A lightbox effect is a graphical user interface design pattern that overlays content on top of the current page, usually in response to user interaction such as clicking on an image or a button. The overlayed content typically takes up most of the screen space and the background is usually darkened to emphasize the content and to prevent users from interacting with other elements on the page.
In web design, the lightbox effect is used to display larger versions of images, videos, or other multimedia content, without taking the user away from the current page. It’s also used to display modal dialogues, forms, or other types of content that require the user’s attention. By using a lightbox, designers can create a more engaging and immersive user experience and provide a way to display content in a way that’s not possible within the normal layout of the page. Lightbox effects are also useful for improving the accessibility of the site, as they allow users to easily close the overlayed content and return to the previous state of the page.