# Segmented controls

Source: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/segmented-controls
Skill: hig-components-controls
Snapshot: 2025-02-02

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> **Source**: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/segmented-controls.
> 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.

# Segmented controls

## Best practices

**Use a segmented control to provide closely related choices that affect an object, state, or view.**

**Consider a segmented control when it’s important to group functions together, or to clearly show their selection state.**

**Keep control types consistent within a single segmented control.**

**Limit the number of segments in a control.**

**In general, keep segment size consistent.**

## Content

**Prefer using either text or images — not a mix of both — in a single segmented control.**

**As much as possible, use content with a similar size in each segment.**

**Use nouns or noun phrases for segment labels.**

## Platform considerations

### iOS, iPadOS

**Consider a segmented control to switch between closely related subviews.**

### macOS

**Consider using introductory text to clarify the purpose of a segmented control.**

**Use a tab view in the main window area — instead of a segmented control — for view switching.**

**Consider supporting spring loading.**

### tvOS

**Consider using a split view instead of a segmented control on screens that perform content filtering.**

**Avoid putting other focusable elements close to segmented controls.**

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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/segmented-controls