Popups and window methods

A popup window is one of the oldest methods to show additional document to user.

Basically, you just run:

…And it will open a new window with given URL. Most modern browsers are configured to open url in new tabs instead of separate windows.

Popups exist from really ancient times. The initial idea was to show another content without closing the main window. As of now, there are other ways to do that: we can load content dynamically with fetch and show it in a dynamically generated

Also, popups are tricky on mobile devices, that don’t show multiple windows simultaneously.

Still, there are tasks where popups are still used, e.g. for OAuth authorization (login with Google/Facebook/…), because:

1. A popup is a separate window which has its own independent JavaScript environment. So opening a popup from a third-party, non-trusted site is safe.
2. It’s very easy to open a popup.
3. A popup can navigate (change URL) and send messages to the opener window.

Popup blocking

In the past, evil sites abused popups a lot. A bad page could open tons of popup windows with ads. So now most browsers try to block popups and protect the user.

Most browsers block popups if they are called outside of user-triggered event handlers like onclick .

This way users are somewhat protected from unwanted popups, but the functionality is not disabled totally.

What if the popup opens from onclick , but after setTimeout ? That’s a bit tricky.

The popup opens in Chrome, but gets blocked in Firefox.

…If we decrease the delay, the popup works in Firefox too:

The difference is that Firefox treats a timeout of 2000ms or less are acceptable, but after it – removes the “trust”, assuming that now it’s “outside of the user action”. So the first one is blocked, and the second one is not.

window.open

The syntax to open a popup is: window.open(url, name, params) :

url An URL to load into the new window. name A name of the new window. Each window has a window.name , and here we can specify which window to use for the popup. If there’s already a window with such name – the given URL opens in it, otherwise a new window is opened. params The configuration string for the new window. It contains settings, delimited by a comma. There must be no spaces in params, for instance: width=200,height=100 .

Settings for params :

• Position:
  • left/top (numeric) – coordinates of the window top-left corner on the screen. There is a limitation: a new window cannot be positioned offscreen.
  • width/height (numeric) – width and height of a new window. There is a limit on minimal width/height, so it’s impossible to create an invisible window.
• Window features:
  • menubar (yes/no) – shows or hides the browser menu on the new window.
  • toolbar (yes/no) – shows or hides the browser navigation bar (back, forward, reload etc) on the new window.
  • location (yes/no) – shows or hides the URL field in the new window. FF and IE don’t allow to hide it by default.
  • status (yes/no) – shows or hides the status bar. Again, most browsers force it to show.
  • resizable (yes/no) – allows to disable the resize for the new window. Not recommended.
  • scrollbars (yes/no) – allows to disable the scrollbars for the new window. Not recommended.

There is also a number of less supported browser-specific features, which are usually not used. Check window.open in MDN for examples.

Example: a minimalistic window

Let’s open a window with minimal set of features, just to see which of them browser allows to disable:

Here most “window features” are disabled and window is positioned offscreen. Run it and see what really happens. Most browsers “fix” odd things like zero width/height and offscreen left/top . For instance, Chrome open such a window with full width/height, so that it occupies the full screen.

Let’s add normal positioning options and reasonable width , height , left , top coordinates:

Most browsers show the example above as required.

Rules for omitted settings:

• If there is no 3rd argument in the open call, or it is empty, then the default window parameters are used.
• If there is a string of params, but some yes/no features are omitted, then the omitted features assumed to have no value. So if you specify params, make sure you explicitly set all required features to yes.
• If there is no left/top in params, then the browser tries to open a new window near the last opened window.
• If there is no width/height , then the new window will be the same size as the last opened.

Accessing popup from window

The open call returns a reference to the new window. It can be used to manipulate it’s properties, change location and even more.

In this example, we generate popup content from JavaScript:

And here we modify the contents after loading:

Please note: immediately after window.open , the new window isn’t loaded yet. That’s demonstrated by alert in line (*) . So we wait for onload to modify it. We could also use DOMContentLoaded handler for newWin.document .

Windows may freely access content of each other only if they come from the same origin (the same protocol://domain:port).

Otherwise, e.g. if the main window is from site.com , and the popup from gmail.com , that’s impossible for user safety reasons. For the details, see chapter Cross-window communication.

Accessing window from popup

A popup may access the “opener” window as well using window.opener reference. It is null for all windows except popups.

If you run the code below, it replaces the opener (current) window content with “Test”:

let newWin = window.open(«about:blank», «hello», «width=200,height=200»); newWin.document.write( «

Comments

• If you have suggestions what to improve — please submit a GitHub issue or a pull request instead of commenting.
• If you can’t understand something in the article – please elaborate.
• To insert few words of code, use the tag, for several lines – wrap them in

tag, for more than 10 lines – use a sandbox (plnkr, jsbin, codepen…)

3 Ways to Keep a Window Always on Top on Windows 10

When you are working in Windows with limited screen space, it’s useful to have certain windows stay on top of others. Some programs in Windows automatically incorporate this “always on top” feature, but most programs don’t, and Windows doesn’t include this feature either.

Today we’ll cover three ways to easily add the “always on top” feature to every single program in Windows.

1. Use a Keyboard Shortcut with an Always on Top AutoHotkey Script

AutoHotkey is a free program that allows you to create scripts to perform multiple actions with a single keyboard shortcut. It runs in the background and sits in the system tray.

We’re going to use AutoHotkey to create a script that will keep a selected window on top of all others when you press Ctrl + Spacebar when that window is active. We’ll show you the script and explain how it works. But we’ll also provide a downloadable AutoHotkey script file you can use.

Download and install AutoHotkey and then run it.

Download the AlwaysOnTop.ahk script file, extract the .zip file, and put the script in a folder on your hard drive that won’t be moved or deleted.

The script contains some comments and then the following command:

This command sets the currently active window to always be on top when you press Ctrl + Spacebar. If you’d rather use a different key combination, you can change the first part of the command, “^SPACE“. The “^” character represents the Ctrl key. You’ll find the symbols to use for other hotkeys in the Hotkey Modifier Symbols section on this AutoHotkey help page.

You can put the script in the Windows startup folder (%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup), so it starts automatically when Windows starts.

The AutoHotkey script stays in the system tray.

To make the active window always on top, press Ctrl + Spacebar (or the keyboard shortcut you assigned). Press the keyboard shortcut again to disable “always on top” for the active window.

For script options, right-click on the AutoHotkey icon in the system tray.

2. Use Your Mouse with DeskPins

DeskPins provides pins you can grab and use to keep any window on top of all other windows. The program sits in the system tray and uses minimal resources.

Download and install DeskPins. Run the program, right-click the icon in the system tray, and select Options to change the Pins, Autopin, and Hotkeys settings.

On the Pins tab, you can change the color of the pins. The Tracking rate controls how often each pin checks the pinned window’s position and state. Lower values make the pins more responsive. You can enter any number from 10 to 1000 msec (milliseonds).

If you have an older computer, you may want to increase the Tracking rate number to avoid slowing down your computer.

You can also choose Single click or Double click under Tray Icon Activation to indicate how you get pins from the DeskPins system tray icon. The default is Single click.

You can have DeskPins automatically pin certain types of windows using rules on the Autopin tab.

Check the Enable box and then click Add to add a new rule. Use the check boxes next to the rules to enable and disable individual rules.

Click Help to access the DeskPins help file for more information about automatically pinning windows.

DeskPins provides default shortcuts for entering pin mode and toggling the active window pin. You can change these shortcuts on the Hotkeys tab.

To pin a window on top, click (or double-click, depending on the setting) the DeskPins icon in the system tray.

Then, click the title bar on the window you want to keep always on top.

A pin displays on the title bar of the chosen window in the color you specified, or in the default color red.

Click the pin again to disable always on top for the window.

3. Use a System Tray Menu with TurboTop

TurboTop also sits in your system tray like DeskPins. But it operates differently.

Download and install TurboTop. Then, run the program.

To keep a window always on top, click the TurboTop icon in the system tray. A list of all open windows displays. Select the title of the window you want.

Any windows you choose to be always on top are indicated with a check mark on the TurboTop menu.

To stop keeping a window always on top, click the TurboTop icon in the system tray and select that window again, so there’s no check mark next to the window name on the menu.

Bring the Always-on-Top Feature to All Windows

Whether you like using keyboard shortcuts or prefer using the mouse, there’s an easy solution for keeping windows always on top. If you’ve found other options for keeping windows always on top, let us know in the comments.

Which type of window do I need?

Single Hung Windows

Avg. Cost: $170-$360/window

Single Hung Windows are one of the most common window types, a single hung window offers a bottom window sash that is able to be opened in an up and down motion.

Get Local Pricing

Double Hung Windows

Avg. Cost: $450-$600/window

Double hung windows are the most common type of window homeowners install. It is very similar in looks to a single hung window, except both the bottom and top window sash are operable to make for better air flow and ability to easily clean.

Get Local Pricing

Arched Windows

Avg. Cost: $325-$500/window

An arched window is a beautiful rounded top window that is often added to other window types for added design and aesthetics.

Get Local Pricing

Awning Windows

Avg. Cost: $420-$760/window

An awning window opens by being pushed outward from the bottom. They are perfect for rainy days and allow for the window to be open for air circulation without letting water into the home.

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Bay Windows

Avg. Cost: $1,150-$3,550/window

Bay windows are a beautiful addition to living room or kitchens offering a beautiful view to your outside area. A bay window is usually built with a middle large picture window and then two angled side windows.

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Bow Windows

Avg. Cost: $1,400-$3,800/window

Bow windows are very similar to a bay window installation, it utilizes multiple windows of your choice to create a circular curve on the outside of the home and giving you extended views of your front or backyard area.

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Casement Windows

Avg. Cost: $270-$750/window

Casement windows are a very popular replacement window type. They are often a single pane of glass that can be cranked open and out from the side. Many homeowners put double casement windows next to each other opening up on each side.

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Egress Windows

Avg. Cost: $1,000-$5,000/window

Egress windows are often required in many states as an escape route from a basement area of a home. They must be a certain size, so that it creates an easy exit in case of an emergency.

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Garden Windows

Avg. Cost: $1,000-$4,000/window

Garden windows are designed as mini protruding windows that act as shelves that can house plants and flowers so that they can be seen from the outside all while getting sunlight while inside the home.

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Glass Block Windows

Avg. Cost: $365-$785/window

Glass block windows are often popular for as replacement windows for bathrooms or basements. They are perfect for rooms that need light, but also offer a little more privacy as they are not transparent and often can be frosted.

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Hopper Windows

Avg. Cost: $265-$720/window

Hopper windows are a great window for any room with limited wall space for a new window. They are known for providing quality insulation while allowing light into a room. They open from the top and fold inward into the home.

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Jalousie Windows

Avg. Cost: $175-$375/window

Jalousie windows are often popular in coastal areas and are great for allowing in a nice breeze on a cool day. These windows have slats of metal or glass that can be opened or closed from the inside.

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Picture Windows

Avg. Cost: $245-$850/window

Picture windows are beautiful often large single pane windows that can make any living space brighter and make the room seem larger. They are fixed windows that cannot be opened, but are often paired with other windows for design and flexible functionality.

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Round Circle Windows

Avg. Cost: $250-$750/window

Circle or rounded windows can bring a unique aesthetic to any room. They can come in half round, oval, or elliptical styles.

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Skylight Windows

Avg. Cost: $900-$2,130/window

If you have limited wall space for installing windows for natural light, skylights are often a great choice. Skylight windows are installed directly into the ceiling and offer natural lighting all day.

Get Local Pricing

Sliding Windows

Avg. Cost: $320-$1,300/window

Sliding windows are a great option for elongated wall space. They have two window sashes that slide horizontally across each other when opening and closing. They also can make a small room look larger in some cases.

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Storm Windows

Avg. Cost: $200-$460/window

Storm windows are a type of window that you can often install on your own. They are popular in areas with heavy storms and coastal regions prone to hurricanes. They give your current window a little added protection and are much more affordable to replace.

Get Local Pricing

Transom Windows

Avg. Cost: $200-$575/window

Transom windows are a type of accent window that are often paired with a beautiful front door entrance. They can also be used to accentuate other window types and create unique designs by being installed around them.

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Replacement Window Types

When you are looking for new home windows, there are tons of replacement options to fit any home style or budget. Each window type serves a different purpose and there are many different windows to choose from. Here you can find a list of 18 window styles, their average costs to install, pictures of each, and a little bit of information to help you decide which new home windows you would like to install in your home. You may also be interested in researching some of the best window brands to choose from as well as the average installation costs for new windows.

Here is a list of the top replacement window types and the different benefits of each:

1. Single Hung Windows

The major difference between a single hung window and a double hung window is how the different types of window sections move. A single hung window usually costs in between $170 to $360 per window. With single hung windows, the bottom window panel or lower sash moves up and down, and the upper sash remains stationary. This means that when you open the window, the upper sash is covered on the inside. Find more details about single-hung windows here.

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2. Double Hung Windows

A double-hung window is similar to a single hung window however both the lower sash as well as the upper sash can move up and down and usually tilt out for easy cleaning and maintenance in this common window type. A double–hung vinyl window will cost between $450 to $600. A double hung wood windows would be a more expensive option. Double hung windows are one of the most common replacement windows that homeowners install.

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3. Arched Windows

Arched windows have rounded tops that add an architectural design to any home. The average cost for arched window installation is around $325 to $500 per window. Most arched windows do not open or close and are often installed above standard windows that provide ventilation. Some arched windows can open the same way a casement window does.

4. Awning Windows

Awning windows are ideal for climates with a lot of rain, thanks to the way the window creates a water-resistant awning when opened. A replacement awning window costs between $420 to $760 per window for installation.

5. Bay Windows

Bay windows protrude from an exterior wall and create a small shelf in the home. Bay windows rely on flat windows set into an angled frame that are built out of the home. A bay window costs more to install as it is a larger window that requires a skilled installer. The average cost to install a bay window could be anywhere from $1,150 to $3,550. This usually consists of a center window, from which two side windows are angled at 30 to 40 degrees.

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6. Bow Windows

Bow windows rely on custom curved windows that create a circular area along the outside of the home. Depending on the amount of window panels you want to use to create the curved bow window, a bow window can sometimes run more expensive than a full bay window. A large bow window installation would cost around $1,400 to $3800.

7. Casement Windows

Casement windows swing out to the side or up to open. This allows the window to be constructed of solid glass and offers a less obstructed view overall. New casement windows cost anywhere from $270 to $750 per window installation. A casement window usually comes with one casement window pane on the left and one on the right as seen in the photo below.

8. Egress Windows

Egress windows are designed for safety more than anything else. These types of windows provide an escape route when an emergency such as a fire, for example, prevents you from exiting through a door. Egress windows are typically installed in the basement of your home. Some counties require you to install an egress window in your home for safety laws. An egress window may require an area to be excavated in order to install properly, so egress window installation costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your home.

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9. Garden Windows

Garden windows cost around $1,000 to $4,000 to install. Garden windows are essentially mini bay windows that are meant for plants. They’ve earned their name because they act like tiny little greenhouses that protrude from the inside of your home.

10. Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows are most often considered accents and added to a section of the home to increase light flow. Glass block window costs will vary for installation from $365 to $785. Most commonly, glass block window types are frosted or adorned with a patterned design, which provides simultaneous light and privacy. They are ideal for use in bathrooms, basements, and other private spaces.

11. Hopper Windows

Hopper windows open from the top and usually crank open to tip down. They make efficient use of compact spaces, which is why they’re commonly found in basements or bathroom. Hopper windows cost to install can range from $265 to $720 per hopper window. They’re also known for providing excellent insulation, because they seal up against the frame when closed all the way.

12. Jalousie Windows

Jalousie windows are a unique window style that splits into many different slats of metal or glass. The windows open like a set of blinds. Simply crank the lever and the slats tilt to the side, which creates a series of gaps for air to flow through. Jalousie window can cost anywhere from $175 to $375 to replace.

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13. Picture Windows

Whether the view outside your home is a lush green backyard or a mountain range, the best way to fully enjoy your view is with beautiful large picture windows. Picture windows are fixed windows that can not be opened. Picture windows will cost from $245 to $850 depending on size. Picture windows are large window types that don’t have any breaks or visible frames, resulting in an unobstructed beautiful view.

14. Round Circle Windows

Round, half round, elliptical, or oval—the round circle windows category encompasses many different shapes that add architectural interest to your home. In particular, round windows give your space a nod to historical decor, such as Victorian or Gothic era structures. Circle windows cost anywhere from $250 to $750.

15. Skylight Windows

Skylight window installation costs anywhere from $900 to $2,130 for total installation. If you want to add more natural light to your home but have limited options with your exterior walls, a skylight window is an excellent window style option. It’s essentially a window for your roof, and it installs similarly to a roof vent.

16. Sliding Windows

Sliding windows have two sections that are usually made from single windows, and one of the sections slides horizontally overtop of the other to open or close. A sliding window installation costs $320 to $1,300 since they come in large sizes.

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17. Storm Windows

Storm windows are exterior windows that install right in the same frame as your current windows. Storm windows add another layer of blocking out drafts and heat loss perfect for when cold weather rolls in. Storm windows are also perfect for areas who often get inclement weather. Exterior storm windows installation costs can range from $200 to $460 and are popular in coastal areas.

18. Transom Windows

Transom windows are decorative accent window types that help break up space or add a unique design focal point. A transom window is the decorative windows that you see installed above doors in upscale homes, or even above other windows in some instances. Installing transom windows cost $200 to $575 and make for a beautiful home accent. They’re typically a semicircle shape, but they can be square or rectangular as well.

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Custom Windows

When you have a space that you want to fill and standard types of windows aren’t meeting your needs, you can go with a custom window instead. Custom windows are crafted from dimensions that you or a professional measures in your home.

Some window replacement costs can be negotiated with bigger projects or discounted with specials being run in your area by window installers. Use our local window cost calculator to break down your exact project estimate by window type and have a guide to make sure you are getting the best price in your area. If you are unsure about the specific window types you want to install, it may be more beneficial to speak directly to local contractors and get free estimates with Modernize.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are around 18 different window types you can have installed or replaced in your home all with different styles, window frame options, energy efficiency ratings, and glass options. See pictures and installation costs through the link above. The most common window types installed in homes are:

• Double Hung Windows (two window sashes, opens vertically)
• Casement Windows (rectangular windows that open outwards with a handle)
• Picture Windows ( large fixed square windows that don’t open, great for views)
• Bay Windows ( multi-window style that protrudes from the home and can include a seating area)

Each window type has a benefit or style that homeowners will want to review to see which one fits within their budget and correlates with their home design.

Some window replacement costs can be negotiated with bigger projects or discounted with specials being run in your area by window installers. Use our local window cost calculator to break down your exact project estimate by window type and have a guide to make sure you are getting the best price in your area.

If you are unsure about the specific window types you want to install, it may be more beneficial to speak directly to local contractors and get free estimates with Modernize.