macOS Interface More detail B · Official guidance Platform: macOS

macOS Sheet

A macOS Sheet is a dialog tied to one document window. It blocks only that window until the person finishes the choice.

See how it works
You might call it document-modal dialogsheetbeginSheet

See how it works

Original worked examplemacOS Sheet

Another example

Saving an untitled document opens a sheet on that window. Other document windows still work.

Main parts

  1. 01Trigger
  2. 02Anchored or modal surface
  3. 03Focus boundary
  4. 04Dismiss path

Use it when

Use it when one document cannot safely continue until a clear choice or short setup is done.

Do not use it when

Do not let a sheet block unrelated windows. Do not show routine facts in a modal sheet. Use another surface for app-wide tasks.

Name used in code

NSWindow beginSheet / SwiftUI sheet

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.

Request you can copy

Outcome: Apply or review macOS Sheet in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: Saving an untitled document opens a sheet on that window. Other document windows still work. macOS concept or control: macOS Sheet. Why it fits: Use it when one document cannot safely continue until a clear choice or short setup is done. Do not use it when: Do not let a sheet block unrelated windows. Do not show routine facts in a modal sheet. Use another surface for app-wide tasks. 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 Sheet. Definition: A macOS Sheet is a dialog tied to one document window. It blocks only that window until the person finishes the choice. 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.

B
How official is this term?

Official guidance

The named platform, framework, project, or expert group has an official guide for this term.

It is official for that source. Other platforms or teams may use the term in another way.

Scope
macOS
Document status
stable
Checked on
2026-07-30

Evidence sources & scope

Authority source · Apple · stable Sheets Scope: Apple sheets Role here: Authority within stated scope Source covers: canonical name, definition, platform API, implementation, usage guidance Background source Apple Human Interface Guidelines — Designing for macOS Role here: Helpful background, not a definition

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