macOS Interface More detail B · Official guidance Platform: macOS

macOS Stepper

A macOS Stepper has one button to add and one to subtract. It changes a value with set limits by a fixed step.

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You might call it stepperNSStepperStepper

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1 tickets

A real example

A layout inspector changes the grid from four columns to five. The user does not need to type a number.

Main parts

  1. 01Persistent label
  2. 02Input control
  3. 03Hint or format
  4. 04Validation message

Use it when

Use it for a number with clear limits and small steps. It works best when people change one or two steps at a time.

Do not use it when

Avoid wide or smooth ranges and large, fast changes. Add a number field when people must enter or compare exact values.

Name used in code

AppKit NSStepper / SwiftUI Stepper

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 Stepper in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A layout inspector changes the grid from four columns to five. The user does not need to type a number. macOS concept or control: macOS Stepper. Why it fits: Use it for a number with clear limits and small steps. It works best when people change one or two steps at a time. Do not use it when: Avoid wide or smooth ranges and large, fast changes. Add a number field when people must enter or compare exact values. 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 Stepper. Definition: A macOS Stepper has one button to add and one to subtract. It changes a value with set limits by a fixed step. 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 Steppers Scope: Apple steppers 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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