Drawer Modal

A full width modal using the <dialog> element. Stretching the width of the viewport, useful for larger pieces of UI or content.

Notes:

A few things to note when using the <dialog> element.

  • window.#id.showModal()should be used to open the <dialog>. window.#id.open() can be used, however this comes with reduced accessibility and functionality. It's good to be aware of what each of these techniques to open the <dialog> does and to factor in any additional development for loss of functionality.
  • Using the <dialog> element, means there is no 'click outside' (or the backdrop) to close the modal. However a user can still use the Esc key to close the <dialog>.
  • The <dialog> element has an autofocus feature, which focuses the first selectable element when opening the modal. If content is scrollable and the first selectable element is at the bottom of the content it will focus and auto scroll to the bottom. This won't be desirable behaviour for this context, so have a plan to manage this. A good way to do it, is to autofocus a close button at the top so that when the modal opens, it does not automatically scroll to the bottom.
  • Close the <dialog> element by submitting a form within the dialog (for pages that are not surrounded by a master form element), with <button formmethod="dialog">Cancel</button>. Use onclick="window.#id.close()" to close the element when not using a form inside the <dialog>.
  • Ensure that developers know what happens when a required input is used and how it affects closing the <dialog> element.
  • Whilst the <dialog> renders all other page elements inert, it does not stop page scrolling.

Basic Example

A full width drawer for larger pieces of UI and content.

Title

Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador. The negotiations never took place. It's urgent that we make contact with the republic. They've knocked out all our communications.

Drawer Modals

Align the drawer either top or bottom of the viewport.

Title

Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador. The negotiations never took place. It's urgent that we make contact with the republic. They've knocked out all our communications.

Close

Add a close button inside the modal "body".

Title

Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador. The negotiations never took place. It's urgent that we make contact with the republic. They've knocked out all our communications.


Support:

Support for the dialog element.

Data on support for the dialog feature across the major browsers from caniuse.com