Free FiveM loading screen options, honestly compared
The free options are: keep your framework’s default loading screen; download an open-source one from GitHub or the Cfx forum releases; build your own with HTML/CSS/JS; or use a hosted builder with a free tier. Defaults are generic, downloads need editing and a licence check, building takes time, and free tiers have limits — pick based on whether you have time, skills or neither.
You do not need to spend money to have a decent loading screen. There are four free routes, each with a different catch: time, maintenance, licensing or limits. Knowing the catches up front is how you pick the one that fits a new server — and recognise the moment a paid option starts saving you more than it costs.
The four routes
| Route | Effort | Looks | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framework default | None | Generic | Players recognise it as a default |
| Open-source release | Low–medium | Varies | Licence terms; editing HTML/JS; updates are on you |
| Build your own | Medium–high | Exactly yours | Your time; you maintain it |
| Hosted builder, free tier | Low | Template-based | Tier limits, often a watermark |
Open-source loading screens
The Cfx forum’s releases section and GitHub have many free loading screens. Before using one:
- Read the licence — some forbid commercial use or require credit.
- Check when it was last updated; old ones may use MP4 video or absolute paths that break.
- Replace every image and text; a recognisable template undermines branding.
- Read the JavaScript before running it — it runs on every player’s PC.
Building your own
If you can edit HTML and CSS, a custom screen is a satisfying afternoon: the from-scratch tutorial produces a complete one with progress, music and a greeting. Or use React — React and Vite loading screens.
Hosted builders with free tiers
Hosted builders let you design in the browser and update the screen without re-uploading files — every player sees the change on their next join. Our own builder has a free tier with a limited number of screens and widgets; the current limits are on the pricing page. Paid tiers remove the watermark and unlock video backgrounds and more widgets.
A word about “free” leaks
Paid loading screens re-uploaded for free on leak sites are stolen, violate the author’s rights and are a common way to slip malicious JavaScript onto servers. Since a loading screen runs on every player’s computer, it is the last place to take that risk.
Common questions
Where can I get a free FiveM loading screen?
Use your framework’s default, an open-source release from GitHub or the Cfx forum, build your own, or use a hosted builder’s free tier.
Are free loading screens safe?
Open-source ones from reputable authors are, after you read the code. Leaked paid screens from leak sites are not — they are stolen and can contain malicious code.
Can I use a free loading screen on a server that takes donations?
Only if its licence allows commercial use. Check before you use it.
Is building my own loading screen hard?
Not if you can edit HTML and CSS. A basic but complete one takes an afternoon.
Want a loading screen you never have to debug?
Build it in the browser, export once, and edit it whenever — no HTML, no re-uploads.
Start free