Color Well
A Color Well is a small control that shows the current color. Clicking it opens the macOS color picker so the color can be changed.
A real example
A shape inspector shows its fill as a color well. Clicking it opens the shared color panel with eyedropper support.
Main parts
- 01Persistent label
- 02Input control
- 03Hint or format
- 04Validation message
Use it when
Use it for a color people can edit. It shows the current color and opens system tools like palettes, profiles, or the eyedropper.
Do not use it when
Do not use it for a read-only color mark. Use another control for a small, fixed brand palette. Never let color alone carry an important meaning.
Name used in code
AppKit NSColorWell / SwiftUI ColorPicker 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 Color Well in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A shape inspector shows its fill as a color well. Clicking it opens the shared color panel with eyedropper support. macOS concept or control: Color Well. Why it fits: Use it for a color people can edit. It shows the current color and opens system tools like palettes, profiles, or the eyedropper. Do not use it when: Do not use it for a read-only color mark. Use another control for a small, fixed brand palette. Never let color alone carry an important meaning. 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 Color Well. Definition: A Color Well is a small control that shows the current color. Clicking it opens the macOS color picker so the color can be changed. 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.