In today’s fast-paced world, the first impression is always the best impression. The same rule applies for mobile applications too. A splash screen is the first graphical presentation of any app that a user sees before the actual interface appears. The purpose of a splash screen is to welcome the user to your app and present your brand in a visually appealing manner.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how to create a splash screen in Android Studio. Creating a splash screen for your app is a great way to make a good first impression and grab the user’s attention, so let’s get started!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To create a splash screen for your Android app, you’ll need the following:
- Android Studio IDE
- A basic knowledge of XML layout design and Java programming
- Your app’s logo or image
What Requires Your Focus?
In order to create a good-looking and smooth splash screen, you’ll need to focus on the following:
- Designing an attractive layout
- Capturing and displaying your app’s logo or image
- Creating a smooth transition from the splash screen to the app’s main interface
- Using appropriate animation to make the splash screen more dynamic
Different Methods to Create Splash Screen in Android Studio
Method 1: Using a Drawable resource file
- Create an XML layout file for the splash screen using the following code:
- Create a drawable resource file for the splash background using the following code:
- Set the splash screen as the launcher activity in the AndroidManifest.xml file:
- Add the following code to the SplashActivity java file:
"`
public class SplashActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
private static int SPLASH_TIME_OUT = 3000;
@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_splash);
new Handler().postDelayed(new Runnable() {
@Override
public void run() {
Intent homeIntent = new Intent(SplashActivity.this, MainActivity.class);
startActivity(homeIntent);
finish();
}
}, SPLASH_TIME_OUT);
}
}
Pros:
- Simple and easy to implement
- Does not require any additional dependencies or libraries
Cons:
- May not be as visually appealing as other methods
- May have scaling issues on different screen sizes
Method 2: Using a Video file as a Splash Screen
- Add the following dependency to the build.gradle(Module:app) file:
- Create a new layout file for the video splash screen using the following code:
- Create a raw resource folder and add your video file to it.
- Add the following code to the SplashActivity java file:
implementation ‘com.daasuu:ExoPlayerManager:1.0.5’
public class SplashActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
private VideoPlayerView videoPlayerView;
private ProgressBar progressBar;
private static final String SPLASH_VIDEO_URL = "android.resource://" + BuildConfig.APPLICATION_ID + "/" + R.raw.my_video;
@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_splash_video);
videoPlayerView = (VideoPlayerView) findViewById(R.id.video_player_view);
progressBar = (ProgressBar) findViewById(R.id.progress_bar);
Uri uri = Uri.parse(SPLASH_VIDEO_URL);
videoPlayerView.setVideoURI(uri);
videoPlayerView.setOnCompletionListener(new MediaPlayer.OnCompletionListener() {
@Override
public void onCompletion(MediaPlayer mp) {
Intent homeIntent = new Intent(SplashActivity.this, MainActivity.class);
startActivity(homeIntent);
finish();
}
});
videoPlayerView.setOnPreparedListener(new MediaPlayer.OnPreparedListener() {
@Override
public void onPrepared(MediaPlayer mp) {
progressBar.setVisibility(View.GONE);
mp.setLooping(false);
}
});
videoPlayerView.start();
}
}
Pros:
- Provides a visually appealing and dynamic splash screen
- Allows for more creativity in design
Cons:
- Requires additional library dependencies
- May use up more memory and cause performance issues on lower-end devices
Method 3: Using a Splash Screen Library
- Add the following dependency to the build.gradle(Module:app) file:
- Create a new layout file for the splash screen using the following code:
- Add the following code to the SplashActivity java file:
implementation ‘com.github.vlonjatg:SplashScreen:v1.2.0’
public class SplashActivity extends SplashScreen {
public static final String TAG = SplashActivity.class.getSimpleName();
@Override
public void initSplash(ConfigSplash configSplash) {
configSplash.setBackgroundColor(R.color.color_primary);
configSplash.setAnimCircularRevealDuration(1500);
configSplash.setRevealFlagX(Flags.REVEAL_LEFT);
configSplash.setRevealFlagX(Flags.REVEAL_BOTTOM);
configSplash.setLogoSplash(R.drawable.logo);
configSplash.setAnimLogoSplashDuration(1500);
configSplash.setAnimLogoSplashTechnique(Techniques.Bounce);
configSplash.setTitleSplash(getString(R.string.splash_title));
configSplash.setTitleTextColor(R.color.color_white);
configSplash.setAnimTitleDuration(1500);
configSplash.setAnimTitleTechnique(Techniques.ZoomInDown);
}
@Override
public void animationsFinished() {
Intent homeIntent = new Intent(SplashActivity.this, MainActivity.class);
startActivity(homeIntent);
finish();
}
}
Pros:
- Easy to implement and customize
- Provides a wide range of animations and design templates to choose from
Cons:
- May not allow for as much creativity as other methods
- Requires additional library dependencies
Why Can’t I Create Splash Screen?
There may be several reasons why you may not be able to create a splash screen in your Android app. Some of the common issues are:
- Lack of knowledge about Android XML layout design and Java programming
- Lack of resources such as images or videos for the splash screen
- Using an outdated version of Android Studio or libraries
To fix these issues, you can:
- Learn more about XML layout design and Java programming. There are several online resources and tutorials available to help you get started.
- Create or obtain resources such as images or videos for your splash screen.
- Update your Android Studio and libraries to the latest version.
Implications and Recommendations
A splash screen is a great way to make a positive first impression on users and create brand awareness. However, it’s important to keep it short and visually appealing as the user may lose interest if it takes too long to load. It’s also essential to ensure that the splash screen is compatible with different screen sizes and resolutions. When creating a splash screen for your app, you should focus on creating an attractive design, using appropriate animations, and providing a seamless transition to the app’s main interface.
5 FAQs about Creating a Splash Screen in Android Studio
Q1: How long should a splash screen be?
A: A splash screen should be as short as possible while still being visually appealing. The recommended duration is between 2-5 seconds.
Q2: What are the ideal dimensions for a splash screen image in Android?
A: The ideal dimensions for a splash screen image in Android are 320×480 pixels for a small screen, 480×800 pixels for a medium screen, and 720×1280 pixels for a large screen.
Q3: Can I use an animated GIF as a splash screen in Android?
A: Yes, you can use an animated GIF as a splash screen. However, it’s recommended to keep the file size small and ensure that it’s compatible with different screen sizes and resolutions.
Q4: Can I create a custom splash screen for each device size or orientation?
A: Yes, you can create a custom splash screen for each device size or orientation by creating different layout files for each.
Q5: Should I show a progress bar or loading animation on the splash screen?
A: It’s recommended to show a progress bar or loading animation on the splash screen if the app takes a long time to load. This can give the user an indication of the app’s loading progress and prevent them from becoming frustrated or impatient.
In Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed several methods to create a splash screen in Android Studio. Creating a good-looking splash screen for your app can make a great first impression on users and increase brand awareness. When creating a splash screen, focus on creating an attractive design, using appropriate animations, and ensuring a smooth transition to the app’s main interface. Remember to keep the splash screen short and visually appealing to prevent user attrition.