UI

A modal is a window that pops up on top of the page and blocks interaction with everything else until it’s dismissed. It’s used when you need the user’s full attention, like confirming a destructive action, filling out a short form, or showing an error that has to be acknowledged.

Because a modal interrupts whatever the user was doing, it’s worth using sparingly. Overusing modals trains people to dismiss them without reading.

Toast

A toast is a small message that pops up on screen to confirm something happened, like “Saved” or “Link copied.” It usually appears briefly, often in a corner of the screen, then disappears on its own without needing user interaction.

Unlike a modal, a toast doesn’t block the rest of the page or require a response. It’s meant to be noticed, not dwelt on.