When to Use Modal vs Dialog Components

"Modal dialogs block interaction with the rest of the page. When a modal is active, everything underneath becomes "inert" - users cannot click, type, or interact with anything except the modal itself. The background is typically dimmed or blurred to emphasize this separation. Non-modal dialogs provide information or options without preventing interaction with the main content. Users can freely switch between the dialog and the underlying page."

"Confirming destructive actions (deleting data). Displaying supplementary information. Collecting required information (payment details). Showing help text or tooltips. Displaying critical warnings or alerts. Providing optional settings. Presenting legal notifications requiring acknowledgment. Offering tools that enhance but aren't required."

"Modal dialogs * Forces attention to important information.* Prevents errors in critical processes.* Creates clear decision points in user flows.* Ensures important notifications are seen. * Disrupts user concentration and workflow.* Increases cognitive load by forcing task-switching.* Often dismissed hastily without proper consideration.* Can cause frustration if overused."

Modal dialogs block interaction with the rest of the page by making underlying content inert and typically dimming or blurring the background. Non-modal dialogs provide information or options while allowing users to continue interacting with main content. Modal dialogs suit confirming destructive actions, collecting required information, displaying critical warnings, or presenting legally required acknowledgments. Non-modal dialogs suit supplementary information, help text, optional settings, and tools that enhance but are not required. Modal dialogs force attention and reduce certain errors but disrupt workflow and increase cognitive load. Non-modal dialogs maintain continuity but risk being overlooked or creating visual clutter. Prioritize interruption only when information justifies it.

Read at The A11Y Collective