Blocking operations

Progress dialog with a cancel button used for an asset import operation.

The EditorUtility.DisplayProgressBar utility class displays or updates a native progress dialog for long operations that make the editor non-responsive.

This is useful when you perform a long blocking operation in an Editor script, and want to notify the user about the progress. Use this method for long operations that make the editor non-responsive such as; importing / reimporting / refreshing assets.

Background Operations

The Background Tasks window displays the progress of any running asynchronous tasks.

The Progress utility class reports the progress of asynchronous tasks to the Unity Editor, to be displayed in the background tasks window. It is best used for long operations that happen in the background.

The Background Tasks window

The Background Tasks window displays the progress of any running asynchronous tasks.
‍Unity Manual: The Background Tasks window ->

When To Use

• Use progress bars to show linear operations with a determined upper value,
• For indeterminate duration / length progresses consider using the spinner loading icon (internal),
• Use progress bars in the interface after the control that initiates or adjusts it,
• When displaying progress for a sequence of tasks, use a single progress bar for the overall progress rather than each activity.

Persistency

Progress bar controls can be displayed persistently where the operation is repeated, and the user has a manual option to remove / clear progresses, or they can be displayed temporarily in the interface the operation takes place and can be hidden after the operation is complete.

For displaying operations that don't need to be displayed in the Editor interface, see displaying operations.

Custom loaders

Loading animations are frequently used whenever a user has requested an action that will take an extended period of time. There are accessibility challenges to consider when choosing what type of loader to use. If they are built incorrectly they can create confusion and frustration for users.

It’s important to use the correct animation for the job.

• Is there associated progress data? Use a progress indicator that shows the time or percentage of completion.
• Is there no associated progress data? Use a standard circle loader to depict infinite loading.
  
• Does the process lack progress data? Avoid using a progress indicator or a visual design similar to a progress indicator for an infinite load with no associated progress data. Improperly using progress indicators creates special difficulties for those people with cognitive disabilities while generally causing frustration and annoyance for all users.