Modal Dialog
A modal dialog is a focused window. It blocks the current screen until someone closes or finishes it.
A real example
For account deletion, keyboard focus stays inside the dialog. If the person cancels, focus returns to the button that opened it.
Main parts
- 01Trigger
- 02Anchored or modal surface
- 03Focus boundary
- 04Dismiss path
Use it when
Use it for a short choice or small task that must get full attention.
Do not use it when
Never open one dialog on top of another or use one for normal, low-risk information.
Name used in code
<dialog> / role="dialog" aria-modal="true" Before you ship
Move focus on purpose. Keep it inside only when the overlay blocks the page. Support Escape and a visible close button, then return focus to the opener. Keep entered data and check small-screen, loading, and failure states.
Outcome: Use Modal Dialog to solve this user need without losing the current context. User context: For account deletion, keyboard focus stays inside the dialog. If the person cancels, focus returns to the button that opened it. Recommended pattern: Modal Dialog. Why it fits: Use it for a short choice or small task that must get full attention. Do not use it when: Never open one dialog on top of another or use one for normal, low-risk information. Product requirements: Define the default, loading, empty, error, success, and recovery states. Keep user input. Give clear feedback after every action. Accessibility and resilience: Use semantic HTML, full keyboard access, and visible focus. Make the layout work when zoomed and support reduced motion. Follow the project’s current rules. Do not add a new UI library unless the project already uses it. Acceptance criteria: The main task works with keyboard only and at 320px width. Focus and status changes are announced. Check loading, failure, retry, cancel, and reduced-motion paths. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): The standard covers only the listed scope. It does not choose the visual style, product decision, or Vibulary example. Unknowns to confirm: Product wording, data source, analytics events, supported devices and languages, and platform limits.
Check this request
Review the current use of Modal Dialog. Definition: A modal dialog is a focused window. It blocks the current screen until someone closes or finishes it. Release checks: Move focus on purpose. Keep it inside only when the overlay blocks the page. Support Escape and a visible close button, then return focus to the opener. Keep entered data and check small-screen, loading, and failure states. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.