macos-design
Design and build native-feeling macOS application UIs. Use this skill whenever the user asks to create a desktop app, macOS app, Mac-style interface, Apple-style UI, system utility, or anything that should look and feel like a native Mac application. Also trigger when users mention "native feel", "desktop app design", "Apple design patterns", "sidebar layout", "traffic lights", or want to build tools/utilities that feel like they belong on macOS. This skill covers layout, composition, interaction patterns, animations, light/dark mode, and all the subtle details that make an app feel like Apple built it.
Best use case
macos-design is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Design and build native-feeling macOS application UIs. Use this skill whenever the user asks to create a desktop app, macOS app, Mac-style interface, Apple-style UI, system utility, or anything that should look and feel like a native Mac application. Also trigger when users mention "native feel", "desktop app design", "Apple design patterns", "sidebar layout", "traffic lights", or want to build tools/utilities that feel like they belong on macOS. This skill covers layout, composition, interaction patterns, animations, light/dark mode, and all the subtle details that make an app feel like Apple built it.
Teams using macos-design should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/macos-design/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How macos-design Compares
| Feature / Agent | macos-design | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Design and build native-feeling macOS application UIs. Use this skill whenever the user asks to create a desktop app, macOS app, Mac-style interface, Apple-style UI, system utility, or anything that should look and feel like a native Mac application. Also trigger when users mention "native feel", "desktop app design", "Apple design patterns", "sidebar layout", "traffic lights", or want to build tools/utilities that feel like they belong on macOS. This skill covers layout, composition, interaction patterns, animations, light/dark mode, and all the subtle details that make an app feel like Apple built it.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# 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: 1. **Layout**: Top bar for global actions, sidebar for navigation (skip if nav is minimal), center for content 2. **Traffic lights**: Integrate into the UI — top bar or sidebar, never floating awkwardly 3. **Window drag zone**: Top ~50px must be draggable, keep it uncluttered 4. **Empty states**: Show them. Progressive disclosure — only reveal UI when it's useful 5. **Keyboard shortcuts**: Every primary action needs one. Every shortcut needs visual feedback 6. **Light + Dark mode**: Design both. Do NOT directly invert colors (see visual-design reference) 7. **Search**: Always prominent and accessible. Consider floating search bar or command palette 8. **Drag and drop**: Content in AND out of the app. This is non-negotiable for native feel 9. **Micro-animations**: Every state change gets a transition. No interaction without feedback 10. **Onboarding**: Brief, modal-based, teaches shortcuts through doing (not reading) ## Implementation Notes When building as a web artifact (React/HTML): - Simulate the macOS window chrome (title bar, traffic light dots, rounded corners) - Use `-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "SF Pro Display", "SF Pro Text"` font stack - Use `backdrop-filter: blur()` for native vibrancy/translucency effects - Rounded corners: 10px for windows, 8px for cards, 6px for buttons, 4px for inputs - Respect `prefers-color-scheme` media query for automatic light/dark switching - Shadows should be subtle and layered, not a single heavy drop shadow When building with Electron, Tauri, or native frameworks: - Use system title bar integration where possible - Respect system accent color and appearance settings - Use native drag-and-drop APIs, not polyfills
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