macOS Panel
A macOS Panel is a floating helper window. It keeps extra tools beside the active document while people continue their main work.
Another example
A color panel stays above the video document. Editors can still choose clips on the timeline.
Main parts
- 01Trigger
- 02Anchored or modal surface
- 03Focus boundary
- 04Dismiss path
Use it when
Use it for extra tools that must stay open across several selections while people keep working in the document.
Do not use it when
Do not use a floating panel for a choice that blocks work. Use another surface for a brief anchored choice. Keep normal document content in its layout.
Name used in code
AppKit NSPanel 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 Panel in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A color panel stays above the video document. Editors can still choose clips on the timeline. macOS concept or control: macOS Panel. Why it fits: Use it for extra tools that must stay open across several selections while people keep working in the document. Do not use it when: Do not use a floating panel for a choice that blocks work. Use another surface for a brief anchored choice. Keep normal document content in its layout. 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 Panel. Definition: A macOS Panel is a floating helper window. It keeps extra tools beside the active document while people continue their main work. 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.