macOS Alert
A macOS Alert is a system dialog for an important choice, failure, or condition. A person must notice it and answer.
Another example
Closing an unsaved document asks whether to Save, Cancel, or discard changes. The safest default is clear.
Main parts
- 01Trigger
- 02Anchored or modal surface
- 03Focus boundary
- 04Dismiss path
Use it when
Use it only when an important condition needs an answer or choice before the current task can safely go on.
Do not use it when
Avoid routine success messages, recoverable inline validation, and confirmations for reversible actions. Repeated alerts train people to dismiss them unread.
Name used in code
AppKit NSAlert / SwiftUI alert Before you ship
Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion.
Outcome: Apply or review macOS Alert in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: Closing an unsaved document asks whether to Save, Cancel, or discard changes. The safest default is clear. macOS concept or control: macOS Alert. Why it fits: Use it only when an important condition needs an answer or choice before the current task can safely go on. Do not use it when: Avoid routine success messages, recoverable inline validation, and confirmations for reversible actions. Repeated alerts train people to dismiss them unread. Platform requirements: List the supported macOS versions. Say whether AppKit or SwiftUI owns each part and how they connect. Define window, menu, focus, keyboard, saved state, restore, and multi-window behavior. Platform accessibility and resilience: Use the right accessibility APIs. Check VoiceOver and Full Keyboard Access. Support localization, contrast, and reduced motion when needed. Keep user state after a relaunch. Acceptance criteria: Check the behavior on supported macOS versions with a keyboard and VoiceOver. Window resizing, focus, state restore, and AppKit or SwiftUI integration work in the normal macOS way. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): It is official for that source. Other platforms or teams may use the term in another way. Unknowns to confirm: Supported macOS versions, AppKit or SwiftUI structure, and window model. Also confirm sandbox and entitlement limits, save rules, and the accessibility goal.
Check this request
Review the current use of macOS Alert. Definition: A macOS Alert is a system dialog for an important choice, failure, or condition. A person must notice it and answer. Release checks: Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.