provided field, then save it. If you don’t have a URL, click on “Media Library” next to the URL box and upload your image from your media library.
Once your image is uploaded, you can also choose an image animation option, including 3D animations and more. Additionally, there’s an image animation preview to see how your brand image will look. You can also adjust the margin top, margin bottom, and image position. All these settings are available for free, with no payment required.
Customizing the Progress Bar Preloader Style
Configuring Animated Icons and Counters for Your Preloader
Next, you can set an animated icon as a preloader, using premade options. Simply choose one of the attractive icons and save your settings to see the results. If you prefer a custom icon, click on “Custom Icon” as shown in the screenshot below, upload your brand icon, and adjust the color of premade icons if desired. Apply the settings one by one to find the best option.
Additionally, the preloader developers have provided a “Counter” option. In the counter settings, you can configure it to display a loading percentage (e.g., 20%) as a preloader. There are various settings for the counter, including margins (top, bottom, left) and font size. Be sure to apply all settings individually to select the most suitable design.
Configuring Animated Icons and Counters for Your Preloader
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Customizing Text and Special Preloader Designs
The last two options are Text and Special Preloader. In the Text option, you can create custom messages to display on the screen as a preloader, such as “Please Wait” or “Our Website is Loading.” You can also customize the color, size, and other properties of your text.
Finally, the Special Preloader option is quite unique. It allows you to generate a more personalized and attractive design through coding.
Customizing Text and Special Preloader Designs
Final Results
The final results, shown in the image below, feature Custom Text and a Brand Image logo. However, you can also opt for premade icons and other beautiful designs provided by the plugin. The choice is yours.
If you find this plugin challenging, please follow us and continue reading to discover more simple plugins.
Final Results
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Installing BH Custom Preloader
BH Custom Preloader is also very simple and attractive, with a 4-star rating and 700 active installations. It offers a variety of beautiful designs. To install it, follow these straightforward steps: Click on Plugins > Add New, then search for “Preloader” to find BH Preloader, as shown in the screenshot below. Click on the preloader image to install and activate it.
Installing BH Preloader
Configuring BH Preloader Settings
After installing BH Preloader, go to its settings as shown in the image and click on BH Preloader. Note that some plugins provide their settings options in the WordPress dashboard, while others may appear under Installed Plugins, as illustrated with the previous preloader. If you can’t find it in either location, check the Settings section in the WordPress dashboard for the plugin settings.
Once you access the BH Preloader settings, you’ll see the first option is Preloader. Click on it, and you will find a toggle button to turn the preloader On or Off. Next, you can choose the Active Home Page Only option to apply the preloader exclusively to the home page. The following option, Preloader Style, allows you to select your preferred design. The final option in this section is Image Preloader, where you can choose from a range of premade, beautiful images for the preloader, as shown in the screenshot below.
BH Preloader Settings
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Final Results with BH Custom Preloader
The last two settings are paid features. If you like them, you can purchase them, but you can proceed with your work without these options. In the screenshot below, you can see the result with the Dot-like design I selected. There are many designs available for you to choose from. If you’re not satisfied with the preloader, follow us for suggestions on a few more options.
Final Results with BH Preloader
Installing Preloader for Website
Preloader for Website also offers pre-made designs and operates efficiently and quickly. It has a 5-star rating and over 1,000 active installations. To install it, follow the same process: click on Add New Plugin, search for “Preloader,” find the preloader as shown in the screenshot, click Install, and then activate it after installation.
Installing Preloader for Website
Customizing Your Preloader for Website
Click on the plugin as shown in the screenshot to access the settings. You will be directed to the customization dashboard. The first option is Enable and Disable; to display the preloader on your website, you must enable it.
The second option is Preloader Type, offering two choices: Default Preloader for using premade designs and Only Content (for displaying custom messages like “Please wait…”.
The next setting is Spinner, where you can select from two spinning designs. The Custom Content option allows you to write your own message, as explained above.The last three options are Content Size, Font Color, and Background Color. These options are free and easy to use. Additional features are available for paid users; if you find this plugin useful, consider purchasing it to access more customization options.
Customizing Your Preloader for Website
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Final Result of Your Customized Preloader
The screenshot below shows the results of the preloader in action, demonstrating its movement and attractive appearance. However, you can customize it further to create a design that suits your preferences. The example provided is a random customization to illustrate how it works.
Final Result of Your Customized Preloader
Installing Flat Preloader
Flat Preloader is also very interesting, offering a wide variety of premade icons, including Emojis, iOS Glyphs, Windows 10, Office, Modern Flat, Flat, and many other customization options. With over 5,000 active installations and a 4.5-star rating, it is well-regarded.
To install it, follow the same process as with other plugins: click on Add New Plugin, search for “Preloader,” and install the Flat Preloader as shown in the screenshot. After installation, be sure to activate it.
Installing Flat Preloader
Configuring Flat Preloader Settings
Click on Installed Plugin and then select Flat Preloader settings to access the plugin dashboard, as shown in the screenshot. You will find many icons to choose from; simply click on the one you prefer.
A particularly interesting feature is the option to use Emojis as preloaders, which is a unique addition. The plugin also allows you to upload a custom image or icon. To do this, just copy your image URL and paste it into the provided URL field, as shown in the image below. Save your settings and then view your website to see the desired result.
Configuring Flat Preloader Settings
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Final Results with Flat Preloader
The image below shows the final result based on my settings. There are many more options available, allowing you to create even more impressive designs. With a wide range of designs to choose from, and being completely free, you have plenty of creative freedom.
Final Results with Flat Preloader
Conclusion
Creating a preloader in Divi using a plugin is an excellent way to improve user experience by ensuring visitors are informed that your site is loading. Preloaders are essential for retaining user engagement during loading times, which can be caused by various factors such as slow internet speeds or server delays. By using a preloader, you can provide a visual cue that reassures users that your website is on its way to being fully loaded.
Plugins for Preloaders
Safelayout Cute Preloader-CSS3: This highly-rated plugin with over 3,000 active installations and a five-star rating offers a range of attractive pre-made designs. Installation is straightforward—just search for the plugin in the WordPress dashboard, install it, and activate it. Configuration is simple: choose a design from the pre-made options, save your settings, and your preloader will be live on your website.
BH Preloader: With a 4-star rating and 700 active installations, BH Preloader provides a variety of beautiful designs. After installation, access the plugin settings, turn the preloader on or off, select a style, and choose from pre-made images. While some features require payment, the free options are still robust and effective for enhancing your site’s loading screen.
Preloader for Website: This plugin, featuring a 5-star rating and over 1,000 active installations, offers easy customization. You can enable or disable the preloader, select from pre-made designs or use custom content, and adjust settings such as content size and font color. While advanced customization options are available for purchase, the free features provide a solid foundation for a functional and visually appealing preloader.
Flat Preloader: This plugin is notable for its extensive range of pre-made icons, including Emojis, iOS Glyphs, and modern flat designs. With over 5,000 active installations and a 4.5-star rating, it provides a versatile selection of icons and customization options. After installation, you can choose from various icons, upload a custom image, and adjust settings to suit your site’s design.
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