@adobe/spectrum-design-data 3.3.0 → 3.5.0
This diff represents the content of publicly available package versions that have been released to one of the supported registries. The information contained in this diff is provided for informational purposes only and reflects changes between package versions as they appear in their respective public registries.
- package/components/accordion.json +32 -102
- package/components/action-bar.json +9 -23
- package/components/action-button.json +52 -92
- package/components/action-group.json +18 -129
- package/components/alert-banner.json +8 -27
- package/components/alert-dialog.json +45 -55
- package/components/avatar-group.json +20 -50
- package/components/avatar.json +44 -123
- package/components/badge.json +66 -160
- package/components/breadcrumbs.json +26 -100
- package/components/button-group.json +32 -63
- package/components/button.json +74 -105
- package/components/calendar.json +8 -67
- package/components/cards.json +31 -46
- package/components/checkbox-group.json +22 -84
- package/components/checkbox.json +33 -96
- package/components/close-button.json +31 -73
- package/components/coach-indicator.json +14 -44
- package/components/coach-mark.json +8 -26
- package/components/color-area.json +20 -93
- package/components/color-handle.json +25 -38
- package/components/color-loupe.json +18 -18
- package/components/color-slider.json +26 -122
- package/components/color-wheel.json +17 -84
- package/components/combo-box.json +56 -188
- package/components/contextual-help.json +87 -126
- package/components/date-picker.json +24 -120
- package/components/divider.json +25 -38
- package/components/drop-zone.json +25 -37
- package/components/field-label.json +22 -59
- package/components/help-text.json +16 -53
- package/components/illustrated-message.json +21 -72
- package/components/in-line-alert.json +13 -53
- package/components/link.json +31 -63
- package/components/list-view.json +15 -73
- package/components/menu.json +51 -180
- package/components/meter.json +35 -76
- package/components/number-field.json +34 -168
- package/components/picker.json +48 -187
- package/components/popover.json +47 -123
- package/components/progress-bar.json +33 -105
- package/components/progress-circle.json +25 -55
- package/components/radio-button.json +14 -67
- package/components/radio-group.json +34 -131
- package/components/rating.json +9 -38
- package/components/search-field.json +40 -125
- package/components/segmented-control.json +27 -69
- package/components/select-box.json +29 -96
- package/components/side-navigation.json +28 -69
- package/components/slider.json +45 -154
- package/components/standard-dialog.json +16 -88
- package/components/status-light.json +51 -133
- package/components/steplist.json +5 -24
- package/components/swatch-group.json +19 -55
- package/components/swatch.json +24 -79
- package/components/switch.json +42 -79
- package/components/table.json +26 -73
- package/components/tabs.json +35 -52
- package/components/tag-field.json +14 -60
- package/components/tag-group.json +22 -55
- package/components/tag.json +27 -77
- package/components/takeover-dialog.json +10 -61
- package/components/text-area.json +55 -204
- package/components/text-field.json +48 -169
- package/components/thumbnail.json +22 -63
- package/components/toast.json +30 -47
- package/components/tooltip.json +37 -84
- package/components/tree-view.json +51 -146
- package/fields/structure.json +1 -2
- package/guidelines/ai-resource-guide.json +42 -0
- package/guidelines/app-frame-overview.json +45 -44
- package/guidelines/applying-the-type-system.json +71 -0
- package/guidelines/attention-hierarchy.json +13 -22
- package/guidelines/background-layers.json +84 -10
- package/guidelines/bi-directionality.json +57 -0
- package/guidelines/border-width.json +70 -0
- package/guidelines/brand.json +24 -12
- package/guidelines/cognitive.json +229 -0
- package/guidelines/colors.json +55 -17
- package/guidelines/component-spacing.json +65 -0
- package/guidelines/contact-us.json +27 -0
- package/guidelines/containers.json +21 -28
- package/guidelines/content-area-browsing-context.json +73 -0
- package/guidelines/creating-bluelines-browsing-context.json +71 -0
- package/guidelines/design-tokens.json +186 -0
- package/guidelines/developer-overview.json +33 -9
- package/guidelines/drop-shadow.json +76 -0
- package/guidelines/faqs.json +100 -9
- package/guidelines/fonts.json +33 -14
- package/guidelines/grammar-and-mechanics.json +276 -0
- package/guidelines/grays.json +17 -44
- package/guidelines/header-browsing-context.json +40 -0
- package/guidelines/icon-fundamentals.json +7 -18
- package/guidelines/illustration.json +120 -0
- package/guidelines/in-product-word-list.json +25 -0
- package/guidelines/inclusive-design.json +101 -0
- package/guidelines/inclusive-ux-writing.json +34 -0
- package/guidelines/internationalization.json +103 -0
- package/guidelines/layout-spacing.json +39 -0
- package/guidelines/manifest.json +280 -16
- package/guidelines/motion.json +18 -13
- package/guidelines/object-styles-overview.json +17 -0
- package/guidelines/principles.json +7 -8
- package/guidelines/resources.json +29 -15
- package/guidelines/rounding.json +85 -0
- package/guidelines/side-navigation-browsing-context.json +74 -0
- package/guidelines/spacing-overview.json +78 -0
- package/guidelines/states.json +16 -11
- package/guidelines/support.json +125 -0
- package/guidelines/typography-overview.json +39 -0
- package/guidelines/typography-system.json +212 -0
- package/guidelines/using-icons.json +32 -47
- package/guidelines/voice-and-tone.json +51 -0
- package/guidelines/whats-new.json +21 -0
- package/guidelines/writing-about-people.json +99 -0
- package/guidelines/writing-for-errors.json +140 -0
- package/guidelines/writing-for-onboarding.json +123 -0
- package/guidelines/writing-for-readability.json +66 -0
- package/guidelines/writing-with-visuals.json +78 -0
- package/llms.txt +27 -0
- package/package.json +3 -2
- package/tokens/layout.tokens.json +88 -0
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{ "type": "purpose", "content": "App frame" },
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"content": "Spectrum 2 treats the app frame as a framework to help product teams make the best decisions for their use cases. This is a resource that combines high-level framing, direction about construction, and specific examples for inspiration. It offers a balance of information that’s strategic and tactical, with the following principles at the forefront: Image: A stylized handshake icon in a red-to-purple-to-blue gradient, representing partnership and collaboration. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_11cfce068432aba2f9060cc149b32c2e004fa8f56.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Gradient circular icon with a white branching outline pattern, in red-to-purple tones. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_17f5b288d52a84b5be39e3828f378d4b58ca3849d.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Heart icon in a red-to-purple gradient with a blue wave accent. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1eed72408776ec432363d78bca1e17a23ff6d0819.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Flexible and adaptable.\n\nThe app frame needs to be opinionated without being restrictive. It directly accounts for the needs of future Spectrum 2 products, and is also flexible enough to be readily adaptable across varying product segment needs."
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"content": "Cohesive and predictable.\n\nA cohesive, consistent app frame reinforces Adobe’s brand and helps users feel comfortable and familiar with our products. Predictable navigation across products is also imperative for Adobe to support users working across multiple applications — and helps people more readily learn how to use new products."
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"content": "Embodies Spectrum 2.\n\nThe app frame is the main stage to showcase the Spectrum 2 style, and it reflects the core foundations and principles of the design system. It works readily with all other design system resources, is committed to complying with WCAG standards, and holds the highest standards for globalization support."
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"content": "Spectrum offers a high-level direction as well as a definition of which parts can be flexible and which parts need to be highly predictable. Product teams are then empowered to apply this direction in ways that make the most sense for their use cases and users."
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"content": "Spectrum offers a high-level direction as well as a definition of which parts can be flexible and which parts need to be highly predictable. Product teams are then empowered to apply this direction in ways that make the most sense for their use cases and users. We’re designing the app frame in stages that align to the two main experiences that are shared across all Adobe products: browsing and editing. What’s currently defined here is mainly focused on the browsing context: workflows that draw attention to the content as the primary focus (examples of pages in browsing contexts include a Home or Files experience). This does overlap with the editing context, where the workflow draws attention to the canvas as the primary focus, but we’re still defining the editing context in more detail overall. This framework defines broad information architecture: the general categories of objects, and where they go in the app frame. It does not define the location or ordering of specific objects within those categories."
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"content": "Zones are the general areas into which certain types of actions should go. They’re not specific to components."
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"content": "Browsing context: Zones.\n\nZones are the general areas into which certain types of actions should go. They’re not specific to components. Image: Diagram showing the three zones of the construction of the Spectrum 2 app frame: A, navigation zone, B, global action zone, and C, contextual action zone. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_19aef995718b2fb929aef522835b8af9a752400ed.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "A. Navigation zone.\n\nThis area holds the primary navigational items on a page. Navigation should be highly predictable across products. In the Spectrum 2 app frame, navigation can be shown in different ways: through the header and side navigation components, as well as through other navigational components (e.g., side navigation and tabs) within the content area for secondary navigation."
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"content": "B. Global action zone.\n\nThis is a general area that contains global actions, such as view actions (e.g., layout and zoom options) and supplemental features (e.g., AI Assistants). Actions here can be shown in different ways, such as using part of the content area to show actions in the header, or in a dedicated side rail. There is no single visual representation of how actions should look in this area."
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"content": "C. Contextual action zone.\n\nThis area is reserved for transient actions that are contextual to content on the page (e.g., an action bar)."
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"content": "Browsing context: Anatomy.\n\nParts of the anatomy have defined rules and behaviors. The terms used here to describe the anatomy of the app framework are for internal alignment only, and are not representative of how these parts of the app frame should be described to end users. Image: Diagram showing the three parts of the anatomy of the Spectrum 2 app frame: A, header, B, side navigation, and C, content area. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_187bd949ffe1f05a278b9a306eabdb7516805dc19.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "A. App frame header (Navigation, required).\n\nHolds the product brand and global actions, including the universal nav. This area can include top-level navigation, and is suitable for categorizing product segments (e.g., marketing contexts) and for larger fly-outs. If there is an app frame side navigation instead, use this area for global, app-wide actions (e.g., search). View header guidelines and examples in App frame header (browsing context)."
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"content": "B. App frame side navigation (Navigation, optional).\n\nHolds the main categories of product functionality, such as workflow-related navigational items (e.g., home, files, learn, dashboards). This navigation has specific behaviors for showing and minimizing labels. Do not use this for categorizing marketing pages. View side navigation guidelines and examples in App frame side navigation (browsing context)."
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"content": "C. Content area (Required).\n\nModular space that supports multiple layout configurations. The content that goes inside this area is free and not defined by the app frame. Gradients, when used in this space, are applied with clear intent and strategic purpose. They should contribute to the visual hierarchy, not distract from it. And, their colors are directly tied to product brand color palettes. In the S2 app frame, gradients are only used as backgrounds in content areas — they are not used in the header (A) and navigational areas (B). This allows for greater flexibility between pages where gradients may be calling attention to different kinds of content. View side navigation guidelines and examples in App frame content area (browsing context)."
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"content": "Anatomy examples.\n\nImage: Two examples of Spectrum 2 app frame anatomy. Example one: Header only. Header contains the primary navigation and global actions. Example two: Header plus side navigation. Because the side navigation is present, the header is used for global, app-wide actions instead. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1b47658c35e18eead92d82cc540f886a57b6ee84f.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "There are two variants of the side navigation state control: hamburger and panel. They should never be used at the same time. Interacting with the side navigation state control (an icon-only button) will expand and collapse the width of the panel. This allows for the labels of the side navigational items to be shown or hidden. When used to expand the panel, the accessible name (optionally shown as a tooltip) changes to “Show menu labels.” When used to collapse the panel, the accessible name changes to “Hide menu labels.” Image: Two diagrams showing the difference between the side navigation state control. One is of panel icon and the other is of the hamburger icon. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_128e76de99bdbfd9d2c9744699ee6fcd678f5f85f.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Hamburger.\n\nInteracting with this icon in the header will either fully expand and collapse, or partially collapse, the panel."
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"content": "Panel.\n\nWhen hovering on the panel icon, the icon will show an animated preview of what action would be done upon interaction (either expanding or collapsing). This animation offers more context about what to expect. The placement of the panel icon is at the bottom of the app frame side navigation panel. Learn more about the side navigation state control’s user customization and preserve user preferences. App frame variants: Top App Bar (TAB) will go over the use cases of hamburger and panel icons."
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"content": "The Top App Bar (TAB) is the the most-up-to-date form of the 9-grid app switcher in Adobe Home. While the underlying functionality remains unchanged, the TAB introduces a more prominent visual placement, appearing at the top of the header when active."
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"content": "How to use the TAB.\n\nTo activate or deactivate the TAB, select the 9-grid icon. Once clicked on, the TAB will appear above the header. On a screen reader, if there is an alert banner present, then the visual placement from top to bottom would be alert banner, TAB, then header."
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"content": "Product-Specific Variations.\n\nThe placement and appearance of the TAB icon may differ across Adobe products. Not all products will utilize the TAB. The currently supported products are Adobe Home, Firefly, Express, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Acrobat."
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"content": "TAB products (Digital Media).\n\nFor products that use the TAB, the side navigation state control (panel icon) will be at the bottom of the side navigation. For mobile experiences, the side navigation state control (hamburger icon) and product switcher will be in the header."
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"content": "Anatomy examples.\n\nImage: Examples of the product switcher in different places. One example of the Top App Bar (TAB) active at the top of the viewport with the panel icon state switcher at the end of the side navigation section. Another example is the mobile experience with the hamburger icon state switcher and the product switcher in the header. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_19bf4524cadbd94da0231a7cce0d587f0be0ac845.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Non-TAB products (Digital Experience and Unified Shell).\n\nFor products that don’t use the TAB, the side navigation state control will always be the hamburger icon. Image: Diagrams of the hamburger side navigation state control in a web and mobile breakpoint. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1ba4d3297356f4f73b02b4fb05bed4596a9fcd706.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "It’s ultimately up to product teams to decide how to translate the terms used in the framework anatomy — and other internal jargon — into UI language that makes the most sense for their end users. Internal product development jargon often unintentionally surfaces in UI, and this can create confusing experiences for the people using our products. In order to avoid that — as well as align across differences in team and individual jargon — the terms used here to describe the anatomy of the app frame are focused on communicating high-level construction (how something is built) and intention (how something is used)."
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"content": "Some common Adobe terms for describing the UI.\n\nThe following are some common terms used at Adobe for describing the core UI elements that make up the app frame, along with some notable usage considerations. Consider this as a starting point for you to take and develop into working language that may need to be more contextual for your product. Work with your Content Strategy partners to adapt it to your needs. Image: Illustration of where panels or rails appear in the app frame layout: to either the left or right side of the UI. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1c4e8402f034d1e4c9737e42b72fad58518c38c1f.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Illustration of one example where a content area can appear in the app frame layout: as the main focus or work area. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1600fc2e5b4260da2d3f688f8b0c9d7c4604016f1.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Illustration of an example of where a well can appear in the app frame layout: in the middle of a content area. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1a80cabda2a52fad2708546441c70773dd8942506.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Panel, Rail.\n\nPanels and rails share so many similarities in their appearance and behaviors, as well as the same root concept: an area of content, with visible boundaries, affixed to one side, that has a specific focus or intention. These are a type of container, and can be flexible in what they contain. A panel is the preferred way to describe this general concept. This is because the word borrows from the well-known analog metaphor of a “control panel”: a flat board, usually square or rectangular, where controls are fixed."
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"content": "Content area.\n\nSpectrum refers to a designated part of a composition of components as a content area if it can support many layout options, and is flexible in what it can contain. The word “content” is general in theory but specific in application. In general, it’s a catch-all word for something that is contained in a designated space, and communicates meaning or intention. Specific to the context of the app frame, it describes that what goes into this area is at the discretion of a given situation or user experience."
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"content": "Well.\n\nA well is a type of container that is used to show non-user-editable content. It generally communicates lower-attention, supplementary information. This is a commonly used internal term, but is not recommended for describing the interface to an end user. This is because it relies upon a visual metaphor to mimic an analog concept: something that “sinks” into a UI plane, like a water well sinks into the surface of the ground."
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"content": "Identifying user-facing terms vs. internal-only terms.\n\nInternal jargon is important and we want to be aligned across teams, but we also need to be careful about using internal terms, externally. By “user-facing term,” we mean that user to be the “end user”: the person who encounters the UI of an Adobe experience. In general, if you’re creating resources for internal usage (such as design guidelines or specs), you can safely use internal jargon. If you’re creating actual product UI, you will need to ensure that you’re using the appropriate terms that will help your user best understand and navigate the interface. Use the following steps to decide on terms: Image: A black-and-white line icon of a browser window with a top toolbar and a single dot. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_15b3b3fb77bc097c8d306652754e50f38e16cb7fb.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: A black-and-white line icon of a magnifying glass, representing search. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_12ac292a56a7ce97b0042216244922f5d9e32f56f.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: A black-and-white line icon of two overlapping user silhouettes, representing a group of people. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_150f01f672f95313815260ac49144b5023d36ae5e.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Using “panel” and “rail” as user-facing terms.\n\nThe word panel is acceptable as a user-facing term only when there is no other way to describe the interface. The word rail is acceptable to use as internal jargon, but it should never be used as a user-facing term. This is because the word is about how something looks: a long, straight divider, like a slide rule or a railroad track. View the Spectrum in-product word list for more details and usage notes about these and other terms to refer to parts of the interface. Image: Example of correct usage. Show more options. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1bc5bf7de9abaf2318532d97026370f9d9be0fa1e.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Describe the action to take on the UI. Image: Example of incorrect usage. Hide navigation rail. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_17fc6b06737dfff7420c77dd28a9df09d1715610d.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Don’t describe the UI itself."
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"content": "“Show” and “Hide”.\n\n“Show” and “hide” are the preferred terms to use to describe the open/close actions on the side navigation. This is for several reasons: Globalization readiness. The words “show” and “hide” both have low character counts in U.S. English, and are the most common already-existing terms to express this concept across Adobe products. Plain language. “Hide” is more straightforward and common language than “Minimize,” and is also at the appropriate reading level for UI text. Conceptual accuracy. “Show” and “Hide” better align to their associated actions; items aren’t disappearing completely from view, but are being tucked away or are changing appearance. Image: Example of correct usage. Show menu labels. Hide navigation. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_18c67799a786aa0e8335712032da5e43b57fdc230.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Example of incorrect usage. Expand menu labels. Minimize navigation. Collapse side bar. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1ab30756ab3323c279063b24ab1950d5ecd12b932.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "When in doubt, use sentence case.\n\nAs you’re designing the UI content of your app frame using this framework, follow the Spectrum content standards for all UI text and labels. Most of the writing you’ll be doing for the app frame will be short labels. These, as well as all other UI content, are formatted in sentence case: only the first letter of the first word is capitalized. View the Spectrum Grammar and mechanics page. Image: Example of correct usage. All templates. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1f4aca7a576edf2610ac55b033fa6c32b0ce79736.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Example of incorrect usage. All Templates. ALL TEMPLATES. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/app-frame/media_1d2fe39e9e168e4a5493e212e36a31d36e765060d.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "The following are some general examples to show how the Spectrum 2 typography system all comes together, and how type styles can be used together to create visual hierarchy."
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"content": "Image: Card example with numbered callouts: 1) \"Card title\" labeled as the Title style, and 2) \"Card description\" labeled as the Body style, over a colorful gradient image. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_18dd0601a7059dd3b917ba5cc09fa50cfc5e3786e.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Card.\n\nIn this card example, Title and Body text styles are used together to establish a clear visual hierarchy, helping users quickly identify the primary content while keeping supporting information easy to scan. Title S The card title uses the Title style to establish the primary focus of the card. It provides strong visual emphasis, making it easy for users to quickly identify and scan content across multiple cards. Body XS The supporting description uses the Body style because it provides additional context without competing with the title. Its lighter weight and smaller size reinforce the content hierarchy while maintaining readability. The body text is presented in gray-700 to further distinguish it as secondary information and keep attention on the primary title. Image: Dark \"Featured project\" page section for \"Dreams from Oostende\" with numbered callouts labeling the eyebrow text, heading, body paragraph, byline, and button group. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_1e2a2ea1530d45f5b5ab50e4406d52bfc78a2b4e6.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Page section.\n\nSpectrum's type scale creates a clear visual hierarchy that naturally guides the eye through the page. By assigning each type style a distinct role, Spectrum organizes information into predictable patterns that make content easier to scan and understand. Title M Heading XXL Body M Body S Component M, used in a button group Image: Unlabeled image (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_1cd4d7ef6ccfd52ab7af605bc861bcdd334201f0a.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Mobile browsing.\n\nThe same typography principles scale across screen sizes. On native mobile platforms, Spectrum preserves a clear visual hierarchy by adapting type styles to smaller layouts while maintaining consistent relationships between headings, supporting content, and actions. Heading L Title L Body XS Body S Monospace number / Body XXS"
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"content": "All-caps.\n\nAll-caps styles are not recommended for usage within UI components because it does not support accessibility requirements An all-caps style can still be used sparingly and strategically in use cases where longform content is the primary experience (like a blog post or a marketing website). All-caps text brings a heavier, punctuated feel to letterforms and adds visual impact to single words or short, standalone phrases. Image: Button labeled \"EXPORT VIDEO\" in all-caps text, shown as a don't example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_111cb65fe657204f59fbf7ba2758d84ed1330d7c2.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Use Spectrum font sizes.\n\nChoose from Spectrum's defined font sizes. By using unique font sizes, you risk upsetting the hierarchy and balance of typography in your product. Image: Text reading \"Spectrum delivers what's needed, when it's needed.\" labeled with a custom value of 17 px instead of a Spectrum font size token, shown as a don't example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_1280ff1daf36ac669b43bcc3e021b8a6774c4cbb6.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Text reading \"Spectrum delivers what's needed, when it's needed.\" labeled with the token font-size-200, shown as a do example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_17c4dbbf625e3b2e743e6a75e591d7f5991b5cfbc.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Respect capitalization rules.\n\nUse sentence case for all UX content. For more on capitalization guidelines, go to Grammar and mechanics. Image: Form with a \"Create audience\" button, an \"Email address\" field, and a \"Contact preference\" dropdown listing \"Phone call,\" \"Email address,\" and \"Text message\" in sentence case, shown as a do example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_1e8d9950994f825a7339aaac2677a0f16286e1762.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Use tabular numbers for numerical data.\n\nNumbers within components should be tabular with lining figures. In tables, numbers should be right aligned to make numerical data easier to read and compare. This is used, for example, in tables, time stamps, and bar loaders. This is supported by Adobe Clean (via the Monospace uppercase option in Figma, the OpenType panel in Illustrator, or the CSS font feature settings). For iOS and Android, use the Spectrum Monospace numbers type styles. Image: Table with a \"Count\" column showing right-aligned tabular numbers 2, 5, 10, 12, and 25, with a bolded total of 324, shown as a do example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_17aab398526c4b42c420abce55611379ee1eba044.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"dont": "Paragraphs of text that are too long are difficult to follow, and paragraphs of text that are too thin are difficult to read. Ideally, blocks of text should be roughly 70 characters wide. Be sure to keep them at least between 50 and 120 characters wide. Image: Narrow column of the \"Collaborative\" paragraph broken into many short lines, illustrating a paragraph width that is too thin, shown as a don't example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_13bb8774bddfb85d336faadbf8f1f4936f9020f4e.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Keep content short and to the point.\n\nKeep paragraphs concise. Some users with cognitive disabilities (and even those who don't) can have a very difficult time reading and comprehending large blocks of text. Image: Moderate-width column of the \"Collaborative\" paragraph with comfortably readable line lengths, shown as a do example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_15433cd18805249164930961eb963e4bec4bacba9.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"dont": "Do not use fully-justified blocks of text. This adds trapped white space within paragraphs, which makes it harder to read, especially for those with cognitive disabilities or dyslexia. Right alignment (left rag) is also discouraged for paragraphs of text. Image: The \"Collaborative\" paragraph shown fully justified with uneven word spacing on a pink background, shown as a don't example. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/typography/media_1da6c7af0217c78e26865de32b20a08b32471b743.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Attention hierarchy is a core concept in Spectrum 2. This idea has always been a part of Spectrum as a design system — and a tenet of responsible UX design as a whole — but it’s now more formalized as a way to validate assumptions using clear guidelines and considerations. It’s based on the methods of typographic hierarchy, where scale, size, and text pairings help readers to readily recognize what’s the most broad and important information to the most detailed and nice-to-know information. We’ve extended this practice beyond just text and into all the ways that UI communicates. Another way to think of attention hierarchy is as a way to manage the ratio of signal-to-noise in an experience. Different parts of the UI all communicate meaning, at different levels of attention. High attention elements show a primary area of focus, and communicate timely, high-signal meanings. Low attention elements blend into the background, and communicate more utilitarian, lower-priority meanings. Things like object styles, component options, and typography all draw different levels of attention."
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"content": "High attention elements should be used sparingly and selectively. If too many things are high attention at once, the experience becomes noisy and unfocused. For example, both high-contrast colors and elevation communicate specific meanings and add emphasis within pages and flows — and these are both used very thoughtfully. Image: Three labeled pill buttons on a low-to-high attention scale: a light gray button on the left (low attention), a dark gray/black button in the middle, and a solid blue button on the right (high attention). (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/media_14ae3b9cab583541ca3057219e82b963cb577f719.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: Four empty rounded rectangle cards arranged on a low-to-high attention scale, showing progressively deeper drop shadows from left to right to indicate increasing visual elevation and attention. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/media_145c026b410020965c87b15781c669231233cd7fa.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "High attention elements should be used sparingly and selectively. If too many things are high attention at once, the experience becomes noisy and unfocused. For example, both high-contrast colors and elevation communicate specific meanings and add emphasis within pages and flows — and these are both used very thoughtfully."
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"content": "**Good example:** The \"Share\" button is the most timely and high-impact action to take in this example. It's high attention because the next step after finishing creating something within the canvas would be to share it."
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"content": "As a general rule, only one element or group of elements should have high attention on a page. Too many elements drawing high attention makes it difficult to focus. Image: A vertical sidebar with a blue circular add button at top, followed by icons for recent, cloud, and people, with a tooltip labeled 'Recent' pointing to the clock icon, and a panel toggle icon at the bottom. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/media_1a93a0b0e1b7fb0945b404bf29ffcc9bd5cc43d71.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Image: A vertical sidebar with a blue circular add button, a highlighted blue 'Recent' clock icon with a matching blue tooltip label, plus cloud and people icons, and a panel toggle icon at the bottom — showing overuse of blue accent color across multiple elements. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/media_19fb239ceeb047bb8e509bb2f502737325765d41e.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) The plus button is the most timely and high impact action to take in this example. Selected state of items in the navigation is competing with the plus button."
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"sourceUrl": "https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/attention-hierarchy",
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"attention hierarchy",
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"high attention",
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"title": "Background layers",
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"category": "designing",
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{ "type": "purpose", "content": "Background layers" },
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "In Spectrum, background layers are used differently depending on the primary context of the page. For pages where the primary purpose is the canvas and related actions for editing, view Editing contexts. For pages where the primary focus is browsing content, such as a Home or Files experience, view Browsing contexts. If you’re not sure whether a page is in an editing or browsing context, contact the Spectrum design team. In addition to the three existing background layer options — background layer 1, background layer 2, and background base — Spectrum includes an elevated option. Elevated background layers create depth and emphasize content floating on top of a canvas. Image: A stack of five overlapping flat panels labeled with callouts from front to back: elevated, layer-2, layer-1, base, and pasteboard, illustrating a background layer hierarchy. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_125baf8974fe134e65d43f0f3ae7eeac5a7fd609b.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Background layer Light theme Dark theme Elevated gray-25 (with drop shadow) gray-75 (with drop shadow) Layer 2 gray-25 gray-75 Layer 1 gray-50 gray-50 Pasteboard gray-100 gray-25"
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Overview.\n\nIn Spectrum, background layers are used differently depending on the primary context of the page. For pages where the primary purpose is the canvas and related actions for editing, view Editing contexts. For pages where the primary focus is browsing content, such as a Home or Files experience, view Browsing contexts. If you’re not sure whether a page is in an editing or browsing context, contact the Spectrum design team."
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},
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{
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Editing application.\n\nPages in editing contexts draw attention to the canvas, which is the primary focus. Image: A UI mockup showing a light gray toolbar and content area, with a small white vertical panel on the left labeled 'elevated. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_170fe70f90d11502945ba73f759534964da2df900.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Image: An isometric exploded view of a UI panel showing stacked layers labeled layer-2, elevated, pasteboard, and layer-2 again, illustrating depth and stacking order. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1f8b886169da3f23ccfffdbb27b5c0ea4021846d2.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Elevated (highest attention).\n\nElevated backgrounds create the illusion of depth through the use of a drop shadow, and display content that appears on top of other content. They draw attention and are used sparingly. In an editing application, this background option works well for parts of the app frame that appear on top of the canvas, such as a floating toolbar, panel, or popover."
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a light gray toolbar and content area, with the surrounding background area labeled 'layer-2.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_10fb4e74c2e2cf1b5db032034b80119c621df637f.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "The
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a light gray toolbar and content area, with the outermost background area labeled 'pasteboard.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_110c564baa38fffaae914eb5a11d469cd41ccf2a1.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Pasteboard.\n\nThe pasteboard has a dedicated background layer. This is because no components are placed directly on top of it, with the exception of an artboard (which uses a white background color). Other components should be placed on a layer 1, layer 2, or elevated background."
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"content": "This example shows an editing application using background layer 2 for both the artboard and the app frame. An elevated background is used for a floating toolbar, which appears on top of the canvas. Image: An isometric exploded view of a UI panel with a floating button element, showing stacked layers labeled layer-1, elevated, pasteboard, and layer-2 (twice), illustrating depth and stacking order. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1c8fba7f2acf4599eb31649e0b3ee41437f88041b.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Image: A UI mockup showing a toolbar, content area, and a floating rounded button, with the button labeled 'elevated.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_19136fb540bd10ab5985b00318dd4c6a06d6648db.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a toolbar, content area, and floating button, with the light gray sidebar area labeled 'Layer 2.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1167297ee70d5bc333820478afdcf8410d5cd2e22.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a toolbar, content area, and floating button, with the white toolbar area labeled 'Layer 1. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_18abc351c445528d2ace3af106f13f2b6626b2715.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Layer 1 can be used as the app frame color in professional editing applications, which require additional depth differentiation."
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{
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a toolbar, content area, and floating button, with the outermost background area labeled 'Pasteboard.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1fca78125ec28d3d0af8819e33bc53e96dd8dbfd2.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "Pasteboard.\n\nThe pasteboard has a dedicated background layer. This is because no components are placed directly on top of it, with the exception of an artboard (which uses a white background color)."
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"content": "Pages in browsing contexts draw attention to the content, which is the primary focus. Examples of pages in browsing contexts include a Home or Files experience. Image: An isometric exploded view of a UI panel with a floating rounded element on top, showing stacked layers labeled base, layer 2, and elevated, illustrating depth and stacking order. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1060f435fd95504c233c5d57dc8d8f6570ce93e02.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Elevated (highest attention).\n\nElevated backgrounds create the illusion of depth through the use of a drop shadow, and display content that appears on top of other content. They draw attention and are used sparingly. In browsing contexts, this background layer style is used in components like menus and tooltips."
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},
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{
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"type": "guideline",
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"content": "Image: A UI mockup showing a content area with a floating rounded card in the top-right corner, with the surrounding gray background labeled 'base.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_1856cd39f76bc9d38d6f9ddfe57400ceb603e983b.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "
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"content": "Layer 2 is used to group related content together and to create separation from the primary content on a page, such as in the background of the app frame."
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"content": "
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"content": "Image: The same UI mockup with a content area and floating card, with the white content panel labeled 'layer 2.' (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_14cfd47611567b8649816d2022de82b47339f2d42.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium)"
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"content": "
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"content": "Base.\n\nSpectrum 2 uses gray-25 as the base background color to draw attention to the primary content of a page. Using gray-25 allows for higher contrast between the background and content, and it provides a blank canvas for more vibrant colors. For using a drop shadow to draw emphasis to a container that isn’t elevated, view container emphasis. Image: Two side-by-side diagrams, light theme and dark theme, each showing three overlapping square panels labeled elevated, Layer 2, and Base from front to back, illustrating background layer hierarchy in both color modes. (source: https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/media_135b74d5364580adabc3490eb36efcbd74084d1e8.png?width=750&format=png&optimize=medium) Background layer Light theme Dark theme Elevated gray-25 (with drop shadow) gray-75 (with drop shadow) Layer 2 gray-25 gray-75 Layer 1 gray-50 gray-50 Pasteboard gray-100 gray-25"
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"sourceUrl": "https://
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"sourceUrl": "https://spectrum.adobe.com/foundations/color/background-layers",
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"lastUpdated": "2026-08-13",
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"editing contexts",
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"canvas",
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]
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