Inspector
An Inspector is a panel for the current selection's settings and details. It stays beside the main work instead of replacing it.
A real example
Selecting a chart opens an inspector for axes, colors, and labels. The canvas stays visible.
Main parts
- 01Current-selection identity
- 02Grouped property sections
- 03Value editors and reset actions
- 04Live document feedback loop
Use it when
Use it for settings that change with the selection when people need to see the result live in the document.
Do not use it when
Do not put global settings or a step-by-step setup in an inspector. Keep the document's main task in a surface that stays visible.
Name used in code
SwiftUI inspector / AppKit inspector panel 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 Inspector in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: Selecting a chart opens an inspector for axes, colors, and labels. The canvas stays visible. macOS concept or control: Inspector. Why it fits: Use it for settings that change with the selection when people need to see the result live in the document. Do not use it when: Do not put global settings or a step-by-step setup in an inspector. Keep the document's main task in a surface that stays visible. 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 Inspector. Definition: An Inspector is a panel for the current selection's settings and details. It stays beside the main work instead of replacing it. 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.