# preload(completionHandler:) Loads an atlas object’s textures into memory, calling a completion handler after the task completes. ``` func preload(completionHandler: @escaping @Sendable () -> Void) ``` ## Parameters `completionHandler` A block called after the texture atlas is loaded. ## Discussion > Important: > You can call this method from synchronous code using a completion handler, as shown on this page, or you can call it as an asynchronous method that has the following declaration: > > ```swift > func preload() async > ``` > > For information about concurrency and asynchronous code in Swift, see . SpriteKit creates a background task that loads the texture data from the atlas object. Then, SpriteKit returns control to your game. After the texture atlas is loaded, your completion handler is called. If you need to preload multiple texture atlas objects immediately, use the [`preloadTextureAtlases(_:withCompletionHandler:)`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTextureAtlas/preloadTextureAtlases(_:withCompletionHandler:)) method instead. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)