macos-menus-commands

Implement native macOS menu bar, keyboard shortcuts, and AppKit interop for SwiftUI apps.

1|Updated Jun 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill macos-menus-commands
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-menus-commands
Source: https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills/tree/main/macos-menus-commands
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill macos-menus-commands

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the difficulty of implementing native, production-quality macOS menu systems in SwiftUI apps, where built-in menu APIs are limited and AppKit interop is often required for advanced features.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • SwiftUI Menu Bar Customization: Build custom top-level menus, reorder built-in menu groups, and assign conflict-free keyboard shortcuts using .commands, CommandMenu, and CommandGroup.
  • Context & System Menus: Implement right-click context menus, dynamic dock menus, and system Services menu integration for seamless macOS user experience.
  • AppKit Interop Patterns: Use the NSMenu escape hatch for advanced dynamic menu items, menu validation, and first-responder routing when SwiftUI's APIs are insufficient.
  • Use Case: A macOS note-taking app can use this Skill to add a custom "Notes" top-level menu, assign keyboard shortcuts for quick note creation, implement a context menu for note actions, and add a dock menu that shows recent notes when right-clicking the app icon.

Quick Start

Use the macos-menus-commands skill to add a custom top-level menu with a keyboard shortcut to your macOS SwiftUI app's menu bar.

Frequently Asked Questions about macos-menus-commands

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I add custom menus and keyboard shortcuts to a SwiftUI macOS app?▼

You add custom menus and keyboard shortcuts in SwiftUI using .commands, CommandMenu, and CommandGroup modifiers to build top-level menus and assign conflict-free shortcuts within the native menu bar.

How do I implement right-click context menus and dock menus in macOS SwiftUI?▼

You implement right-click context menus and dynamic dock menus in macOS SwiftUI by applying the Skill's system menu integration patterns. This enables seamless right-click actions and dock icon interactions for recent items.

When do I need AppKit interop for SwiftUI menu bar customization?▼

You need AppKit interop for SwiftUI menu bar customization when requiring advanced dynamic menu items, menu validation, first-responder routing, or per-window menu scoping that SwiftUI's built-in APIs cannot handle. The NSMenu escape hatch provides these advanced capabilities.

Can I scope macOS menu bar items to specific windows using SwiftUI?▼

Yes, you can scope macOS menu bar items to specific windows using SwiftUI. The Skill satisfies functional requirements for per-window menu scoping, allowing menu visibility and actions to target individual windows.

What is the best way to resolve keyboard shortcut conflicts in macOS SwiftUI menus?▼

The best way to resolve keyboard shortcut conflicts in macOS SwiftUI menus is using CommandGroup and .commands to assign conflict-free shortcuts. This ensures custom keyboard combinations do not override built-in system behaviors.

Does this macOS menu integration approach work with the system Services menu?▼

Yes, this macOS menu integration approach works with the system Services menu. The Skill implements system Services menu integration alongside context menus and dock menus to provide a seamless macOS user experience.