macOS Settings window looks non-native / visually rough vs Tailscale (request native Preferences UI) #4998
Description
Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Yes. On macOS the Settings window (not the tray/menubar UI — that part is fine) looks and feels very non-native. The controls, spacing, typography, and overall layout don’t match typical macOS Preferences/Settings patterns, so the app feels unpolished. In practice it looks pretty ugly compared to Tailscale’s macOS client, even though the core functionality works.
Concrete UI issues visible in the current Settings window:
• Tab navigation (“Connection / Network / SSH”) uses a custom underline style and spacing that doesn’t resemble macOS preferences/toolbars.
• Form layout feels off: inconsistent paddings, label alignment, and excessive empty space.
• Disabled/secondary states are hard to read (e.g., “Quantum-Resistance” line looks washed out and confusing).
• Buttons and icons at the bottom (“Cancel” / “Save”) feel non-standard for macOS (visual weight and styling).
Describe the solution you'd like
Redesign the Settings/Preferences window to be macOS-native (SwiftUI/AppKit), or at least adopt native macOS components and layout conventions. Ideally:
• Use a standard macOS Preferences structure (toolbar tabs or segmented control / sidebar depending on macOS version).
• Use native form components (consistent label alignment, spacing, and control sizing).
• Ensure proper disabled states, keyboard navigation, and accessibility (VoiceOver / focus order).
• Keep the current tray/menubar workflow as-is (it’s fine), but make the Settings window feel like a first-class macOS app.