Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
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Where can I find comparisons between high resolution and low resolution macOS icons?
In the 2013 OS X Human Interface Guidelines, Apple wrote > As the canvas size decreases, you have fewer pixels to draw, which means that smaller sizes should be less detailed. For example, the smaller size Calendar app icon is not as detailed as the larger size, where you can see numbers for the day...
In the 2013 OS X Human Interface Guidelines, Apple wrote
> As the canvas size decreases, you have fewer pixels to draw, which means that smaller sizes should be less
detailed. For example, the smaller size Calendar app icon is not as detailed as the larger size, where you can
see numbers for the days of the month, highlights in the metal rings
P. 118
I’m looking for a comparison for more their icons; mail, safari, pages. I’ve only been able to find changes over years and not different versions in the same year.
OrigamiEye
(448 rep)
Jul 9, 2025, 04:35 AM
• Last activity: Jul 9, 2025, 08:31 AM
0
votes
2
answers
1066
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Why is a haptic motor used for trackpad clicks on the m2 MBA?
I understand it with the iPhone SE because it would add waterproofing. But the MacBook isn't actually waterproof. So what is the benefit? And isn't it another electrical component to burn out or malfunction?
I understand it with the iPhone SE because it would add waterproofing. But the MacBook isn't actually waterproof. So what is the benefit? And isn't it another electrical component to burn out or malfunction?
JosephCorrectEnglishPronouns
(163 rep)
Sep 22, 2022, 09:23 AM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2022, 10:48 PM
0
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1
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173
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Custom app keyboard shortcuts: different commands with the same name
I've created some custom keyboard shortcuts for Sketch within system preferences: [![enter image description here][1]][1] I'd like to create some additional shortcuts, but what do I do when the commands have the same name within the dropdowns? e.g. there are multiple commands called 'Left' depending...
I've created some custom keyboard shortcuts for Sketch within system preferences:
I'd like to create some additional shortcuts, but what do I do when the commands have the same name within the dropdowns? e.g. there are multiple commands called 'Left' depending on which dropdown you use, see one here:
I'd like to create some additional shortcuts, but what do I do when the commands have the same name within the dropdowns? e.g. there are multiple commands called 'Left' depending on which dropdown you use, see one here:
user206728
Jul 23, 2020, 01:22 PM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2020, 01:06 PM
1
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2
answers
980
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What typeface is used by macOS to render unicode glyphs?
What font is being used in the following screenshot (on a latest macOS/Safari) to render the Unicode glyphs? [![enter image description here][1]][1] The screenshot is taken from the page http://www.alanwood.net/demos/wingdings.html Is this font available somewhere publicly as an SVG? (Cross-posted f...
What font is being used in the following screenshot (on a latest macOS/Safari) to render the Unicode glyphs?
The screenshot is taken from the page http://www.alanwood.net/demos/wingdings.html
Is this font available somewhere publicly as an SVG?
(Cross-posted from here. )
The screenshot is taken from the page http://www.alanwood.net/demos/wingdings.html
Is this font available somewhere publicly as an SVG?
(Cross-posted from here. )
gen
(251 rep)
Feb 9, 2020, 10:48 AM
• Last activity: Mar 9, 2020, 05:38 PM
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0
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Applescript (Adobe Illustrator) find coincident X coordinate on a path for any given Y coordinate
I have two lines as shown in the screenshot below (Adobe Illustrator file) which my script produces. Is there any way, using AppleScript, to find the value of X for the coincident points on the curvy vertical lines for any given value of Y? For example if I wanted to add horizontal lines between the...
I have two lines as shown in the screenshot below (Adobe Illustrator file) which my script produces.
Is there any way, using AppleScript, to find the value of X for the coincident points on the curvy vertical lines for any given value of Y? For example if I wanted to add horizontal lines between the two vertical paths at the points indicated on the screenshot...
EDIT: I'm guessing that this is not going to be a built in function of AppleScript / Illustrator but I'm also guessing there must be a way to map a point on the path from the information used to build the path... ie the previous and next anchor points and the positions of the handles...
Could anyone explain how this works? What the formula might be?
Bertie
(111 rep)
Jan 11, 2020, 03:56 PM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2020, 06:18 PM
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0
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27
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Does Apple prohibit the display of a non-interactive preview of a system notification on an app's UI?
I'm on initial design stages of a new iOS app, and for one of the screens I'm thinking of having the user build a custom notification. For that, the app would feature a preview of the final notification bubble at the bottom of a screen. This notification would have the same appearance of a real noti...
I'm on initial design stages of a new iOS app, and for one of the screens I'm thinking of having the user build a custom notification.
For that, the app would feature a preview of the final notification bubble at the bottom of a screen. This notification would have the same appearance of a real notification, but would appear in a place on the screen where a real notification would never be shown. At the end of the flow, the user would confirm the built notification looks as it should, and then it would be dismissed and scheduled as a real notification to appear later on.
Is there any prohibitions in place for a UI with this characteristic? I asked a few friends who work on iOS development, and I've searched through the Human Interface Guidelines on Apple's website, but I didn't find any confirmation of whether this is explicitly disallowed. Somehow, though, I have this nagging feeling that this is the type of stuff that Apple would disallow.
Can anyone confirm whether this is allowed?
Fabio Bracht
(826 rep)
Aug 5, 2019, 06:20 PM
1
votes
1
answers
281
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OSX Software to use for Photo Collage in a large poster size
I need a very large poster of pictures of kids collage. Here is a sample[![enter image description here][1]][1] I'm not a graphic designer and so I'm not necessarily very familiar with the Vector design tools that people often use to make these kinds of posters. I came up with this from a free tool,...
I need a very large poster of pictures of kids collage.
Here is a sample
I'm not a graphic designer and so I'm not necessarily very familiar with the Vector design tools that people often use to make these kinds of posters.
I came up with this from a free tool, but that only allows exporting of sizes below 172" and my requirement is to edit and export this for size 298" X 121"
Can anyone recommend me a good collaging poster export tool that exports to this size?
I'm not a graphic designer and so I'm not necessarily very familiar with the Vector design tools that people often use to make these kinds of posters.
I came up with this from a free tool, but that only allows exporting of sizes below 172" and my requirement is to edit and export this for size 298" X 121"
Can anyone recommend me a good collaging poster export tool that exports to this size?
lprsd
(271 rep)
Jul 31, 2019, 08:53 AM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2019, 09:55 AM
2
votes
1
answers
91
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Apple planning to release new Mac Pro?
With the Mac Mini getting a new release, what is happening with the Mac Pro (aka the "Trash Can")? It has not had any design changes since 2013, and 5 years later it would seem that Apple would plan to give it a new look. I read some articles that claim how Apple will change the Mac Pro, but are the...
With the Mac Mini getting a new release, what is happening with the Mac Pro (aka the "Trash Can")? It has not had any design changes since 2013, and 5 years later it would seem that Apple would plan to give it a new look. I read some articles that claim how Apple will change the Mac Pro, but are these statements true or can they be backed up by official Apple releases?
A quick search online brings you to either pages that stay on-the-surface of the topic, not going into much detail, or just fan concept drawings. Some places give info that they claim was released by Apple.
What has Apple officially released about there being a new Mac Pro, if they have released anything?
Randall Hall
(192 rep)
Dec 2, 2018, 05:14 PM
• Last activity: Dec 2, 2018, 06:32 PM
0
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1
answers
1158
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What does it look like when an Instagram user using an iPhone X comes across an iPhone X size image in Stories?
I am curious to know if someone with an iPhone X could share when an iPhone X style photo comes up in stories.
I am curious to know if someone with an iPhone X could share when an iPhone X style photo comes up in stories.
Q The Great
(125 rep)
Nov 22, 2018, 03:14 AM
• Last activity: Nov 22, 2018, 09:32 AM
2
votes
2
answers
1368
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Where can I find the schematics/CAD model for MacBook Pro's components?
**Device:** MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014) I'm looking for detailed schematics, preferably official Apple publications, describing and/or annotating the dimensions or other specifics of the components. I'm not looking for electrical layout diagrams. My goal is to create an acrylic chassis i...
**Device:** MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
I'm looking for detailed schematics, preferably official Apple publications, describing and/or annotating the dimensions or other specifics of the components. I'm not looking for electrical layout diagrams.
My goal is to create an acrylic chassis inspired by the old iMacs to replace the aluminum. Any leads on the topic of this documentation is welcome, even if it's not everything.
The particular part I am interested in is pictured below:
user273672
Jan 25, 2018, 03:32 AM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2018, 02:56 PM
1
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4
answers
3918
views
How to get old Spotlight Search View back for Yosemite?
I do not like Yosemite's default Spotlight search. It is in the middle of screen and I can see very little outputs at once. It is so much helpful when it is full screen. Example of the window which has limited height and central location: ![enter image description here][1] **How can you change the l...
I do not like Yosemite's default Spotlight search.
It is in the middle of screen and I can see very little outputs at once.
It is so much helpful when it is full screen.
Example of the window which has limited height and central location:
**How can you change the location be at the top right corner and height of the hits full height?**
**How can you change the location be at the top right corner and height of the hits full height?**
Léo Léopold Hertz 준영
(6614 rep)
Dec 8, 2014, 12:01 PM
• Last activity: Apr 2, 2018, 07:40 PM
-3
votes
2
answers
186
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Why do iOS updates have "Apple Inc" in the top corner?
I was notified of the iOS 10.3.2 update, and when I went to check it out, I saw “Apple Inc.” in the corner. What does this mean? Or can it be displayed by something else? [ ][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/0Xhhc.jpg
I was notified of the iOS 10.3.2 update, and when I went to check it out, I saw “Apple Inc.” in the corner. What does this mean? Or can it be displayed by something else?
" class="img-fluid rounded" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px 0;" loading="lazy">
" class="img-fluid rounded" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px 0;" loading="lazy">
TwentyCharMax
(480 rep)
May 20, 2017, 02:56 AM
• Last activity: May 20, 2017, 04:49 PM
3
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1
answers
520
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Purchasing Affinity designer on mac
If I purchase Affinity Designer on my iMac will I be able to use the app on my MacBook as well? I'd like to know if it works on one device or on any device that my iCloud account is signed into.
If I purchase Affinity Designer on my iMac will I be able to use the app on my MacBook as well?
I'd like to know if it works on one device or on any device that my iCloud account is signed into.
I'd like to know if it works on one device or on any device that my iCloud account is signed into.
user229611
May 2, 2017, 10:40 PM
• Last activity: May 2, 2017, 10:43 PM
1
votes
1
answers
45
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iOS guidelines archive
I'm researching historical changes of UI widgets. Do you know if there's an archive with all the iOS interface guidelines published by Apple over the years?
I'm researching historical changes of UI widgets.
Do you know if there's an archive with all the iOS interface guidelines published by Apple over the years?
Omar Sosa-Tzec
(11 rep)
Mar 6, 2017, 07:10 PM
• Last activity: Mar 6, 2017, 09:22 PM
3
votes
3
answers
1188
views
What are some unusual uses of the MacBook trackpad?
You know, the MacBook has such a beautiful trackpad. Are there applications that use its power for music-making, drawing, or anything else unusual?
You know, the MacBook has such a beautiful trackpad. Are there applications that use its power for music-making, drawing, or anything else unusual?
diimdeep
(1144 rep)
Jun 29, 2011, 04:21 PM
• Last activity: Feb 5, 2017, 07:47 PM
2
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0
answers
1106
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System Preferences Date & Time Icon
This is more of a curiosity question that's been bugging me and I can't find an answer to. With the new MacOS Sierra, if you open the System Preferences, and look at the Date & Time icon used, the it shows the date July 18th, 10:10:30. In the past, Apple has typically been purposeful about their use...
This is more of a curiosity question that's been bugging me and I can't find an answer to. With the new MacOS Sierra, if you open the System Preferences, and look at the Date & Time icon used, the it shows the date July 18th, 10:10:30.
In the past, Apple has typically been purposeful about their use of dates in icons, whether it's the day Steve Jobs came back to Apple, or the release of a new product.
__So the question is, why is July 18th used?__
Andrew
(123 rep)
Sep 22, 2016, 01:09 PM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2016, 01:40 PM
4
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2
answers
555
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Create .icns ad hoc
I want to create `.icns` for an app i made, i know how to make icons in png and `.ico` but i don't know much about it. Which size should i create my icons before to convert them? I don't want my icons to look sharpen or blurred. I tried just converting them but i don't know if it's just a matter of...
I want to create
.icns for an app i made, i know how to make icons in png and .ico but i don't know much about it.
Which size should i create my icons before to convert them?
I don't want my icons to look sharpen or blurred.
I tried just converting them but i don't know if it's just a matter of converting png or ico...
Any advice appreciated!
Filippo oretti
(143 rep)
Mar 11, 2016, 08:54 PM
• Last activity: Mar 12, 2016, 11:51 PM
21
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2
answers
9768
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Why does iPhone 6 have a thick line on its edge
![This gap is whatI'm talking about][1] Apple never keeps even a dot on its hardware if it doesn't have a function. But why does the iPhone 6 have this Gap/Thick line on its edge? Any clue? [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/R8Hwp.png
Apple never keeps even a dot on its hardware if it doesn't have a function. But why does the iPhone 6 have this Gap/Thick line on its edge? Any clue?
Rahul
(321 rep)
Jul 14, 2015, 12:41 PM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2015, 03:33 PM
0
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1
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96
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Free Tool for diagramming
I am looking for a **free tool for drawing diagrams** (either for OS X or online). My goal is to keep for myself a clear trace of the organization of my project. Something like [OmniGraffle](https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle). Any ideas? Actually, I want to design a [class diagram](http://en.wik...
I am looking for a **free tool for drawing diagrams** (either for OS X or online). My goal is to keep for myself a clear trace of the organization of my project. Something like [OmniGraffle](https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle) .
Any ideas?
Actually, I want to design a [class diagram](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_diagram) .
Colas
(3030 rep)
May 4, 2015, 02:26 PM
• Last activity: May 9, 2015, 08:43 AM
1
votes
2
answers
1151
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Icon export @x ratio from iPhone 5 to 6+?
If I’m designing icons/images in native iPhone 5 resolution, what @x multiple do I need to export them at for iPhone 6+? Just use @2x? That’s too big right? Example: an icon is 44px x 44px. If I export at @2x it’s 88px. That’s too large for 6+ right? What’s the right multiple or ratio from 5 to 6+....
If I’m designing icons/images in native iPhone 5 resolution, what @x multiple do I need to export them at for iPhone 6+? Just use @2x? That’s too big right? Example: an icon is 44px x 44px. If I export at @2x it’s 88px. That’s too large for 6+ right? What’s the right multiple or ratio from 5 to 6+.
In the past, from non-retina to retina the ratio was just doubled. So an icon of 22px would be 44px. Very annoying for Apple to do this... :/
Thank you!
Megaroeny
(173 rep)
Sep 30, 2014, 05:09 PM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2014, 01:00 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions