---
name: "onPreloadStarted"
type: command
status: ok
groups: ["Event Handlers"]
arma3_since: "0.50"
locality: {"argument": null, "effect": null, "server_exec": false}
source: https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/onPreloadStarted
revid: 352159
updated: 2024-02-01T23:25:23Z
---

# onPreloadStarted

*Command · Event Handlers · Arma 3 v0.50 · introduced in Arma 2 v1.00*

## Description

Defines an action performed just before the preload screen started. Preload event occurs after briefing screen on mission start.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> This event handler also fires on client after user closes the main map.

> [!NOTE]
> Since **Arma 3** *v1.57* a stackable version of this EH is available: [PreloadStarted](../topics/Mission_Event_Handlers.md#preloadstarted)

> [!NOTE]
> **Arma 3:** In order to keep compatibility between official and community content the functions [BIS_fnc_addStackedEventHandler](../functions/BIS_fnc_addStackedEventHandler.md) and [BIS_fnc_removeStackedEventHandler](../functions/BIS_fnc_removeStackedEventHandler.md) should be used instead.

## Syntax

```sqf
onPreloadStarted command
```

**Parameters:**

- `command`: [String](../topics/String.md) or [Code](../topics/Code.md)

**Returns:** [Nothing](../topics/Nothing.md)

## Examples

### Example 1

```sqf
onPreloadStarted {diag_log "preload started"};
```

## See also

[onPreloadFinished](../commands/onPreloadFinished.md)

<sub>Source: [BI Community Wiki — onPreloadStarted](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/onPreloadStarted) (revision 352159).</sub>