diff --git a/lib/docs/main.js b/lib/docs/main.js
index 41a03322d9..2bb796f49b 100644
--- a/lib/docs/main.js
+++ b/lib/docs/main.js
@@ -132,6 +132,12 @@ var zigAnalysis;
     location.hash = "#root";
   }
 
+  // make the modal disappear if you click outside it
+  domHelpModal.addEventListener("click", ev => {
+    if (ev.target.className == "help-modal")
+      domHelpModal.classList.add("hidden");
+  })
+
   window.addEventListener("hashchange", onHashChange, false);
   window.addEventListener("keydown", onWindowKeyDown, false);
   onHashChange();