macOS Insertion Caret
The macOS Insertion Caret is the blinking mark in editable text. It shows exactly where the next typed character will go.
Another example
Clicking between two words places the caret there. Shift–Arrow then expands the selection from that point.
Main parts
- 01Persistent label
- 02Input control
- 03Hint or format
- 04Validation message
Use it when
Use the native caret for real editable text so pointer clicks, arrow keys, text selection, and input methods all agree.
Do not use it when
Do not draw a blinking caret in read-only content. Do not replace the system caret with one that breaks selection or text input.
Name used in code
NSTextView insertionPointColor / SwiftUI TextEditor 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 Insertion Caret in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: Clicking between two words places the caret there. Shift–Arrow then expands the selection from that point. macOS concept or control: macOS Insertion Caret. Why it fits: Use the native caret for real editable text so pointer clicks, arrow keys, text selection, and input methods all agree. Do not use it when: Do not draw a blinking caret in read-only content. Do not replace the system caret with one that breaks selection or text input. 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 Insertion Caret. Definition: The macOS Insertion Caret is the blinking mark in editable text. It shows exactly where the next typed character will go. 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.