Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/popovers. 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.
Popovers
Best practices
Use a popover to expose a small amount of information or functionality.
Consider using popovers when you want more room for content.
Position popovers appropriately.
Use a Close button for confirmation and guidance only.
Always save work when automatically closing a nonmodal popover.
Show one popover at a time.
Don’t show another view over a popover.
When possible, let people close one popover and open another with a single click or tap.
Avoid making a popover too big.
Provide a smooth transition when changing the size of a popover.
Avoid using the word popover in help documentation.
Avoid using a popover to show a warning.
Platform considerations
iOS, iPadOS
Avoid displaying popovers in compact views.
macOS
- Attached popover
- Detached popover
Consider letting people detach a popover.
Make minimal appearance changes to a detached popover.
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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/popovers