Skeleton.
Placeholder shapes matching content that is loading.
See it in context
What it is
A skeleton reserves the structure of an incoming item with neutral shapes. Matching the expected layout helps reduce movement, but a skeleton should never resemble a finished empty state.
When to use it
Use when the upcoming content’s structure is predictable.
Know the difference
A skeleton represents content still loading; an empty state explains that content is absent.
Across platforms
iOS · iPadOS · macOS · visionOS
Use the native platform presentation and terminology; adapt density and interaction to touch, pointer, remote, or spatial input rather than copying a phone-sized view.
Web · Android · Windows · Linux
On the web, announce meaningful status changes without moving focus. On Android and desktop, keep messages near the relevant operation and follow the platform’s notification conventions.
Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.