Cautionary Note About Lightbox Slides and Dialog Layers in Storyline

Last updated: 5/26/2025

While lightbox slides and dialog layers might be beneficial for certain situations, their unique properties may not be well-suited for other situations and may lead to unintended behavior and experiences. So, if you use them, make sure to test them thoroughly, including with specific focus on the conditions detailed below:

  • What happens when learners try to use various built-in keyboard shortcuts while one of these slides or layers is open? For example, does Ctrl + Alt + P control the base layer? Do Ctrl + Alt + Comma and Ctrl + Alt + Period result in predictable behavior?
  • If the slide or layer has audio, can it be controlled? Is there a risk learners may be unable to pause/stop it? Do attempts to pause/stop it using the Ctrl + Alt + P keyboard shortcut cause overlapping audio?
  • Can screen reader users and/or keyboard navigators access and engage with the base layer content and course player controls? Does this enhance the risk that screen reader users become disoriented as to where they are in the course at any given time and/or as to what they're reading and engaging with?
  • Can screen reader users easily and predictably read lightbox slide and/or dialog layer content?
  • Can screen reader users easily and predictably re-read lightbox slide and/or dialog layer content if they navigate out of and then back into those areas?