macOS App Icon Guidelines: From Sketch to App Store

1. The macOS Design Language

macOS icons are distinct from iOS icons. While they share the rounded rectangle shape, macOS icons are allowed—and encouraged—to have depth, perspective, and realistic textures.

Think of it as "physicality". An icon for a text editor might look like a real notepad. An icon for a game might look like a 3D prop from the game.

2. Shape and Grid

All macOS app icons must fit within a rounded rectangle shape. Apple provides a template grid to help you align your artwork.

• Rounded Rectangle: The base shape for all icons.
• Drop Shadow: The system does NOT add a drop shadow automatically (unlike iOS). You must bake the shadow into your icon design, but it should be consistent with the system's lighting direction (top-down).

3. Size Requirements

macOS icons need to look crisp on large 5K displays and tiny Finder list views.

Size (points)	Scale	Size (pixels)
512x512	@2x	1024x1024
256x256	@2x	512x512
128x128	@2x	256x256
32x32	@2x	64x64
16x16	@2x	32x32

Note: You generally provide a 1024x1024 png, and tools (like Xcode or DevIcon Studio) generate the rest. However, for smaller sizes (16px, 32px), you might want to manually optimize the icon to ensure clarity.

4. Materials and Textures

Don't be afraid of realism. Use metal, glass, paper, or fabric textures if they fit your app's theme. The icon should feel like a premium object that you want to touch.

"A tool icon, like a hammer, should look like it's made of wood and steel, not just a flat vector."

5. Tools

You can design your icon in Figma, Sketch, or Photoshop. Apple provides an official design resource file for Sketch and Photoshop that includes the grid and standard background shapes.