Modal vs Non-Modal [duplicate]

1. What is the difference between modal and non-modal?
2. What is non-modal?
3. What is a non-modal window?
4. What can I use instead of a modal?

What is the difference between modal and non-modal?

The main difference lies in the way you can interact with each screen. While a Non-Modal Screen allows users to simply go back to the parent screen, the Modal Screen requires users to complete an action before returning to the main window (“save” in our example) or cancel the current action.

What is non-modal?

Not mode oriented. A non-modal function moves from one task to another without switching between official or apparent modes of operation.

What is a non-modal window?

In contrast, nonmodal (or modeless) dialogs and windows do not disable the main content: showing the dialog box doesn't change the functionality of the user interface. The user can continue interacting with the main content (and perhaps even move the window, minimize it, etc.) while the dialog is open.

What can I use instead of a modal?

If a modal isn't right, but shifting screens is less than ideal, there are alternatives like slides, accordions, expanding panes, or enhanced tooltips.