Difference from RadWindow
What is the difference between RadLightBox and RadWindow, which at first glance will fit better to your project?
Differences between the two controls
Specifics | RadLightBox | RadWindow |
---|---|---|
Type of Content Supported | Yes | Yes |
Previous/Next navigation | Yes | No |
Keyboard Navigation | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Size Adjustment Depending on the Content | Yes | Yes |
Manual Resizing Functionality | No | Yes |
Automatic Close When Clicking Outside of the Control Area | Yes | No |
Templates | Works best in a simple cases like showing a collection of items. | A generic INamingContainer or entire web page. Works in different scenarios where controls like RadGrid, RadEditor need to be embedded. |
Modal and Non-Modal States | Yes | Yes |
Server Side Data Binding | Yes | Not a databound control, but a generic container control |
Client-side Data Binding | Yes | Not a databound control, but a generic container control |
Populating with Content via Items Collection | Yes | Not a databound control, but a generic container control |
Built-in Paging | Yes | No |
Animations for Loading | Yes | Yes |
Animations for Resize, Previous and Next, Showand Hide ** | Several | Yes, a few |
Auto Resize Animation* | Several | Yes, can be turned off |
Ability to Move the Popup | Stays static in the middle of the screen | Can be moved around the screen |
Control Over the Size and Position of the Popup | Allows setting a width and height for the different items or on the control itself. | Allows you to set width, height, position, min/max width, min/max height of the container. |
Rich Client-side API for Maximum Flexibility | Yes | Yes |
Visual Studio Integration and Design-time Support | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Skins | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Support | Yes | Yes |
Cross-browser Support | Yes | Yes |
* RadLightBox provides a two type of animation, Resize and Fade whereas RadWindow has only a Resize one.
** RadLightBox allows you to choose between different animations for the different actions. For instance, you could choose a Fade animation when closing the LightBox and set Resize animation when opening it. RadWindow does not support this and the animation is the same for each action.
Ideal scenario to use a LightBox is when you need to display an image galleries or some simple case, which includes using of ASP.NET controls. The lightweight design is suitable for such scenarios no matter the number of the displayed items.
On the other hand, preferred usage of RadWindow is in cases where controls like RadGrid, RadTreeList and the like have to be embedded in it. Another advantage of RadWindow control is the ability to move, while the RadLightBox stays static in the middle of the screen.