Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/file-management. 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.
File management
Creating and opening files
Use app menus and keyboard shortcuts to give people convenient ways to create and open documents.
If your app requires a custom file browser, support people’s understanding of the platform’s file system.
Saving work
Help people be confident that their work is always preserved unless they cancel or delete it.
Hide file extensions by default, but let people view them if they choose.
Quick Look previews
Use a Quick Look viewer to let people preview a file even when your app can’t open it.
Consider implementing a Quick Look generator if your app produces custom file types.
Platform considerations
iOS, iPadOS
Document launcher
A title card that displays the app title and two app-specific buttons
A background image that appears behind the title card and additional images — called accessories — that can appear around it
A sheet that contains a file browser and optional app-specific controls
Assign the title card’s buttons to your app’s most important functions.
Provide a background that’s clearly distinct from the accessories and title card.
Be mindful of accessory placement.
Use animation sparingly.
File provider app extension
When someone uses your file provider extension to open or import documents, display only documents that are appropriate in the current context.
Let people select a destination when exporting and moving documents.
Avoid including a custom top toolbar.
macOS
Custom file management
Make your custom file-opening interface convenient.
Provide a save interface to let people change a file’s name, format, or location.
Consider extending the functionality of the Save dialog.
Finder Sync extensions
Display badges in the Finder to indicate the sync status of items
Provide custom contextual menu items that perform file and folder management tasks, like favoriting and adding password-protection
Provide custom toolbar buttons that perform global actions, like initiating a sync operation
Help people avoid losing work if they turn off autosaving.
When autosaving is off, make sure people know when a document has unsaved changes.
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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/file-management