Avatar

Visual representation of a user or entity

Component Status

Figma

Up to date

Status

Stable

HTML

Up to date

React

Up to date

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.