Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/keyboards. 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.
Keyboards
Best practices
Support Full Keyboard Access when possible.
Respect standard keyboard shortcuts.
Standard keyboard shortcuts
In general, don’t repurpose standard keyboard shortcuts for custom actions.
Custom keyboard shortcuts
Define custom keyboard shortcuts for only the most frequently used app-specific commands.
Use modifier keys in ways that people expect.
List modifier keys in the correct order.
Avoid adding Shift to a shortcut that uses the upper character of a two-character key.
Let the system localize and mirror your keyboard shortcuts as needed.
Avoid creating a new shortcut by adding a modifier to an existing shortcut for an unrelated command.
Platform considerations
visionOS
Write descriptive shortcut titles.
Recognize that people see an overlay when they use a physical keyboard with your visionOS app or game.
<!-- hig-doctor:canonical-footer -->
For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/keyboards