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Apple's developer guides provide conceptual and task-oriented information. They include overviews, tutorials, programming guides, server administration guides, and, for developer tools, user guides.

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Address Book Programming Guide for Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to add, search, remove, and customize Address Book records.
Apple Applications 2006-04-04
Aperture 2.1 SDK Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Update for Aperture SDK 2.1
Apple Applications 2008-04-23
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
Apple Applications 2008-11-19
Automator AppleScript Actions Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Guides you through the procedure for creating a simple Automator action implemented in AppleScript.
Apple Applications 2007-07-18
Automator Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the concepts and tasks for developing actions, which are bundles loaded by the Automator application.
Apple Applications 2007-12-11
Calendar Store Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access iCal data.
Apple Applications 2007-10-31
CCL Modem Scripting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Apple Applications 2007-06-28
Creating Printing Presets for iPhoto (HTML) (PDF)
Rules for creating and installing printer-specific collections of settings. Includes a sample file.
Apple Applications 2005-07-07
Dashboard Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains Dashboard and WebKit technologies used in widgets.
Apple Applications 2009-02-04
Dashcode User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Dashcode to create Dashboard widgets.
Apple Applications 2009-03-04
Final Cut Pro XML Interchange Format (HTML) (PDF)
Describes Final Cut Pro XML Interchange Format version 4, providing access to contents of FCP projects.
Apple Applications 2009-02-04
FxPlug SDK Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Update for FxPlug SDK 1.2.3.
Apple Applications 2008-07-04
Instant Message Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access iChat services and buddies and use iChat Theater through code samples.
Apple Applications 2007-10-31
iSync Manual Test Suite Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the suite of manual test cases that plug-in developers should run before shipping their product.
Apple Applications 2007-07-11
iSync Plug-in Maker User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the iSync Plug-in Maker tool to create and test iSync phone plug-ins.
Apple Applications 2007-07-10
iSync SyncML Guide (PDF)
Guidelines on how to develop SyncML clients that are compatible with iSync.
Apple Applications 2007-07-11
iWork Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the XML schemas for Keynote presentations and Pages documents.
Apple Applications 2005-11-09
Mac OS X Server iCal Service Administration (PDF)
Explains how to set up and manage iCal shared calendar service.
Apple Applications 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server iChat Service Administration (PDF)
New document that explains how to set up and manage iChat instant messaging service.
Apple Applications 2007-10-31
Mail Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to customize Mail features.
Apple Applications 2007-05-22
Motion XML File Format (HTML) (PDF)
Apple Applications 2008-04-14
Quartz Composer Custom Patch Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to create custom patches for distribution.
Apple Applications 2007-12-11
Quartz Composer User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the Quartz Composer development tool to create motion graphics compositions.
Apple Applications 2007-07-17
Quartz Composer WebKit Plug-in JavaScript Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for manipulating Quartz Composer compositions in webpages and Dashboard widgets via the Quartz Composer WebKit Plug-in.
Apple Applications 2009-01-06
QuickTime 7.1 User's Guide (PDF)
Explains how to use QuickTime Player and QuickTime Pro for Mac OS X and Windows computer users.
Apple Applications 2006-07-24
Rendering FxPlug Effects in Final Cut (HTML) (PDF)
Apple Applications 2007-05-21
Safari JavaScript Database Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the JavaScript Database, a SQLite database built into Safari that provides local storage accessible to JavaScript applications.
Apple Applications 2009-01-06
Safari User Guide for Web Developers (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the developer tools built into Safari for analyzing, testing, and debugging HTML, JavaScript, style sheets, and DOM structure.
Apple Applications 2009-01-06
Sync Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to add syncing to your applications.
Apple Applications 2007-10-31
Sync Services Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to debug multiple syncing applications using the Syncrospector development tool.
Apple Applications 2007-07-11
Using FXScript (PDF)
Explains how to use the FXScript feature in Final Cut Pro.
Apple Applications 2003-06-14
WebKit DOM Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use JavaScript in web content and WebKit-based applications.
Apple Applications 2008-10-15
WebKit Plug-In Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop and deploy browser plug-ins based on the WebKit architecture.
Apple Applications 2008-10-15
Xgrid Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create client applications that use Xgrid, Apple's parallel multiprocessing technology.
Apple Applications 2007-10-31
Xsan 2 Administrator's Guide (PDF)
Explains how to set up and manage Xsan volumes in a storage area network.
Apple Applications 2008-06-09
Xsan 2 Setup Guide (PDF)
Explains how to set up a volume on a storage area network (SAN) using Xsan 2.
Apple Applications 2008-06-09
Xsan Migration Guide for Xsan 2 (PDF)
Explains how to retain volumes and settings when migrating to Xsan 2 from previous versions of Xsan.
Apple Applications 2008-07-11
Xsan Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes managing files and storage pools with Xsan.
Apple Applications 2006-05-23
Xsan Tuning Guide (PDF)
Explains how to configure Xsan storage to maximize application performance.
Apple Applications 2005-10-04
Audio Device Driver Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop kernel-resident drivers for audio devices.
Audio 2009-03-04
Audio Queue Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to play and record audio using Audio Queue Services.
Audio 2007-10-31
Audio Unit Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Audio frameworks and the Core Audio SDK to create audio units.
Audio 2007-10-31
Core Audio Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of Core Audio and its programming interfaces.
Audio 2007-01-08
Performance Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the factors that determine performance.
Audio 2006-10-03
QuickTime Audio (HTML)
Explains how to enable recording and playback of various audio media.
Audio 2002-09-17
QuickTime Media Types and Media Handlers Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes video, sound, text, time code, and tween media handlers.
Audio 2006-01-10
QuickTime Music Architecture Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to enable synthesizing and playing of sounds and musical sequences.
Audio 2006-01-10
Slope/Intercept Audio (HTML)
Explains how to store floating point audio data in QuickTime files.
Audio 2002-09-17
Sound Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to load and play audio data in Cocoa.
Audio 2006-11-07
Standard Sound Dialog Component (HTML)
Describes the QuickTime component that lets the user make audio parameter settings.
Audio 2002-09-17
64-Bit Guide for Carbon Developers (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the changes necessary to create a 64-bit executable version of a Carbon application.
Carbon 2007-12-11
Accessibility Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the accessibility features built into Mac OS X.
Carbon 2008-03-11
Accessibility Programming Guidelines for Carbon (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access-enable Carbon applications.
Carbon 2007-02-08
Address Book Programming Guide for Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to add, search, remove, and customize Address Book records.
Carbon 2006-04-04
AltiVec/SSE Migration Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to convert PowerPC AltiVec code to Intel SSE code.
Carbon 2005-09-08
Animation Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the animation facilities provided by Mac OS X.
Carbon 2008-10-15
Apple Events Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides conceptual information and programming examples for working with Apple events.
Carbon 2007-10-31
Apple Help Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to author, package, and display user help content in Mac OS X.
Carbon 2007-10-31
Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the Mac OS X user experience and explains how to design an application for Aqua.
Carbon 2008-06-09
Apple Type Services for Fonts Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access fonts using the ATS-based font management API. Includes implementing the Fonts window.
Carbon 2007-12-11
AppleScript Language Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Defines the AppleScript scripting language. Includes many brief sample scripts.
Carbon 2008-03-11
AppleScript Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the technology for writing scripts to control applications. Useful for scripters and application developers.
Carbon 2007-10-31
ATSUI Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to lay out, process, and draw Unicode text.
Carbon 2007-07-10
Attributed Strings Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use attributed strings, which manage attributes of character strings or individual characters.
Carbon 2007-06-04
Audio Queue Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to play and record audio using Audio Queue Services.
Carbon 2007-10-31
Audio Unit Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Audio frameworks and the Core Audio SDK to create audio units.
Carbon 2007-10-31
Authorization Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to add fine-grained control of privileged operations in an application.
Carbon 2009-01-06
Binary Data Programming Guide for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create and use Core Foundation data objects, object-oriented wrappers for byte buffers.
Carbon 2006-01-10
Bundle Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Foundation bundle objects to organize resources.
Carbon 2005-11-09
Carbon Event Manager Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Essential information for implementing Carbon events.
Carbon 2005-07-07
Carbon Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Defines Carbon and the components of Carbon applications. Provides a whirlwind tour of Carbon APIs.
Carbon 2005-11-09
Carbon-Cocoa Integration Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use both Carbon and Cocoa in developing an application.
Carbon 2007-10-31
Certificate, Key, and Trust Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Shows how to evaluate trust for a certificate and recover from a trust failure.
Carbon 2008-11-19
CFNetwork Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Foundation networking functions to work with low-level BSD sockets.
Carbon 2009-05-06
Code Signing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how you can sign your code and why you should.
Carbon 2008-11-19
Code Size Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for reducing the size of an application binary.
Carbon 2006-06-28
Code Speed Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance and efficiency of code.
Carbon 2005-07-07
Collections Programming Topics for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to group objects in arrays, sets, or dictionaries in Core Foundation.
Carbon 2003-08-07
Color Management Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces basic concepts and defines color spaces.
Carbon 2005-07-07
Core Audio Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of Core Audio and its programming interfaces.
Carbon 2007-01-08
Core Foundation Design Concepts (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the fundamental design concepts that underlie all Core Foundation programming interfaces.
Carbon 2005-08-11
Core Image Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview and explains how to use and create image filters and image units.
Carbon 2008-06-09
Core Text Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to do text layout and font-related operations using the Core Text programming interfaces.
Carbon 2008-06-09
Creating Carbon Menus (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to create menus in Carbon applications.
Carbon 2004-02-23
Creating Printing Presets for iPhoto (HTML) (PDF)
Rules for creating and installing printer-specific collections of settings. Includes a sample file.
Carbon 2005-07-07
Cross-Development Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to build software for versions of Mac OS X other than the one the development tools are running on.
Carbon 2006-11-07
Data Browser Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to present data in lists similar to the list and column views in the Finder.
Carbon 2007-08-07
Data Formatting Guide for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Foundation formatters to create and validate text in text fields and other cells.
Carbon 2006-12-21
Dates and Times Programming Guide for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to manage Core Foundation dates and times.
Carbon 2005-08-11
Debugging Programming Topics for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Tips and techniques for debugging Core Foundation code.
Carbon 2003-01-17
Debugging with GDB (HTML)
Open-source document that explains how to use GDB to debug programs.
Carbon 2008-06-19
Desktop Icons (HTML)
Explains how to provide custom icons for a Carbon application and its documents.
Carbon 2002-08-19
Dictionary Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create a dictionary and access it programmatically.
Carbon 2007-05-30
Dock Tile Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to provide an icon and contextual menu in Carbon applications.
Carbon 2009-03-04
Drag Manager Programmer's Guide (PDF)
Explains how to add support for drag and drop to a Carbon application.
Carbon 1995-12-11
Drawing Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the speed of drawing code.
Carbon 2006-04-04
Extending Printing Dialogs (HTML) (PDF)
A guide to developing printing dialog extensions, including basic concepts and a documented Carbon-based sample project.
Carbon 2006-10-03
File System Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines describing the structure and usage of the Mac OS X file system.
Carbon 2008-07-11
File-System Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance of file-related code.
Carbon 2005-07-07
GCC Porting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides guidance on how to migrate projects to new GCC releases.
Carbon 2006-10-03