On this page3 sections
  • In iOS, the edit menu displays commands in a compact, horizontal list that appears when people touch and hold or double-tap to select content in a view. People can tap a chevron on the trailing edge to expand it into a context menu.

  • In iPadOS, the edit menu looks different depending on how people reveal it. When people use touch interactions to reveal the menu, it uses the compact, horizontal appearance. In contrast, when people use a keyboard or pointing device to reveal it, the edit menu opens directly in a context menu.

  • In macOS, people can access editing commands in a context menu they can reveal while in an editing task, as well as through the app’s Edit menu in the menu bar.

  • In visionOS, people use the standard pinch and hold gesture to open the edit menu as a horizontal bar, or they can open it in a context menu.

Best practices

Prefer the system-provided edit menu.

Let people reveal an edit menu using the system-defined interactions they already know.

Offer commands that are relevant in the current context, removing or dimming commands that don’t apply.

List custom commands near relevant system-provided ones.

When it makes sense, let people select and copy noneditable text.

Support undo and redo when possible.

In general, avoid implementing other controls that perform the same functions as edit menu items.

Differentiate different types of deletion commands when necessary.

Content

Create short labels for custom commands.

Platform considerations

iOS, iPadOS

Ensure your edit menu works well in both styles.

Adjust an edit menu’s placement, if necessary.


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

Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc. This page is a structured index of Apple’s canonical documentation (snapshot 2025-02-02), provided for quick reference and AI-agent consumption — it isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by Apple. Read the original at developer.apple.com (opens in new tab).

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