Image views

On this page3 sections

Best practices

Use an image view when the primary purpose of the view is simply to display an image.

If you want to display an icon in your interface, consider using a symbol or interface icon instead of an image view.

Content

Take care when overlaying text on images.

Aim to use a consistent size for all images in an animated sequence.

Platform considerations

macOS

If your app needs an editable image view, use an image well.

Use an image button instead of an image view to make a clickable image.

watchOS

Use SwiftUI to create animations when possible.


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

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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