develop-macos-hig
macOS Human Interface Guidelines — Complete Design System Reference
Definitive reference for building native macOS applications. Backed by 21 exhaustively sourced reference documents totaling 13,286 lines — every claim traced to Apple HIG, AppKit API docs, SDK headers, WWDC sessions, or verified practitioner sources. Covers macOS Sequoia (15) through Tahoe (26) including Liquid Glass, Compositional Layout, SF Symbol effects, AutoFill/Passkeys, and window tiling.
The skill body below contains critical values you need constantly — spacing scale, typography sizes, component decision trees, and core patterns. For detailed specs, read the corresponding reference file from the Reference Index. Do not guess dimensions or behaviors — look them up.
1. The Three Laws of macOS UI
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Every action must be in the menu bar. Toolbars can be hidden/customized. The menu bar is the source of truth for discoverability. Every toolbar action needs a menu bar equivalent.
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Standard keyboard shortcuts are sacred.
Cmd-Qquits,Cmd-Wcloses,Cmd-,opens Settings,Cmd-Z/X/C/V/A/S/Fdo what users expect. Breaking any of these is immediately noticed. -
Settings take effect immediately. No Save/Cancel/Apply buttons in preferences. macOS settings are live.
2. Spacing Scale
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