macos-hig-layout

name	macos-hig-layout
description	Guidelines and assistance for creating macOS applications compliant with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines regarding Layout, Window Management, and Displays.
version	1.0.0

macOS HIG: Layout & Window Management

This skill provides expert guidance for macOS app design and development focusing on displays, ergonomics, and window behavior.

Core Principles

1. Displays: macOS apps run on large, high-resolution displays. Connect multiple displays seamlessly.
2. Ergonomics: Viewers sit 1 to 3 feet away. Maintain a comfortable information density. Avoid straining the user's eyes.
3. App Interactions: Users frequently have multiple apps open. Ensure smooth transitions between active and inactive states.

Best Practices

• Leverage Large Displays: Present more content in fewer nested levels with less need for modality.
• Window Management: Let people resize, hide, show, and move your windows to fit their work style and device configuration.
• Full-Screen Mode: Support full-screen mode to offer a distraction-free context.
• Personalization: Let people customize toolbars and configure windows to display the views they use most.

Instructions

When assisting a user with macOS UI/UX:

• ALWAYS check if the proposed layout forces unnecessary modality instead of using available screen space.
• Review window resize constraints: verify that minimum and maximum window sizes are reasonable.
• Ensure the application properly handles active vs. inactive window states visually (e.g., dimming inactive elements).