Designing for iPadOS

PlatformsPlatforms

Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/designing-for-ipados. 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.

Display.

Ergonomics.

Inputs.

App interactions.

System features.

Best practices

  • Take advantage of the large display to elevate the content people care about, minimizing modal interfaces and full-screen transitions, and positioning onscreen controls where they’re easy to reach, but not in the way.

  • Use viewing distance and input mode to help you determine the size and density of the onscreen content you display.

  • Let people use Multi-Touch gestures, a physical keyboard or trackpad, or Apple Pencil, and consider supporting unique interactions that combine multiple input modes.

  • Adapt seamlessly to appearance changes — like device orientation, multitasking modes, Dark Mode, and Dynamic Type — and transition effortlessly to running in macOS, letting people choose the configurations that work best for them.


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

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