macOS Focus Ring
The macOS Focus Ring is the outline the system draws around the control that will receive keyboard input.
Another example
Pressing Tab in an export sheet moves the focus ring from the file name to format, then Save.
Main parts
- 01Visible label
- 02Interaction target
- 03Current state
- 04Keyboard behavior
Use it when
Keep the system focus ring when macOS provides it. If a keyboard control uses another cue, make that cue just as clear and Mac-like.
Do not use it when
Do not hide the ring or lower its contrast. A selection highlight is not keyboard focus. The ring does not set the keyboard order.
Name used in code
AppKit focusRingType / SwiftUI focusable and focused 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 Focus Ring in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: Pressing Tab in an export sheet moves the focus ring from the file name to format, then Save. macOS concept or control: macOS Focus Ring. Why it fits: Keep the system focus ring when macOS provides it. If a keyboard control uses another cue, make that cue just as clear and Mac-like. Do not use it when: Do not hide the ring or lower its contrast. A selection highlight is not keyboard focus. The ring does not set the keyboard order. 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 Focus Ring. Definition: The macOS Focus Ring is the outline the system draws around the control that will receive keyboard input. 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.