Forum Discussion
Lightbox vs Dialog layer vs Layer Layer
So I get this: https://articulate.com/support/article/Storyline-360-Dialog-Layers
And I get this: https://articulate.com/support/article/How-to-Create-Lightboxes-in-Articulate-Storyline-360 and/or https://community.articulate.com/articles/all-about-lightboxes-in-storyline-360
And a lightbox is a SLIDE. And a dialog layer is a LAYER.
So I guess I'm more confused about the need for (or function of) a "dialog" layer? Isn't it just a slide layer with a pre-added, covered/colored background of the layer? (that you can customize in certain ways as explained in the Customizing the Layer Background Color SECTION of Storyline 360: Dialog Layers ). And, that the dialog layer's background is the entire player.
It seems like functionally, you still need a trigger to Show (Dialog) Layer somehow, and still need a way to close (triggering a ) "Hide Layer".
Am I missing anything else? I feel like I'm missing something. What am I missing? Is there another discussion thread that talks about this? Or an article? Or even a training.articulate.com somewhere.
(I can't believe I was a Beta Tester for Storyline 2, and I can't figure this out! 😟)
-Raph
You're right that a Dialog layer is a lot like a Lightbox slide. You need triggers to open and close it. When it's open, the user can't interact with the rest of the Player.
Differences:
- A Lightbox puts a reduced-size version of the lightboxed slide over the center of the entire Player area. A Dialog layer is full-size content that stays within the slide dimensions.
- You have some options to customize how a Dialog layer covers the rest of the Player. (https://articulate.com/support/article/Storyline-360-Dialog-Layers#background-color ). You can't customize how a Lightbox covers the rest of the Player.
The Dialog (modal) option was added to layers to improve accessibility. When a Dialog layer is open, the program only focuses on the objects in that layer. (The article connected to the first link in your post has more info about this.)
Which to use when? Short answer: It depends.
Here are some considerations/suggestions:
- Use a layer for content directly related to a given slide.
- Use a Lightbox for content that applies across multiple slides when the user doesn't need to see the content on the slide below it. For example, I sometimes lightbox a custom Resources slide and provide access via a Player tab. (Here's more about that: TIP: Create Custom Player Tabs for Your Resources, Glossary, and More - Articulate Storyline Discussions - E-Learning Heroes)
- Use a layer on the Master Slide for content that applies across multiple slides when the content needs to appear in a specific position within the slide dimensions. (Here's more about that: Multi-layered dialog slide navigation - Articulate Storyline Discussions - E-Learning Heroes)
Hi Judy. I am working on a storyline file that a coworker had previously worked on. It says I have dialog layers when I try to go back to the classic player. But i can't locate any dialog layers. In fact, it doesnt have any added layers other than the base. Any tips on quickly finding dialog layers in a project or changing them all to regular layers? Thanks!
The Feedback Masters might use dialog layers. Even if a given master layout isn't used, it would still part of the file.
Delete the Modern Feedback Master, and you should be able to revert to the Classic Player.
You are right! they are in the feedback masters. thanks so much!
