Modal windows are user interface elements. They sit on top of the main interface, so they do not interfere with underlying workflows.
These modal windows or boxes find many applications in in-app messaging. Some examples are welcome messages, product information, announcements, and so on.
Historically, programmers tended to use JavaScript to code these modal boxes. A quick search reveals an abundance of scripts for these applications.
CSS3, on the other hand, is much easier to work with. Yet examples of CSS modal windows are much harder to find.
This article presents a list of the best CSS modal windows for presentation.
Details modal
The first CSS modal box example is the product of coder Niels Voogt. He embedded his modal into a details element.
The modal window opens when clicking on the details. Users close the window by clicking the cross or outside of the modal window.
This is possible because the overlay nests inside the summary element.
Modal – Pure CSS (no JavaScript) – 2013
Felipe Fialho made this modal with CSS only, so no JavaScript. He used the CSS :target selector which handles the opening and closing of the window.
A great advantage is that older browsers like Internet Explorer 9 and higher also support it. A great way to interact with users.
No JS modal popup window
Another example of a modal window that uses HTML/CSS and Bootstrap. David achieved this without the use of JavaScript.
CSS Modal using :target Selector
In this example, programmer Homer Gaines shows how to open a modal window with the CSS :target selector. Again, it does not use any JavaScript code.
Pure CSS Modal
To make this modal box, Mark Holmes did not need JavaScript. He made it in HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap.
CSS Modals (Modal v2)
When clicking the Open Modular button, a modal dialog box opens.
Abubaker Saeed made this example of a pure CSS modal box. Instead of JavaScript, it uses HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap.
CSS Modal (using :target)
This one was also made by Abubaker Saeed. It uses pure CSS.
The CSS :target selector controls the opening and closing of the box.
Pure CSS Modal + Slider
A beautiful modal window and slider. By clicking the catch, the window opens.
Inside the modal box, the user can read all the information by using the slider.
Css Only toggle
A simple pop-up window made by Lasse Diercks in HTML/CSS.
Material UI popup
An easy and simple popup window made by Mikael Ainalem. The animations are clean and stylish.
CSS Only Line Animated Modal
The author, Tom, made this CSS modal box without the use of any JavaScript code. It uses Bootstrap, HTML, and CSS for a beautiful result.
Basic CSS-Only Modal
A great example of a pure CSS modal window that is minimalist in design. The code that runs the box and animation is simple and makes use of common elements.
There are some issues with the responsiveness of the modal dialog box but it may also be an issue with CodePen.
login modal
A modal login window, created by Mert Cukuren. The coding is HTML, CSS, with some JavaScript.
Pure css popup box
A modal box that is great because of its looks, as well as its simplicity. A simple click on the catch opens the dialog window.
The design is fully integratable and works in combination with a background image. Coded in HTML/CSS.
Pop-up design
This is an animated modal pop-up box. Its author is the coder fajjet.
Swing Out Modal
A red button on a black background draws the attention of the viewer. The shadow that Michael Smith created around the button makes it stand out.
Also, the location of the button, the middle of the page, guides the viewer in the right direction. There is a Continue button instead of a big cross to close the modal window.
CSS Responsive Modal
Thom Griggs created a simple modal element that is beautiful and fully functional. The neat appearance enhances the user experience.
This responsive modal dialog window is great for showing data. A simple click is all that it takes to open it.
Folding Modal
A modal box that folds open by clicking the catch. Blake Bowen used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Modal with clip-path
The information box opens by clicking and holding the catch box. Releasing the mouse button will close the modal window.
Jonas Sandstedt made a CSS modal window that looks impeccable and works seamlessly.
rémi’s pop-up
A yellow and black field hovers in the background in this example by Thibaud Goiffin. Squares in orange and yellow capture the viewer’s attention.
The result is a very attractive website that inspires the user to click one of the options, Yes or No.
Pure Css Popup
Created by Erdem Uslu this is another example of a pure CSS modal dialog box.
Modal Popup
When clicking the image in the center of the page, the modal box folds open like the pages of a book. Here the viewer can see the data that is inside.
Clicking on the image in the top right corner closes the book again. An attractive option, as it does not take up a large area.
Created by Natasia.
Simplistic Dialog
The designer, Tristan White, opted for a grey background. This makes the button with a black border around it clear to see.
Also, the uppercase font inside the button increases visibility. When hovering over the box with the mouse, the box moves up a little and a shadow appears.
Super Simple Easy Modal /w ES6
This is an example of a simple and clean modal box, created with ES6 by Joshua Ward.
Modal Interaction with Genie Effect
A modal window that closes with an animation that resembles a closing drawer. Bhakti Pasariby created it with the use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The window is suitable for any kind of information that is important for the viewer.
PopUp overlay animation
This is a popup overlay with bubbles. Coded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript by Chouaib Belagoun.
Prompt Dialog with background blur
The designer chose a beautiful background of a snowy landscape. Tuomas Hataka, who made this, put a white catch on top of it that says Open.
Black text fills the white box to make it stand out. The user experience is further enhanced with a small hover animation.
Animate modal out from trigger
Created by Popmotion, this is a CSS and JavaScript-driven animated modal.
Super Easy Totally Cool Modal | CSS Only
A modal window in HTML and CSS with cool animation. The author is Joshua Ward.
Move Modal In on Path
Chris Coyier created this with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By clicking a trigger, a modal window floats to the center of the screen using a seamless animation.
Boardal — An Onboarding Modal with Vue.js
Clicking the Onboard Me! button opens a CSS modal window that contains an additional slider. Created by Jase.
Shifting Material Button Modal
The creator of the next example is Ettrics. The example consists of two call-to-action buttons next to each other.
Clicking them opens a dialog window that directs the viewer to the next step.
Simple Confirmation Popup
Adventures in Missions made this responsive modal popup window. It contains some nice but subtle CSS3 animation.
Pure CSS Animated Modals
Tom created a responsive modal that slides down when clicking the catch. There is a regular and a tabbed version of the modal box.
This is a pure CSS example.
Responsive Modal Design
This is another design by Ettrics. The design of these windows is material design inspired.
It is very responsive and does not require JQuery.
Simple dialog effects
The coder dodzhang21 made this Codepen. It is a modal dialog box with three different animation styles.
The code consists of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Draggable Translucent Modal
Jesse Couch produced another example of a modal window. What is special about this one, is that the viewer can drag the window around the screen.
Made with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Pop-up with blurred background animation
This example of a CSS modal box by Benjamin Dalton pops up and blurs the background at the same time. Click on the X in the top right corner to close the window and upon closing, the body refocuses.
These blurred background windows are very popular for donations and subscription offers. Besides that, there are many other applications possible.
ModalX Animated Modal
Christopher Bicudo made this modal box with animation. He used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to achieve this.
Push Modal Idea
This is a simple-looking window with animation. It gives a little bit of depth to a website.
Made by short with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Flat Modal Window
Dronca Raul made a flat modal window, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Modal Animation Physics
Tey Tag, a coder from New Jersey made this modal by playing with the keyframe and the transition physics.
Tey attempted to optimize the timing for the modal container, overlay, and content. The result is a seamless, working dialog box.
According to the maker, Super Mario 3D was an inspiration. The code consists of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
FAQs about CSS modals
1. What is a CSS modal and how does it differ from a regular web page?
A pop-up window that displays above the content of a web page is known as a CSS modal and is frequently used to display extra information or forms. It varies from a standard web page in that it frequently has a transparent or semi-transparent background and is typically smaller in size and overlays the page’s content.
2. How do I create a CSS modal window that pops up when a button is clicked?
You can use JavaScript or CSS to cause a window to open when a button is pressed to create a CSS modal window that does the same. Also, you must specify the styles for the modal window’s size, placement, and look.
3. What are the benefits of using CSS modals for displaying content or forms?
In addition to reducing space on the page, delivering a focused user experience, and making it simple to add animations or other visual effects, CSS modals provide several advantages for displaying content or forms. They also make it possible to have more control over how the presented text or form will look.
4. Can I customize the look and feel of a CSS modal to match my website’s design?
Yes, you may define your own styles for the modal window, including the font, color, and layout, to change the appearance and feel of a CSS modal to match the layout of your website. To make the modal window blend in with your website, you may also include your own photos or other visual components.
5. How do I ensure that the CSS modal is accessible and works on different devices?
You should use semantic HTML and offer alternate text for images as recommended online accessibility best practices to make sure the CSS modal is usable on many devices and is accessible. To ensure that your modal functions as intended, test it on a variety of gadgets and screen sizes.
6. Can I use CSS animations to make the modal window open and close more smoothly?
Indeed, you may apply a slide-in or fade-in effect, among other CSS animations, to make the modal window open and close more gracefully. This can make the modal window feel more smooth and natural, which can enhance the user experience.
7. How can I make a CSS modal responsive to different screen sizes?
You can use CSS media queries to create different styles for the modal window based on the screen size to make a CSS modal responsive to various screen sizes. To make a layout that adapts to various screen widths, you can also utilize CSS flexbox or grid.
8. Is it possible to use JavaScript to control the behavior of a CSS modal, such as adding validation or closing the window?
Yes, JavaScript can be used to control the actions of a CSS modal, such as validating form fields or hiding the window when a button is clicked. Event listeners can be used to monitor user interactions and launch the necessary function.
9. How can I add a background overlay to the CSS modal to darken the rest of the page?
You can use CSS to build a semi-transparent overlay element that resides behind the modal window to add a backdrop overlay to the CSS modal and darken the rest of the page. To achieve the required level of darkness, adjust the overlay element’s opacity.
10. Can I use CSS modals to display video or other media content?
The answer is yes, you can utilize CSS modals to display media content like video by embedding it within the modal window using JavaScript or HTML. To manage how the media material behaves inside the modal window, you might additionally need to define extra styles or scripts.
If you liked this article about CSS modals, you should check out this article about CSS animations on scroll.
There are also similar articles discussing CSS page transitions, CSS tooltips, slide menus, and CSS link hover effects.
And let’s not forget about articles on CSS hamburger menus, CSS range sliders, JavaScript menus, and CSS toggle switches.
