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Flat Preloader

By Thien Nguyen

Design & Themes / Themes & Templates

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Flat Preloader Review - In-Depth Analysis

Flat Preloader allows you to create engaging loading pages with various gif icons. Customize the display on specific pages and enhance user experience.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.56/10

User Rating

4.6/5 (based on 18+ reviews)

Active Installations

3,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Flat Preloader helps you create the loading page with many excited gif icons.

You can select where the loading page will be shown, such as home page or all pages.

This plugin features more than 110 icons and allows the preloader to show immediately when a link is clicked. You can also display the preloader on specific posts and add a custom icon URL if you prefer not to use the available icons.

Additional options include adding text under the loading icon and setting a delay time for the loading icon to fade out. For advanced users, there are unlimited CSS loading animations and options to change the background image, color, or gradient available in the Pro version.

Comparing to Alternatives

Flat Preloader is a popular choice among preloader plugins, offering unique features like custom video support. It competes with several alternatives that provide various loading animations and customization options.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Supports custom video and GIF preloaders, enhancing visual appeal.
Highly rated for ease of use and effective functionality.
Responsive and prompt support from developers.
Better performance compared to some other preloader plugins.
Unique features not commonly found in alternatives.

Weaknesses

Known compatibility issues with certain plugins and themes like Divi.
Has a history of a medium severity security vulnerability, though fixed in recent versions.
Not updated very frequently, raising concerns about future compatibility.
May interfere with link behaviors such as target=_blank functionality.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong majority of 5-star ratings and very few low ratings, users generally appreciate Flat Preloader for its functionality and support. However, some users have reported compatibility issues affecting website behavior.

Positive highlights

"Good Plugin and great support" — jovi0815
"Perfect, easy to use" — bdncreation
"Really great plugin" — designer13421321
"Best plugin for preloading with custom video support" — onlinemarketingmeierijstad
"Works perfectly and better than other plugins tried" — amirdbest

Common complaints

Causes incompatibility with other plugins, affecting features like email notifications.
Disables target=_blank attribute on links, changing expected link behavior.

Weaknesses

Compatibility issues with other plugins and themes.
Potential interference with website link functionality.
Security vulnerability history, though patched.
Infrequent updates causing user concern.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a customizable and visually appealing preloader plugin with options for custom videos and GIFs, and who value responsive support.

Not ideal for

Users who rely heavily on other plugins that may conflict with Flat Preloader or those who require guaranteed compatibility with themes like Divi. Also, users concerned about security vulnerabilities or frequent updates may want to consider alternatives.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers essential preloader features including custom animations and video support, suitable for most users.

Pro version

The pro version likely includes advanced customization options, additional preloader styles, priority support, and possibly enhanced compatibility features.

Final Verdict

Flat Preloader stands out with its unique custom video preloader feature and strong user satisfaction, supported by responsive developer assistance. It offers good value for users seeking an effective and visually engaging loading screen solution.

However, potential compatibility issues and a past security vulnerability, albeit fixed, suggest cautious use especially in complex plugin environments. Users should weigh these factors against their specific needs and consider alternatives if compatibility or security is a primary concern.