Design Guidelines for Mac
Guidelines for designing great Mac apps that follow common desktop patterns using native views and controls.
Layout Guidelines
General guidelines that describe fundamental Mac layout principles of center equalization, text and control alignment, appropriate use of white space, and visual balance. Following these guidelines will help you create functional and aesthetically pleasing windows that are easy for Mac users to understand and use.
Toolbar Guidelines
General guidelines that describe fundamental Toolbar layout and design principles for Mac applications. Following these guidelines will help you create functional and aesthetically pleasing toolbars that are easy for Mac users to understand and use.
Sidebar Guidelines
General guidelines that describe fundamental Sidebar (also known as a Source List) design principles for Mac applications. Following these guidelines will help you create functional and consistent Sidebar implementations that are easy for Mac users to understand and use.
I enjoy creating content that helps other Mac developers ship their best possible work. If you find this content useful and if you're able to, consider perhaps buying me a coffee. But if not, no worries! I'd appreciate you at least sharing this document with your fellow Mac developers posting it on social media! Thank you!
Have Suggestions?
Reach out via Mastodon if you have suggestions that would improve this article.
Mastodon