A window that opens on top of the current page and blocks interaction with everything behind it until you respond to it or close it.
Synonyms
- modal dialog
- modal window
- modal overlay
Related terms
In plain words
- the pop-up box that greys out the page behind it
- the window you have to deal with before you can do anything else
Usage example
Clicking "Delete account" opens a modal asking you to confirm before anything is removed.
Don't confuse with…
- dialog boxA dialog box is the container itself; "modal" describes that it blocks the rest of the page, and a dialog can also be non-modal.
- popoverA popover is anchored to a button and leaves the page usable; a modal takes over the whole screen.
Categories
- Overlays & containers