SwiftUI macOS App Tutorial: Build Your First Mac App from Scratch

Updated at: 21/06/2025

Ready to build your first macOS app? This tutorial guides you through creating a functional SwiftUI application from scratch. No prior macOS development experience is needed! We'll cover essential concepts like views, layouts, and data handling, using a hands-on approach. Learn the fundamentals of SwiftUI and unlock the power of creating beautiful, native macOS apps. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Project Setup

    • Create a new Xcode project using the App template under the macOS tab.
    • Name your project (e.g., 'iOS Academy'), ensure Swift language and SwiftUI interface/lifecycle are selected.
    • Import necessary images into your Xcode Assets Catalog.
    Import necessary images into your Xcode Assets Catalog. Import necessary images into your Xcode Assets Catalog. Import necessary images into your Xcode Assets Catalog.
    Project Setup

  2. Create Main UI Structure

    • In `ContentView`, use a `NavigationView` to create a split view with a `ListView` (left panel for navigation) and a custom `MainView` (right panel for content).
    In `ContentView`, use a `NavigationView` to create a split view with a `ListView` (left panel for navigation) and a custom `MainView` (right panel for content).
    Create Main UI Structure

  3. Define Navigation Options

    • Create a `Hashable` struct to represent navigation options (title, imageName).
    • Populate an array (`options`) with instances of your navigation option struct.
    • Pass the `options` array to the `ListView`.
    Pass the `options` array to the `ListView`. Pass the `options` array to the `ListView`. Pass the `options` array to the `ListView`.
    Define Navigation Options

  4. Build Navigation List

    • In the `ListView`, use a `ForEach` loop to iterate through `options` and display each option using `HStack` containing an `Image` (using SF Symbols) and a `Text` view for the title.
    • Use spacers to adjust vertical spacing in the `ListView` and adjust image size within `HStack`.
    Use spacers to adjust vertical spacing in the `ListView` and adjust image size within `HStack`. Use spacers to adjust vertical spacing in the `ListView` and adjust image size within `HStack`.
    Build Navigation List

  5. Build Main Content View

    • In the `MainView`, use a `VStack` to arrange the header image and content. Use a `LazyVGrid` to display video thumbnails in a 3-column grid.
    • Use a `ForEach` loop within the `LazyVGrid` to display video thumbnails as `Image` views.
    • Enhance video thumbnails in the grid by adding a title below each image using another `VStack`.
    Enhance video thumbnails in the grid by adding a title below each image using another `VStack`. Enhance video thumbnails in the grid by adding a title below each image using another `VStack`. Enhance video thumbnails in the grid by adding a title below each image using another `VStack`.
    Build Main Content View

  6. Implement Navigation

    • Add a state variable (`currentOption`) to track the currently selected navigation item.
    • Use a `switch` statement based on `currentOption` to conditionally render different content in the `MainView`.
    • Add a tap gesture to each item in the `ListView`. In the tap handler, update the `currentOption` state variable to reflect the selected item.
    Add a tap gesture to each item in the `ListView`. In the tap handler, update the `currentOption` state variable to reflect the selected item. Add a tap gesture to each item in the `ListView`. In the tap handler, update the `currentOption` state variable to reflect the selected item. Add a tap gesture to each item in the `ListView`. In the tap handler, update the `currentOption` state variable to reflect the selected item.
    Implement Navigation
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Tips

  • Use `minWidth` and `minHeight` for frames instead of fixed width and height to allow resizing of the app window.
  • Make your data models `Hashable` for use with `ForEach`'s `id` parameter.
  • Set `resizable()` and `aspectRatio()` for images before setting frame width to preserve aspect ratio.
  • Use bindings (`$currentOption`) when passing state variables to child views to allow modification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect State Management

Reason: Forgetting to use `@State`, `@ObservedObject`, `@EnvironmentObject`, or other state management techniques leads to the UI not updating correctly when data changes.
Solution: Use the appropriate property wrapper (`@State`, `@ObservedObject`, etc.) depending on the scope and lifecycle of your data.

2. Layout Issues with Frames and Geometry Readers

Reason: Misunderstanding how frames and geometry readers work can result in UI elements being positioned incorrectly or not resizing properly.
Solution: Carefully utilize `frame()`, `padding()`, and `GeometryReader` to control the size and position of views within the layout.

3. Ignoring Accessibility

Reason: Failing to consider accessibility from the start makes the app unusable for many users.
Solution: Use semantic elements like `Text` and add appropriate accessibility modifiers like `accessibilityLabel` and `accessibilityValue`.

FAQs

What is SwiftUI and why should I use it for macOS app development?
SwiftUI is Apple's modern declarative framework for building user interfaces across all Apple platforms, including macOS. It's easier to learn than UIKit and allows for faster development with less code, leading to more maintainable and visually appealing apps.
Do I need prior programming experience to follow this tutorial?
No, this tutorial is designed for beginners. While basic programming knowledge is helpful, we'll explain concepts clearly and provide step-by-step instructions. Focus on understanding the concepts and following along; you'll learn as you go.