How to Stop the Storage Access Framework Loading Animation
The Storage Access Framework (SAF) provides a user-friendly interface for accessing files and folders on Android devices. It often displays a loading animation while accessing files, which can be visually distracting. This article explores how to indicate to SAF that the loading animation is no longer needed.
Understanding the Loading Animation
Why Does It Appear?
The loading animation appears because SAF requires time to retrieve file information and perform other operations before displaying the files to the user. This can be due to various reasons like:
- Retrieving file metadata
- Fetching thumbnail images
- Reading directory contents
When Is It Unnecessary?
In some cases, the loading animation can be unnecessary and can be stopped to provide a more seamless user experience. For example, if you already have the required file information, or if you are presenting a pre-defined list of files to the user, you can avoid displaying the loading animation.
Methods to Stop the Loading Animation
There are two primary approaches to indicate to SAF that you don’t need the loading animation:
1. Provide File Information Directly
If you already have the necessary file information, you can provide it directly to SAF instead of letting it fetch it from the device. This eliminates the need for the loading animation.
To achieve this, you can use a Document object in your code, representing the file or directory you want to display. Set the relevant properties of the Document object, such as its name, size, MIME type, and path. Then, use the startDocument() method of the Document object to display the file to the user without the loading animation.
// Create a Document object for a file
Document fileDoc = new Document(Uri.parse("content://file/path/to/file"));
fileDoc.setDisplayName("My File");
fileDoc.setSize(1024);
fileDoc.setMimeType("text/plain");
// Start displaying the file without the loading animation
fileDoc.startDocument();
2. Trigger an Instant Document Display
If you want to avoid the loading animation for specific scenarios, you can use the ACTION_OPEN_DOCUMENT_TREE intent with the FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION flag and provide an initial directory that you want SAF to display. This will allow you to control the initial directory and display the files without the loading animation.
// Open a specific directory
Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_OPEN_DOCUMENT_TREE);
intent.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION);
// Set the initial directory
intent.putExtra(DocumentsContract.EXTRA_INITIAL_URI, Uri.parse("content://file/path/to/directory"));
startActivityForResult(intent, REQUEST_CODE);
Comparison Table
| Method | Description | Suitable Scenarios |
|—|—|—|
| Providing File Information Directly | Creates a Document object and provides the file details manually | When you already have the necessary file information and want to present a specific file or directory |
| Triggering an Instant Document Display | Uses the ACTION_OPEN_DOCUMENT_TREE intent with FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION and an initial directory | When you want to control the initial directory and display files instantly |
Conclusion
By understanding how the Storage Access Framework loading animation works and by employing appropriate techniques, you can avoid it and provide a smoother user experience in your Android applications.