Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/file-management. 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.

File management

Creating and opening files

Use app menus and keyboard shortcuts to give people convenient ways to create and open documents.

If your app requires a custom file browser, support people’s understanding of the platform’s file system.

Saving work

Help people be confident that their work is always preserved unless they cancel or delete it.

Hide file extensions by default, but let people view them if they choose.

Quick Look previews

Use a Quick Look viewer to let people preview a file even when your app can’t open it.

Consider implementing a Quick Look generator if your app produces custom file types.

Platform considerations

iOS, iPadOS

Document launcher

• A title card that displays the app title and two app-specific buttons

• A background image that appears behind the title card and additional images — called accessories — that can appear around it

• A sheet that contains a file browser and optional app-specific controls

Assign the title card’s buttons to your app’s most important functions.

Provide a background that’s clearly distinct from the accessories and title card.

Be mindful of accessory placement.

Use animation sparingly.

File provider app extension

When someone uses your file provider extension to open or import documents, display only documents that are appropriate in the current context.

Let people select a destination when exporting and moving documents.

Avoid including a custom top toolbar.

macOS

Custom file management

Make your custom file-opening interface convenient.

Provide a save interface to let people change a file’s name, format, or location.

Consider extending the functionality of the Save dialog.

Finder Sync extensions

• Display badges in the Finder to indicate the sync status of items

• Provide custom contextual menu items that perform file and folder management tasks, like favoriting and adding password-protection

• Provide custom toolbar buttons that perform global actions, like initiating a sync operation

Help people avoid losing work if they turn off autosaving.

When autosaving is off, make sure people know when a document has unsaved changes.

Resources

Related

Developer documentation

Videos

Change log

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