Create dialog box within page

March 17, 2008 8:06 AM

How do I create a pop-up dialog box within a webpage that opens within the same page?

I would provide more information, but I haven't been able to determine what this is called, therefore it's hard to search for.
I would like to create a link (or image) that, when moused-over, the item zooms into an expanded window. I found this but I'd like it to essentially create a dialog box within the site. I don't know if it helps to say that buy.com *used* to have this, and I've seen it on many sites that open a survey window or the like.
I'd simply appreciate a pointer as to what this is called.
Thanks!

posted by mcarthey to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

Best answer: What you describe sounds like a lightbox, but what you linked to looks more like an accordion-style menu.

jQuery makes either pretty easy. Poke around at the examples and plugins and maybe you'll find something you like.
posted by Plug Dub In at 8:12 AM on March 17, 2008

Response by poster: I'm sorry, I should have been more specific in saying that I am *not* looking for the results in the link that I provided. The lightbox is precisely what I was looking for, though! I will check out jQuery, as well.
Thanks much!
posted by mcarthey at 8:29 AM on March 17, 2008

The IBM site uses some Javascript for its login dialog that doesn't blank out the background like lightbox does, if you want to compare alternative implementations to mix-and-match features. They use a nice alpha-channel PNG dropshadow to create dimensionality.

Just go to the IBM home page and click the "IBM sign in" link in the top-right of the page.
posted by dammitjim at 1:51 PM on March 17, 2008

Oh, and it's sometimes called a "popup layer".
posted by dammitjim at 1:52 PM on March 17, 2008