macOS Native App Design Skill

Build interfaces that feel like they belong on the user's computer — not websites crammed into a window.

Core Philosophy

A native app is not a destination. It is a system tool that lives where the user needs it. Design every interaction around this principle: appear when needed, get out of the way immediately after.

Before You Code

Read these references based on what you're building:

• All macOS apps → Read references/layout-and-composition.md (required)
• Apps with keyboard shortcuts, panels, toasts, popovers → Read references/interaction-patterns.md
• Light/dark mode, color, typography → Read references/visual-design.md

Quick-Start Checklist

Use this as a pre-flight before writing any code: