Creating a Splash Screen in VB.NET Windows Forms: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

 


A splash screen is a brief introductory screen that appears when you launch an application. It typically shows branding elements like a logo, app name, version, or a loading bar. In this guide, you'll learn how to create a splash screen in VB.NET using Windows Forms.

Why Use a Splash Screen?

Here are a few reasons:

  •  Enhances User Experience

  •  Shows application is loading (especially if startup takes time)

  •  Displays branding and professionalism

  •  Performs background tasks before the main form opens

Requirements:

  • Visual Studio (any edition supporting VB.NET)

  • .NET Framework or .NET Core

  • Basic understanding of WinForms

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create Two Forms

  • SplashScreen.vb: The splash screen form



  • Form1.vb: The form you want to open after splash screen 



Step 2: Design the SplashScreen

Add the following controls:

  • Label: App name or version or company name

  • ProgressBar: Shows loading progress

  • Timer: Drives the loading animation

Set Timer.Interval = 100 (0.1 sec)

Step 3: Add Code to SplashScreen

Public Class SplashScreen

    Private Sub SplashScreen_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load

        ProgressBar1.Value = 0

        Timer1.Start()

    End Sub

    Private Sub Timer1_Tick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Timer1.Tick

        ProgressBar1.Value += 5

        If ProgressBar1.Value >= 100 Then

            Timer1.Stop()

            Me.Hide()

            MainForm.Show()

        End If

    End Sub

End Class

Step 4: Set SplashScreen as Startup Form

  1. Open Project

  2. Go to Application tab

  3. Set Startup Form to SplashScreen

Step 5: Customize Appearance

  • StartPosition = CenterScreen

  • FormBorderStyle = None

  • TopMost = True

  • Add logo or images as need


Watch Tutorial Video: Click here


Conclusion: 
Adding a splash screen to your VB.NET app not only improves appearance but also keeps the user engaged while the app prepares itself. Try it out and take your WinForms apps to the next level.


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