macOS Menu Bar
The macOS Menu Bar is the strip at the top of the screen. The active app puts its full set of commands there in clear menus.
Another example
A writing app keeps New, Export, Find, and window commands in predictable File, Edit, and Window menus.
Main parts
- 01Current location
- 02Destination labels
- 03Focus order
- 04Responsive behavior
Use it when
Put the app's full command set here. Include commands people find by menu name or run with a keyboard shortcut.
Do not use it when
Do not use it as navigation inside a window. Keep a command here even if it also appears in a toolbar or context menu. Update commands that depend on the current state.
Name used in code
AppKit NSMenu / SwiftUI Commands 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 Menu Bar in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A writing app keeps New, Export, Find, and window commands in predictable File, Edit, and Window menus. macOS concept or control: macOS Menu Bar. Why it fits: Put the app's full command set here. Include commands people find by menu name or run with a keyboard shortcut. Do not use it when: Do not use it as navigation inside a window. Keep a command here even if it also appears in a toolbar or context menu. Update commands that depend on the current state. 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 Menu Bar. Definition: The macOS Menu Bar is the strip at the top of the screen. The active app puts its full set of commands there in clear menus. 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.