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What is a Modal Window?

5 min to read

Modal windows are windows that pop up in front of the main content on your page. These are mainly used when you want the user to complete a specific action, such as confirming whether they want to sign out of their account. When the modal window appears on the page, the user will first need to interact with this before continuing.

Whereas pop-ups often try to sell something or get an email address, modal windows are part of the on-page or in-app experience. They’re designed to highlight important information, such as telling users that they can get a walkthrough when joining your service for the first time. You should use them in scenarios where you wish to make one or two specific actions the primary focus.

Deep Dive:
• Common Examples: Several types of modal windows exist, and you have probably interacted with them in some capacity before. Modal windows may involve filling out on-site details, such as your login information.
• Alternatives: Despite their popularity, you don’t have to use modal windows if you don’t want to. Other options, such as slide-in panels, popovers, and tooltips, exist. Consider your overall website design before making your final decision on what to choose.
• Tip: Accessibility is imperative when designing modal windows, and you should ensure that you adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Consider visual and sound-based elements.
Key Takeaways:
  • Focusing
    • Use modal windows to draw users to something important on the page.
  • Design
    • Prioritize accessibility, and make sure that your modal windows work on mobile.
  • Potential alternatives
    • You can use alternatives to modal windows, such as slide-in panels.
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What is a Modal Window?

What are the key components of a modal window?

When designing your modal windows, you should consider each of the following aspects. 

  • Overlays: These are backgrounds that make the rest of your page dimmer. However, the user can still somewhat see the content. The main point is to create separation between the modal window and a page so that the user’s eye is drawn toward the window.

  • Container: Here, you’ll put the content you want to show to the user; this is important for keeping everything structured. 

  • Header: This is normally the same across the board; it will typically have a close button, and the title will also appear here. 

  • Content area: The content area is where you’ll put the key elements of content for your modal window, such as the main text. Any forms that you include will also feature here, as will visual content. 

  • Footer: The footer typically contains the modal window’s main buttons. For example, a user might see “Log Out” or “Cancel” if they’ve selected an option to sign out of their account. 

All of the above elements are important for your modal windows, and as such, you should treat each of them just as seriously as the others. Make sure that you customize your modal window based on branding, too, with the necessary fonts and colors. 

Pro Tip: 
Modal windows should form a key part of the user experience; use transitions/animations, but keep these subtle. 

When are modals used in web design?

Modal windows are used in multiple web design scenarios. These include: 

  • Information: Businesses use modal windows to highlight information that requires the user to take action. For example, a user might see that they need to update their payment details or security questions within their website/app backend. 

  • Input: You may see modal windows on some websites if you want to get user feedback or to sign up for an account. 

  • Content: Modal windows might be used for content interactivity. For example, an online store may use these to highlight information about a specific product. Besides text, modal windows will often have visual content (images and videos). 

  • Actions: Users might confirm important actions via a modal window. For example, a website/web app might ask them if they want to delete a specific element and to confirm their choice. 

Modal windows are something you should consider in situations where you want the user to perform specific tasks, and they usually include 1-2 actions. They’re also important for ensuring that your audience can go straight to the previous page or right onto the next one without undue delay. 

Pro Tip: 
Despite their usefulness, you should use modal windows sparingly. 

What are some common use cases for modal windows?

Some uses for modal windows are: 

  • Confirming whether a user wants to complete an important action, such as deleting a record

  • Logging into a service they use or signing up if it’s their first time

  • Accessing galleries 

  • Changing user preferences 

  • Highlighting product information when browsing an online store

What are the advantages of modal windows?

Some essential considerations for modal windows are: 

  • Attention: Use modal windows to direct users toward completing a specific action.

  • Spacing: When implementing modal windows, it’s important to avoid clutter. 

  • User flow: Leverage modal windows for step-by-step walkthroughs, especially if a user is new to your product or service. 

  • Hierarchy: Use modal windows to highlight the most important content. 
Pro Tip: 
Modal windows should be used not just for completing actions, but also to simplify tasks with walkthroughs.

What are the challenges of modal windows?

Despite their popularity, you must look at both sides of the coin before you decide whether to implement these. Some of the other things to think about are: 

  • Accessibility: It’s vital that you consider accessibility and adhere to guidelines to maximize modal windows’ effectiveness. 

  • Mobile use: Think about how your modal windows will appear on smartphones and tablets. 

  • SEO: Consider the impact of modal windows on search engine optimization (SEO)

  • Design: Be sure to implement engaging designs that don’t irritate users, and use them sparingly to keep people engaged.

Balancing the pros and cons is essential during the entire design process. 

Pro Tip: 
Let users close the modal window if they wish; a Close or X button should be enough.

Conclusion 

Modal windows are an essential part of many websites and apps; before implementing them, you need to know how to maximize their effectiveness while limiting the downsides. Understanding accessibility guidelines is essential, and you should also think about how they will look on mobile devices. 

It’s also very important that you use them sparingly; consider the most essential actions they should be utilized for your website before implementing. If necessary, you can always look at alternatives.

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