One click on a thumbnail, and the photo opens large over the page: that's a lightbox. It plays a big part in how your images come across – simple and fast, or with zoom, swipe gestures and full screen. In PlaCeMS, you choose the style that suits each gallery.
The Four Styles
Standard CSS
The standard lightbox is already built into the Gallery module. It works entirely without JavaScript, which makes it the lightest and fastest style. Ideal when it should simply look good and load instantly. Example: Vietnam's Nature.
CSS-Pro
CSS-Pro is the extended CSS style: more design, but also without a JavaScript library. As fast as the standard lightbox, with its own, more elaborate look. Example: Thailand.
PhotoSwipe
PhotoSwipe is a proven open-source lightbox built for phones and tablets. Images can be swiped and pinch-zoomed, just like in a photo app. Example: The Philippines.
LightGallery
LightGallery is the most feature-rich style: with zoom, a thumbnail strip and full-screen mode. Great for large galleries that visitors like to browse through. Example: Switzerland.
At a Glance
| Style | JavaScript | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Standard CSS | no | lightest, already built in |
| CSS-Pro | no | more design, still very fast |
| PhotoSwipe | yes | swiping and zooming on phones and tablets |
| LightGallery | yes | zoom, thumbnail strip, full screen |
Only Install What You Use
CSS-Pro, PhotoSwipe and LightGallery are separate modules. You only install the styles you actually want to use, and each one has its own settings. You choose which lightbox a gallery uses right in the gallery itself, so every gallery can look different if you like.
Everything on Your Server
PhotoSwipe and LightGallery aren't loaded from third-party servers either. All files live on your own web space. That's fast, independent and good for privacy: opening an image sends no data to anyone else.