Overlay
An overlay
is simply an element that is rendered over the main content of the UI and is generally a temporary addition to the page. Popups
, modals
, drawers
, and bottom sheets
are all different kinds of overlays
.
Popup
A popup
is an overlay that does not block interactions with the main content. Toasts
and snackbars
are examples of popups
.
Modal
A modal
is an overlay that does block interactions with the main content until the modal
has been closed. Important actions or information that cannot be ignored can be shown in a modal
. Examples are a login form and a delete confirmation alert or any other alert.
Layover
A layover
, sometimes just called overlay
, is a type of overlay
that adds a partly transparent layer on top of the UI. Its goal is to draw attention to certain parts of the UI by obscuring the rest. Layovers
are often used in combination with modals
or when showing pictures or other content in a lightbox
.
Drawer
A drawer
is simply an overlay
that enters the page from the side (left or right).
Top/bottom sheet
A top sheet
is an overlay that enters the page from the top. A bottom sheet
is an overlay that enters the page from the bottom.