Modal

Overlay dialogs that focus attention and require user interaction.

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Purpose of Modals
Understanding the core purpose and benefits of modal dialogs in user interfaces.

Focus Attention

Direct user focus to critical information, decisions, or actions that require immediate attention.

Interrupt Workflow

Pause the current user flow to handle important tasks, confirmations, or collect input.

Preserve Context

Maintain the underlying page context while handling secondary tasks or displaying information.

Core Functions

Confirm Actions:

Get explicit user confirmation before destructive or important actions

Collect Input:

Gather information through forms without leaving the current context

Display Details:

Show additional information, media, or content without navigation

Alert Users:

Communicate critical information, errors, or system status updates

When to Use Modals
Understanding the appropriate contexts for modal dialogs.
Use Modals When:
  • • Requiring immediate user attention
  • • Confirming destructive actions
  • • Collecting focused input
  • • Displaying critical alerts
  • • Showing contextual help or details
  • • Creating/editing items inline
Avoid Modals When:
  • • Displaying lengthy content
  • • For primary navigation
  • • Complex multi-step workflows
  • • Non-critical information
  • • Frequent repetitive actions
  • • Mobile-heavy interfaces

Modal vs Alternatives

Modal vs Drawer/Sidebar:

Use modals for focused, immediate decisions. Use drawers for secondary content, settings, or when users need to reference main content.

Modal vs Page Navigation:

Use modals for quick tasks that don't warrant full page navigation. Use pages for complex workflows or primary content.

Modal vs Tooltip/Popover:

Use modals for actions requiring user response. Use tooltips/popovers for supplementary information or simple controls.

Design Principles
Core principles for effective modal design and user experience.

User Experience

  • Clear Purpose: Make the modal's intent immediately obvious
  • Focused Content: Include only essential information and actions
  • Easy Exit: Provide clear, accessible ways to close
  • Quick Completion: Design for efficiency and speed

Technical Implementation

  • Focus Management: Proper focus trapping and restoration
  • Keyboard Support: Full keyboard navigation support
  • Screen Readers: Proper ARIA attributes and announcements
  • Responsive Design: Adapts to all screen sizes gracefully