Peek Overlay
Use a peek overlay when a collection item needs a short preview but the original source list should remain visible underneath it.
Live example
Try the interaction before reading the recipe.
real component · keyboard-safe
Purpose
Use a peek overlay when a collection item needs a short preview but the original source list should remain visible underneath it.
Interaction anatomy
- A source item opens one shared preview surface.
- The overlay keeps the source label and a clear close path.
- Mobile can let the same surface settle into the local flow.
Good for
Short project summaries, release notes and compact media context.
Avoid
Long reading content, independent multi-pane workflows or content that needs a permanent sibling panel.
Live example
Choose Project brief or Release notes to preview the source without changing collection context.
Usage
<PeekOverlay />Tune
Keep preview content short, reuse one surface, clamp its placement and keep the source item visually connected.
Accessibility and reduced motion
Use labelled buttons with expanded state, a labelled preview region, Escape and an explicit close action. Touch must open by tap. Reduced motion swaps content without relying on a travel animation.
Source: packages/skills/overlays/peek-overlay.md