JavaScript library to create div-style window within page

Question

Im trying to find out a good JavaScript library that can create a nice "inner-window" popup within a page on my site.

I would like to not have to worry about screen positioning (i.e. dont have to calcuate if the size of the window will be off screen, etc...), but just make a new pop-up that has content in it.

I'll be using .NET 3.5 ASP.NET (maybe MVC, havent started yet), I know JQuery has great support, but from what I have seen, it doesnt have this type of widget feature.

Please note, I do not want to use "frames" in any way, shape, or form! But rather the floating div style approach (or similar).

Thanks heaps! Mark

Answer 1

Floating containers, panels and dialogs:

For dialog boxes and windows, perhaps a YUI module would be a good solution.

Modal Boxes

If you aren't a javascript programmer, and you're interested in a more-elaborate modal box, there are jQuery plugins offering the modal lightbox effect.

Sidenote: There are many libraries offering this kind of functionality, but if the box itself is the only piece you need, keep in consideration that some libraries will include many things you aren't using. If you're careful to use only the packages you need, you can keep your page nice and lean.

Sidenote: If you're fairly well-versed with javascript, or wish to become so, remember that you can always write your own. It's common for people in the javascript world to turn straight to libraries. Libraries are an important part of the modern javascript landscape, but sometimes they become a crutch for developers. Writing a few front-end pieces yourself is a great way to dive into front-end development.

Answer 2

I have used one called iBox and it has worked well.

If you are already using jQuery then you might want to check out these two options.

Answer 3

Have you looked at the Dialog widget for JQuery?

http://docs.jquery.com/UI/Dialog

Demo at the bottom. Don't worry about the ugly (IMHO) colours, they can be styled easily enough.

Answer 4

Thanks for the help so far, I have just taken a look at light box, and although very nice, I was hoping for a non-page-blocking library, these all seem to (at a first glace) grey-out the rest of the page, I was hoping for less of this, and more just an inline content based window that does not block the rest of the page.

Answer 5

Check Control.Window it's based on Prototype.