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macos-design-guidelines

Guide macOS app design with SwiftUI or AppKit HIG requirements.

Updated May 11, 2026
Search Tags:#macos#swiftui#ux#windows#appkit#hig#design-guidelines
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cloudofgeorge/AI-hands --skill macos-design-guidelines-cloudofgeorge
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-design-guidelines
Source: https://github.com/cloudofgeorge/AI-hands/tree/main/skills/macos-design-guidelines
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cloudofgeorge/AI-hands --skill macos-design-guidelines-cloudofgeorge

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Apple design guidelines for macOS provide a centralized reference to ensure apps conform to platform conventions, delivering consistent, native user experiences.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Comprehensive macOS UX guidance covering menus, windows, toolbars, sidebars, keyboard shortcuts, and system integration.
  • Practical patterns for menu bar structure, window management, and visual design in SwiftUI and AppKit.
  • Use Case: When starting a macOS project, follow these rules to align with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and reduce design inconsistencies.

Quick Start

Use this guide as the go-to reference when designing or evaluating macOS apps built with SwiftUI or AppKit.

Frequently Asked Questions about macos-design-guidelines

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I follow macOS Human Interface Guidelines for native app design?▼

macOS Human Interface Guidelines ensure native app consistency by defining rules for menus, windows, toolbars, sidebars, and keyboard shortcuts. This reference enforces platform integration and accessibility requirements to help developers and designers align with Apple conventions.

What is the best way to structure menus and toolbars in a SwiftUI macOS app?▼

Structuring menus and toolbars in SwiftUI requires adhering to macOS HIG patterns for menu bar layout and window management. The guidelines provide practical rules for visual design, ensuring proper system integration and a native user experience.

Can I use these macOS design guidelines for AppKit applications?▼

Yes, these macOS design guidelines apply to both SwiftUI and AppKit applications. They cover platform conventions like window behavior, keyboard shortcuts, and dark mode, ensuring your AppKit app delivers a consistent, native user experience.

How do I design sidebars and windows that feel native on macOS?▼

Designing native macOS sidebars and windows involves following specific HIG rules for window behavior and visual structure. This reference provides practical patterns for managing window states and sidebar integration to ensure consistency with macOS conventions.

Why does my macOS app feel non-native despite using SwiftUI?▼

A non-native feel often results from ignoring macOS Human Interface Guidelines for menu structure, window behavior, and system integration. Enforcing these HIG requirements in your SwiftUI app ensures proper dark mode support, accessibility, and native visual design.

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