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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

SpecificsRadLightBoxRadWindow
Type of Content SupportedYesYes
Previous/Next navigationYesNo
Keyboard NavigationYesYes
Automatic Size Adjustment Depending on the ContentYesYes
Manual Resizing FunctionalityNoYes
Automatic Close When Clicking Outside of the Control AreaYesNo
TemplatesWorks 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 StatesYesYes
Server Side Data BindingYesNot a databound control, but a generic container control
Client-side Data BindingYesNot a databound control, but a generic container control
Populating with Content via Items CollectionYesNot a databound control, but a generic container control
Built-in PagingYesNo
Animations for LoadingYesYes
Animations for Resize, Previous and Next, Showand Hide **SeveralYes, a few
Auto Resize Animation*SeveralYes, can be turned off
Ability to Move the PopupStays static in the middle of the screenCan be moved around the screen
Control Over the Size and Position of the PopupAllows 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 FlexibilityYesYes
Visual Studio Integration and Design-time SupportYesYes
Built-in SkinsYesYes
Mobile SupportYesYes
Cross-browser SupportYesYes

* 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.