A light box is simply a box shaped container in which a light source is held; normally a fluorescent light bulb.

The top side of the light box has a flat semi transparent layer; normally opaque perspex.

A light box is useful for photographers as it enables them to view transparencies or negatives, artists may use a light box to aid tracing an original drawing onto a new surface, and doctors use light boxes to view x-rays. Light boxes can also be used as a solid durable light difuser as an alternative to a softbox light.

Light boxes are often expensive to buy in any reasonable size. They can however be easily made at home with the right tools.