Figma
Component Status
Status
HTML
React
Design Usage
An Avatar represents a user or entity visually, typically using a profile picture, icon, or initials. It helps identify people, organisations, or accounts in interfaces like headers, lists, or comments.
When to Use
- To represent a user profile in navigation bars, cards, or lists.
- As part of a comment, message, or activity feed to show who is involved.
- To display an entity icon (organisation, group, team) when an image isn’t available.
- When quick visual identification improves scanning.
When Not to Use
- For decorative images with no semantic meaning – use image or Icon instead.
- As a replacement for user’s full name – always pair Avatar with a text label in most contexts.
- For complex representations (e.g., badges, roles, or statuses) – consider combining Avatar with Tag, Tooltip, or some form of status indicator.
Best Practices
- Always provide a fallback:
- Image if available.
- Initials if no image.
- Generic icon if neither is available.
- Ensure consistent sizing across the product – don’t mix too many sizes in one context.
- Use circle or square shapes consistently as defined in Spirit.
- Place Avatars next to the associated name or content for clarity.
- Avoid using Avatars as the only identifying element – always provide accompanying text for accessibility and clarity.