SF Symbols Reference

Complete API reference for SF Symbols rendering modes, animation effects, configuration options, and UIKit/AppKit equivalents. Covers iOS 13 symbol display through iOS 26 Draw animations and gradient rendering.

When to Use This Reference

Use this reference when:

• You need exact API signatures for rendering modes or symbol effects
• You need UIKit/AppKit equivalents for SwiftUI symbol APIs
• You need platform availability for a specific feature
• You need configuration options (weight, scale, variable values)
• You need custom symbol template structure and Draw annotation details

Example Prompts

Questions you can ask Claude that will draw from this reference:

• "What's the exact SwiftUI modifier for Hierarchical rendering?"
• "How do I add a Bounce effect in UIKit?"
• "Which symbol effects are available on iOS 17 vs iOS 18?"
• "How do I combine rendering mode with symbol effects?"
• "What's the UIKit equivalent of .contentTransition(.symbolEffect(.replace))?"
• "How do I create a custom symbol with Draw animation support?"

What's Covered

• Symbol display — SwiftUI, UIKit, and AppKit configuration APIs
• Rendering modes — All 4 modes with complete SwiftUI and UIKit signatures
• Symbol effects — 12+ effects (Bounce through Draw On/Off) with options and protocols
• UIKit reference — addSymbolEffect(), removeSymbolEffect(), setSymbolImage(), completion handlers
• Custom symbols — Template structure, Draw annotation, weight interpolation
• Platform availability matrix — iOS 13+ through iOS 26+, cross-platform
• Accessibility — Labels, Reduce Motion, Bold Text, Dynamic Type
• Common patterns — Notification badge, WiFi strength, play/pause, download progress

Documentation Scope

This page documents the axiom-sf-symbols-ref skill — the comprehensive API reference Claude uses for SF Symbols implementation details.

For decision guidance: See SF Symbols for rendering mode decision trees, effect selection guidance, anti-patterns, and troubleshooting.

Related

• SF Symbols — Decision trees, anti-patterns, troubleshooting, pressure scenarios
• SwiftUI Animation — General animation reference (VectorArithmetic, @Animatable, springs)
• HIG Reference — Icon and symbol design guidelines
• Typography — SF Pro font that symbols are designed to match

Resources

WWDC: 2023-10257, 2023-10258, 2024-10188, 2025-337

Docs: /symbols, /symbols/symboleffect, /symbols/symbolrenderingmode, /uikit/uiimage/symbolconfiguration