what is a modal in web design

A modal is an element in web design that displays in front of and deactivates other page content. It is a type of window that requires users to engage with it by completing an action or closing it before returning to the main content. Modals can be used for various purposes, such as directing users attention to an important action or piece of information on a website or application. They can also help preserve page space by displaying featured media, like images or videos, in a lightbox. Modals are polarizing among designers and users alike, with some finding value in their ability to quickly bring attention to something essential, while others regard them as an unwelcome interruption to the user experience. Modals can take many forms, including contact forms, email signups, brief surveys, and security checks. Modal windows are often confused with popups, but they are different in that modals introduce a secondary "mode" or user interface to the web page on which it appears, while popups are separate browser windows that open on top of the current window.