Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/alerts. 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.
Alerts
Best practices
Use alerts sparingly.
Avoid using an alert merely to provide information.
Avoid displaying alerts for common, undoable actions, even when they’re destructive.
Avoid showing an alert when your app starts.
Anatomy
- iOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- visionOS
- watchOS
Content
In iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, an alert can include a text field.
Alerts in macOS and visionOS can include an icon and an accessory view.
macOS alerts can add a suppression checkbox and a Help button.
In all alert copy, be direct, and use a neutral, approachable tone.
Write a title that clearly and succinctly describes the situation.
Include informative text only if it adds value.
Avoid explaining alert buttons.
If supported, include a text field only if you need people’s input to resolve the situation.
Buttons
Create succinct, logical button titles.
Avoid using OK as the default button title unless the alert is purely informational.
Place buttons where people expect.
Use the destructive style to identify a button that performs a destructive action people didn’t deliberately choose.
If there’s a destructive action, include a Cancel button to give people a clear, safe way to avoid the action.
Provide alternative ways to cancel an alert when it makes sense.
Platform considerations
iOS, iPadOS
Use an action sheet — not an alert — to offer choices related to an intentional action.
When possible, avoid displaying an alert that scrolls.
macOS
Configure repeating alerts to let people suppress subsequent occurrences of the same alert.
Append a custom view if it’s necessary to provide additional information (for developer guidance, see
accessoryView).Include a Help button that opens your help documentation (see Help buttons).
Use a caution symbol sparingly.
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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/alerts