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Apple Hig Designer

  • 63 installs
  • 138 repo stars
  • Updated February 17, 2026
  • axiaoge2/apple-hig-designer

Apple HIG Designer is an agent skill that produces Human Interface Guidelines–compliant iOS and macOS interface and component specifications.

About

Apple HIG Designer is an agent skill for solo and indie builders who want Apple-native look and feel without guessing platform rules. It focuses on Human Interface Guidelines compliance: layout hierarchy, navigation patterns, materials, and motion that read as intentional on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The skill steers conversations toward SF Symbols, San Francisco type ramps, spacing and touch targets, and accessibility affordances such as labels, traits, and contrast—so generated UI specs are implementable in SwiftUI or exported design tokens for hybrid stacks. Use it when mocking new screens, refactoring a cluttered settings flow, or aligning a side project with App Store expectations before review. It is a specification and pattern skill, not a Figma plugin; pairing it with your frontend implementation skill keeps agents from inventing non-standard chrome. Optional modern effects are framed so they do not fight clarity or HIG defaults.

  • Maps UI work to Apple Human Interface Guidelines patterns for iOS and macOS
  • Specifies San Francisco typography scale and SF Symbols usage
  • Embeds VoiceOver and Dynamic Type accessibility expectations in component guidance
  • Supports optional modern visual effects without breaking HIG structure
  • Produces design-system-ready component descriptions agents can implement

Apple Hig Designer by the numbers

  • 63 all-time installs (skills.sh)
  • Ranked #1,198 of 1,880 Design & UI/UX skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
  • Security screen: MEDIUM risk (skills.sh audit)
  • Data as of Aug 5, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
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Installs63
repo stars138
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Last updatedFebruary 17, 2026
Repositoryaxiaoge2/apple-hig-designer

What it does

Ship iOS and macOS screens that follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines with the right typography, symbols, and accessibility defaults.

Who is it for?

Best when you're building or polishing iOS/macOS apps and need consistent HIG language in agent-generated UI work.

Skip if: Skip if you're targeting only web or Android Material UI, or when you already have a locked, audited design system with no Apple surface.

When should I use this skill?

Designing Apple-style UI, iOS/macOS interfaces, HIG-compliant components, or implementing design system specifications.

What you get

You get HIG-aligned screen and component specs with typography, SF Symbols, and accessibility notes ready to hand to implementation.

  • HIG-oriented screen or component specification
  • Typography and symbol usage notes
  • Accessibility checklist for the proposed UI

Files

SKILL.mdMarkdownGitHub ↗

Apple HIG Designer

A professional-grade frontend design skill that enables Claude Code to create interfaces following Apple's Human Interface Guidelines (HIG), achieving the quality standards of Apple's design team.

When to Use This Skill

Activate this skill when users request:

  • Apple-style or iOS/macOS-style interfaces
  • HIG-compliant UI components
  • SF Symbols integration
  • San Francisco typography implementation
  • Modern glass effects (optional, user must explicitly request)

Trigger phrases:

  • "Design an Apple-style..."
  • "Create a HIG-compliant..."
  • "iOS/macOS style component"
  • "苹果风格的界面"
  • "符合 HIG 的设计"

---

Core Design Principles

The Four Pillars of Apple Design

1. Clarity (清晰)

  • Every element has a purpose
  • Eliminate unnecessary complexity
  • Users understand immediately without instructions
  • Use clear visual hierarchy

2. Deference (尊重内容)

  • UI elements support, not compete with content
  • Minimize chrome and visual noise
  • Let content be the hero
  • Use subtle backgrounds and borders

3. Depth (层次)

  • Create clear visual hierarchy through layers
  • Use shadows, blur, and translucency purposefully
  • Motion reinforces spatial relationships
  • Z-axis communicates importance

4. Consistency (一致性)

  • Familiar patterns across platforms
  • Predictable interactions
  • Unified visual language
  • Respect platform conventions

---

Design System Specifications

Typography System

Font Family: San Francisco (SF Pro)

/* System Font Stack for Web */
:root {
  --font-system: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'SF Pro Display',
                 'SF Pro Text', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;
  --font-mono: 'SF Mono', SFMono-Regular, Menlo, Monaco, monospace;
}

/* Font Size Scale (iOS) */
--text-caption2: 11px;    /* Caption 2 */
--text-caption1: 12px;    /* Caption 1 */
--text-footnote: 13px;    /* Footnote */
--text-subhead: 15px;     /* Subheadline */
--text-body: 17px;        /* Body - Default */
--text-headline: 17px;    /* Headline (semibold) */
--text-title3: 20px;      /* Title 3 */
--text-title2: 22px;      /* Title 2 */
--text-title1: 28px;      /* Title 1 */
--text-large-title: 34px; /* Large Title */

Typography Rules:

  • Use SF Pro Display for sizes ≥ 20pt
  • Use SF Pro Text for sizes < 20pt
  • Maintain consistent line-height (1.2-1.5)
  • Use weight for hierarchy, not just size

Color System

/* Apple System Colors - Light Mode */
:root {
  /* Primary Colors */
  --system-blue: #007AFF;
  --system-green: #34C759;
  --system-indigo: #5856D6;
  --system-orange: #FF9500;
  --system-pink: #FF2D55;
  --system-purple: #AF52DE;
  --system-red: #FF3B30;
  --system-teal: #5AC8FA;
  --system-yellow: #FFCC00;

  /* Gray Scale */
  --system-gray: #8E8E93;
  --system-gray2: #AEAEB2;
  --system-gray3: #C7C7CC;
  --system-gray4: #D1D1D6;
  --system-gray5: #E5E5EA;
  --system-gray6: #F2F2F7;

  /* Semantic Colors */
  --label-primary: #000000;
  --label-secondary: rgba(60, 60, 67, 0.6);
  --label-tertiary: rgba(60, 60, 67, 0.3);
  --label-quaternary: rgba(60, 60, 67, 0.18);

  /* Backgrounds */
  --bg-primary: #FFFFFF;
  --bg-secondary: #F2F2F7;
  --bg-tertiary: #FFFFFF;

  /* Separators */
  --separator: rgba(60, 60, 67, 0.29);
  --separator-opaque: #C6C6C8;
}

/* Dark Mode */
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --system-blue: #0A84FF;
    --system-green: #30D158;
    --system-indigo: #5E5CE6;
    --system-orange: #FF9F0A;
    --system-pink: #FF375F;
    --system-purple: #BF5AF2;
    --system-red: #FF453A;
    --system-teal: #64D2FF;
    --system-yellow: #FFD60A;

    --system-gray: #8E8E93;
    --system-gray2: #636366;
    --system-gray3: #48484A;
    --system-gray4: #3A3A3C;
    --system-gray5: #2C2C2E;
    --system-gray6: #1C1C1E;

    --label-primary: #FFFFFF;
    --label-secondary: rgba(235, 235, 245, 0.6);
    --label-tertiary: rgba(235, 235, 245, 0.3);
    --label-quaternary: rgba(235, 235, 245, 0.18);

    --bg-primary: #000000;
    --bg-secondary: #1C1C1E;
    --bg-tertiary: #2C2C2E;

    --separator: rgba(84, 84, 88, 0.6);
    --separator-opaque: #38383A;
  }
}

Spacing System

8pt Grid System:

:root {
  --space-1: 4px;   /* Extra small */
  --space-2: 8px;   /* Small */
  --space-3: 12px;  /* Medium-small */
  --space-4: 16px;  /* Medium */
  --space-5: 20px;  /* Medium-large */
  --space-6: 24px;  /* Large */
  --space-8: 32px;  /* Extra large */
  --space-10: 40px; /* 2X large */
  --space-12: 48px; /* 3X large */
}

Touch Target Requirements:

  • iOS: Minimum 44×44 points
  • visionOS: Minimum 60 points tap area
  • Always add sufficient padding for small visual elements

Border Radius (Concentric Design)

:root {
  /* Base radius values */
  --radius-sm: 8px;
  --radius-md: 12px;
  --radius-lg: 16px;
  --radius-xl: 20px;
  --radius-2xl: 24px;
  --radius-full: 9999px; /* Capsule */
}

/* Concentric Rule: inner_radius + padding = outer_radius */
/* Example: 8px inner + 8px padding = 16px outer */

---

Component Patterns

The following components should follow Apple HIG conventions. For complete CSS implementations, see resources/design-tokens.css and resources/ui-patterns.md. For React component examples, see resources/components.jsx.

Buttons

  • Primary: Capsule shape (border-radius: 9999px), min-height: 44px, system-blue background, white text, 600 weight
  • Secondary: Same capsule shape, system-blue text on rgba(0, 122, 255, 0.1) background
  • Press feedback: scale(0.98) on :active

Glass Effect (Optional - Only When Requested)

  • Only use when user explicitly requests glass/frosted effects
  • Default designs should use solid backgrounds for readability and performance
  • backdrop-filter: blur(20px) saturate(180%) with semi-transparent background
  • Always provide non-glass fallback

Cards

  • Default: Solid background (--bg-tertiary), border-radius: 16px, subtle box-shadow
  • Grouped style: --bg-secondary outer with --bg-tertiary inner items, separated by --separator

Input Fields

  • min-height: 44px, --bg-secondary background, border-radius: 12px
  • Focus state: box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(0, 122, 255, 0.3)

Tab Bars

  • Position fixed at bottom, height: 49px + safe-area padding
  • Minimum 44x44pt touch targets per tab
  • Always display text labels (never icon-only)
  • Use filled SF Symbols for selected state, outline for unselected
  • Support badge for notifications (red oval, white text)

Toolbars

  • Three sections: leading (back/title), center (tools), trailing (actions)
  • Maximum 3 item groups
  • Use SF Symbols without borders
  • Primary action uses .prominent style on trailing side
  • Back button: circular with symbol only (no text)

Sheets

  • Detents: large (100%), medium (50%)
  • Include grabber indicator (36x5px, centered)
  • Done button: top-right; Cancel button: top-left
  • Semi-transparent backdrop rgba(0,0,0,0.4)

Alerts

  • Use only for critical information (sparingly)
  • Maximum 3 buttons; use specific verb titles, avoid "OK"
  • Cancel: leading side; Destructive: only for unintended destructive actions
  • Width: 270px, border-radius: 14px

Lists and Tables

  • Minimum row height: 44px
  • Info button: reveals details without navigation
  • Disclosure indicator (>): navigates to subview
  • Grouped style: 10px border-radius, inset separators start at 60px

---

Animation Guidelines

Timing Functions

:root {
  /* Apple's preferred easing */
  --ease-default: cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1);
  --ease-in: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1);
  --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);
  --ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 0.58, 1);

  /* Spring-like easing */
  --ease-spring: cubic-bezier(0.175, 0.885, 0.32, 1.275);
}

Duration Scale

:root {
  --duration-instant: 100ms;  /* Micro-interactions */
  --duration-fast: 200ms;     /* Hover, focus states */
  --duration-normal: 300ms;   /* Standard transitions */
  --duration-slow: 500ms;     /* Complex animations */
}

Interaction Feedback

/* Press feedback */
.interactive {
  transition: transform var(--duration-instant) var(--ease-out);
}

.interactive:active {
  transform: scale(0.97);
}

/* Hover glow */
.interactive:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(0, 122, 255, 0.15);
}

---

SF Symbols Integration

Rendering Modes

1. Monochrome: Single color for all layers 2. Hierarchical: Opacity variations for depth 3. Palette: Custom colors per layer 4. Multicolor: Apple's intrinsic symbol colors

Usage Guidelines

  • Toolbar/Navigation: Use outline variant
  • Tab Bar: Use fill variant
  • Match text size: Symbols auto-align with SF font
  • Provide text alternatives: Always include aria-label

Web Implementation (Icon Font Alternative)

<!-- Using SF Symbols via system font -->
<span class="sf-symbol" aria-label="Settings">􀣋</span>

<!-- Or use equivalent system icons -->
<svg class="icon" aria-hidden="true">
  <use href="#icon-gear"></use>
</svg>

---

Accessibility Requirements

Color Contrast

  • Normal text: 4.5:1 minimum (WCAG AA)
  • Large text: 3:1 minimum
  • Interactive elements: Clearly distinguishable states

Motion

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  * {
    animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
  }
}

Semantic HTML

<!-- Always use semantic elements -->
<button type="button">Action</button>
<nav aria-label="Main navigation">...</nav>
<main role="main">...</main>

---

Output Format

When generating Apple-style UI code, always include:

1. Complete, runnable code (CSS/React/Vue) 2. Light/Dark mode support via CSS custom properties 3. Design rationale explaining HIG compliance 4. Responsive breakpoints for different devices 5. Accessibility attributes (aria-*, role, etc.)

Default Behavior

  • Use solid backgrounds by default for better readability
  • Glass/blur effects only when user explicitly requests
  • Always provide non-glass fallback for browsers without backdrop-filter support

Example Output Structure

/**
 * Apple HIG Compliant Component
 *
 * Design Decisions:
 * - Uses SF Pro system font stack for native feel
 * - 44pt minimum touch target for accessibility
 * - Capsule shape for primary actions (HIG recommendation)
 * - Solid background for optimal readability
 * - Supports prefers-color-scheme for auto theming
 */

const AppleButton = ({ children, variant = 'primary', ...props }) => {
  return (
    <button
      className={`btn btn-${variant}`}
      {...props}
    >
      {children}
    </button>
  );
};

---

Best Practices Checklist

Before finalizing any design output, verify:

  • [ ] Typography: Using SF Pro with correct size thresholds
  • [ ] Colors: System colors with Light/Dark variants
  • [ ] Spacing: Following 8pt grid
  • [ ] Touch targets: Minimum 44×44pt
  • [ ] Border radius: Concentric relationships maintained
  • [ ] Animations: Using Apple-standard easing curves
  • [ ] Accessibility: WCAG AA compliant, reduced motion support
  • [ ] Consistency: Matches platform conventions
  • [ ] Backgrounds: Solid by default, glass only when requested

---

Additional Resources

Local References (read these for detailed implementations)

  • For complete design patterns and real-world examples, see REFERENCE.md
  • For CSS custom properties and design tokens, see resources/design-tokens.css
  • For React component templates, see resources/components.jsx
  • For detailed UI pattern documentation, see resources/ui-patterns.md

External References

---

This skill ensures Claude Code produces interfaces that meet Apple's exacting design standards, creating cohesive, accessible, and beautiful user experiences.

Related skills

How it compares

Use for Apple platform HIG fidelity instead of generic "make it pretty" UI prompts that ignore SF Symbols and accessibility.

FAQ

Who is apple-hig-designer for?

Developers shipping on Apple platforms who want agent help that respects Human Interface Guidelines rather than generic web UI patterns.

When should I use apple-hig-designer?

During Build frontend work when designing new screens, navigation, or components; also when validating that a prototype matches HIG before Ship and App Store review prep.

Is apple-hig-designer safe to install?

It is design guidance only—review the Security Audits panel on this Prism page and the skill source before installing any third-party skill in your agent.

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