Modeless dialog boxes may be used to allow users to change their documents, perform actions with data, or get information about files. Modeless dialog boxes allow users to repeat an action as many times as necessary while the dialog box remains open. This feature is useful for tasks such as finding and replacing text in a word processor or numbers in a spreadsheet. Figure 3-9 shows a modeless dialog box. If the user activates a window behind an open modeless dialog box, the selected window appears in front of the dialog box.
Users can relocate modeless dialog boxes to make other windows more visible.
Unlike modal dialogs, modeless dialog boxes may also be left open when not in use, so they are easily available when needed. This option might be useful if a user wants to compare information about several documents, which is possible with Get Info windows in the Finder. Figure 3-10 shows two such windows open simultaneously. When an application displays a modeless dialog box, it should preset any controls to appropriate default values. Inc. All rights reserved.