Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/pointing-devices. 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.
Pointing devices
Best practices
Be consistent when responding to mouse and trackpad gestures.
Avoid redefining systemwide trackpad gestures.
Provide a consistent experience in your app, whether people are using gestures, eyes, a pointing device, or a keyboard.
Let people use the pointer to reveal and hide controls that automatically minimize or fade out.
Provide a consistent experience when people press and hold a modifier key while interacting with objects in your app.
Platform considerations
iPadOS
Allow multiple selection in custom views when necessary.
Distinguish between pointer and finger input only if it provides value.
Pointer accessories
Use clear, simple images to create custom accessories.
Consider using the accessory transition to signal a change in an element’s state or behavior.
Standard pointers and effects
When possible, support the system-provided content effects.
Use highlight for a small element that has a transparent background.
Use lift for a small element that has an opaque background.
Use hover for large elements and customize the scale, tint, and shadow attributes as needed (for guidance, see Customizing pointers).
Prefer the system-provided pointer appearances for standard buttons and text-entry areas.
Add padding around interactive elements to create comfortable hit regions.
Create contiguous hit regions for custom bar buttons.
Specify the corner radius of a nonstandard element that receives the lift effect.
Customizing pointers
Prefer system-provided pointer effects for custom elements that behave like standard elements.
Use pointer effects in consistent ways throughout your app.
Avoid creating gratuitous pointer and content effects.
Keep custom pointer shapes simple.
Consider enhancing the pointer experience by displaying custom annotations that provide useful information.
Avoid displaying instructional text with a pointer.
Consider the interplay of shadow, scale, and element spacing when defining custom hover effects.
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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/pointing-devices