Outline View
An Outline View is a tree-like list whose rows open child items in place and keep the selection. It can also show more than one data column.
Another example
A project browser opens folders in place and sorts them by name. Keyboard users can move through hundreds of files.
Main parts
- 01Current location
- 02Destination labels
- 03Focus order
- 04Responsive behavior
Use it when
Use it for a large tree that needs rows to open in place, selection, keyboard travel, sorting, or extra columns.
Do not use it when
Avoid it for a short flat list or a step-by-step path. Use separate columns when they explain a location better.
Name used in code
AppKit NSOutlineView / SwiftUI OutlineGroup 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 Outline View in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A project browser opens folders in place and sorts them by name. Keyboard users can move through hundreds of files. macOS concept or control: Outline View. Why it fits: Use it for a large tree that needs rows to open in place, selection, keyboard travel, sorting, or extra columns. Do not use it when: Avoid it for a short flat list or a step-by-step path. Use separate columns when they explain a location better. 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 Outline View. Definition: An Outline View is a tree-like list whose rows open child items in place and keep the selection. It can also show more than one data column. 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.