Pop-Up vs Pull-Down vs Combo Box
These are three small choice controls. A pop-up button shows one current value. A pull-down button runs a command. A combo box also lets people type a value.
Another example
A print dialog uses a pop-up for paper size. A pull-down selects presets. A combo box accepts reusable custom names.
Main parts
- 01Persistent label
- 02Input control
- 03Hint or format
- 04Validation message
Use it when
Choose by purpose. Use a pop-up for one current value. Use a pull-down for a command. Use a combo box for a listed or typed value.
Do not use it when
Do not choose only by looks or mix commands with saved values. If only checked options are safe, do not allow free text.
Name used in code
NSPopUpButton / NSComboBox / SwiftUI Picker and Menu 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 Pop-Up vs Pull-Down vs Combo Box in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A print dialog uses a pop-up for paper size. A pull-down selects presets. A combo box accepts reusable custom names. macOS concept or control: Pop-Up vs Pull-Down vs Combo Box. Why it fits: Choose by purpose. Use a pop-up for one current value. Use a pull-down for a command. Use a combo box for a listed or typed value. Do not use it when: Do not choose only by looks or mix commands with saved values. If only checked options are safe, do not allow free text. 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 Pop-Up vs Pull-Down vs Combo Box. Definition: These are three small choice controls. A pop-up button shows one current value. A pull-down button runs a command. A combo box also lets people type a value. 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.