---
title: Use Native Modals Over JS-Based Bottom Sheets
impact: HIGH
impactDescription: native performance, gestures, accessibility
tags: modals, bottom-sheet, native, react-navigation
---

## Use Native Modals Over JS-Based Bottom Sheets

Use native `<Modal>` with `presentationStyle="formSheet"` or React Navigation
v7's native form sheet instead of JS-based bottom sheet libraries. Native modals
have built-in gestures, accessibility, and better performance. Rely on native UI
for low-level primitives.

**Incorrect (JS-based bottom sheet):**

```tsx
import BottomSheet from 'custom-js-bottom-sheet'

function MyScreen() {
  const sheetRef = useRef<BottomSheet>(null)

  return (
    <View style={{ flex: 1 }}>
      <Button onPress={() => sheetRef.current?.expand()} title='Open' />
      <BottomSheet ref={sheetRef} snapPoints={['50%', '90%']}>
        <View>
          <Text>Sheet content</Text>
        </View>
      </BottomSheet>
    </View>
  )
}
```

**Correct (native Modal with formSheet):**

```tsx
import { Modal, View, Text, Button } from 'react-native'

function MyScreen() {
  const [visible, setVisible] = useState(false)

  return (
    <View style={{ flex: 1 }}>
      <Button onPress={() => setVisible(true)} title='Open' />
      <Modal
        visible={visible}
        presentationStyle='formSheet'
        animationType='slide'
        onRequestClose={() => setVisible(false)}
      >
        <View>
          <Text>Sheet content</Text>
        </View>
      </Modal>
    </View>
  )
}
```

**Correct (React Navigation v7 native form sheet):**

```tsx
// In your navigator
<Stack.Screen
  name='Details'
  component={DetailsScreen}
  options={{
    presentation: 'formSheet',
    sheetAllowedDetents: 'fitToContents',
  }}
/>
```

Native modals provide swipe-to-dismiss, proper keyboard avoidance, and
accessibility out of the box.