Desktop App Design

Desktop application design patterns including window management, menu bars, and keyboard-first interaction.

dragoon0x d11f8a5 1023 B Updated

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Desktop App Design

Desktop-Specific Patterns

Window Management

  • Resizable with minimum size constraints.
  • Remember window position and size between sessions.
  • Multi-window support where appropriate.
  • Fullscreen mode.

Menu Bar

  • Standard menu structure: File, Edit, View, Window, Help.
  • Platform-consistent keyboard shortcuts.
  • Menu items match toolbar actions.

Keyboard-First

  • All actions have keyboard shortcuts.
  • Tab navigation through all interactive elements.
  • Cmd/Ctrl+Z undo everywhere.
  • Right-click context menus.

Panels and Sidebars

  • Collapsible panels for tool palettes.
  • Drag to resize panels.
  • Dock/undock panels.
  • Remember panel configuration.

System Integration

  • Respect OS dark/light mode.
  • Native file dialogs for open/save.
  • Drag and drop from desktop/Finder.
  • System notifications for background tasks.

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