When to use a Modal vs. when to use a Pane

At Neeto, we use both Modals and Panes to present secondary content. While they may seem interchangeable, each serves a distinct purpose. Choosing the right one ensures a smooth and intuitive experience for users.

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Modal vs. Pane

What’s the Difference?

  • Appears centered on the screen

  • Commands immediate attention

  • Ideal for focused tasks or critical interactions

Pane

  • Slides in from the right

  • Feels less intrusive

  • Best for extended workflows

Use a Modal when:

  • Confirmations (e.g., "Delete theme?")

  • Critical decisions (e.g., irreversible actions)

💡 Keep modals concise. Avoid using them for complex forms or lengthy content.


Use a Pane when:

  • Viewing or editing detailed information

  • Multi-step or longer forms

  • Configuration workflows

💡 Panes obscure the background but support workflows that are non-disruptive and often vertically longer than modals.

Still unsure?

Ask yourself:

Question

If yes, use a...

Is the user making a quick decision or confirming an action?

✅ Modal

Does the task require reference to the current screen or content?

✅ Pane

Will the content grow vertically or contain multiple steps?

✅ Pane

Is this a destructive or critical action?

✅ Modal

Is it part of a secondary workflow that should not feel like a full page?

✅ Pane