# Outline views

Source: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/outline-views
Skill: hig-components-layout
Snapshot: 2025-02-02

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<!-- hig-doctor:attribution -->
> **Source**: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/outline-views.
> This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02.
> Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.

# Outline views

## Best practices

**Use a table instead of an outline view to present data that’s not hierarchical.**

**Expose data hierarchy in the first column only.**

**Use descriptive column headings to provide context.**

**Consider letting people click column headings to sort an outline view.**

**Let people resize columns.**

**Make it easy for people to expand or collapse nested containers.**

**Retain people’s expansion choices.**

**Consider using alternating row colors in multi-column outline views.**

**Let people edit data if it makes sense in your app.**

**Consider using a centered ellipsis to truncate cell text instead of clipping it.**

**Consider offering a search field to help people find values quickly in a lengthy outline view.**

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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/outline-views