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Leopard Reference Library
Cocoa is an object-oriented application environment designed for developing Mac OS X native applications. The Cocoa frameworks support rapid development and high productivity. Cocoa provides developers starting new Mac OS X projects the fastest way to full-featured implementations. Applications from other platforms can also be brought to Mac OS X quickly using Cocoa.

A guided introduction and learning path for developers new to Cocoa.   Essential information for developers using Objective-C.   Objective-C API references organized by framework.
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NSNibControlConnector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an action connection between nib objects.
Resource Management Reference 2007-01-31
NSNibOutletConnector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an outlet connection between nib objects.
Resource Management Reference 2007-01-31
NSOpenGLPixelBuffer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an OpenGL pixel buffer.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-31
NSTask Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a task that runs as a subprocess.
Process Management Reference 2007-01-31
NSException Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an exceptional condition.
Objective-C Language Reference 2007-01-30
NSQuickDrawView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a deprecated technology replaced by Quartz.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-30
NSServicesRequests Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for transferring data to the pasteboard during service requests.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-30
NSPortCoder Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a coder that transmits objects, or their proxies, between distributed objects.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-29
NSPortMessage Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the message data sent using distributed objects.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-29
NSPortNameServer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the port registration object used by distributed objects.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-29
NSPrinter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a representation of a printer as specified by a PPD file.
Printing Reference 2007-01-29
NSManagedObjectModel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a Core Data schema.
Data Management Reference 2007-01-26
NSOpenGLView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a view for OpenGL drawing.
Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Reference 2007-01-26
NSPDFImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that draws an image from PDF data.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-26
NSPICTImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that draws an image from PICT data.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-26
NSPipe Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a communications channel between processes.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-26
NSOpenPanel - Choosing any file and ignoring packages (HTML)
QA1468: Explains how to configure NSOpenPanel to filter only files and ignoring packages.
File Management, User Experience Technical Q&As 2007-01-25
Quartz Composer Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API that supports loading, playing, and controlling compositions.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-25
Preventing column reordering in NSTableView (HTML)
QA1503: Demonstrates how to prevent column reordering of certain columns in NSTableView.
User Experience Technical Q&As 2007-01-24
Creating an About Panel in Your Cocoa Application (HTML)
TN2179: Describes different ways in implementing your Cocoa application's "About" panel.
User Experience Technical Notes 2007-01-22
NSDistantObjectRequest Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that handles communication requests from other processes.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-22
NSDistributedLock Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a mutex lock that spans multiple processes.
Process Management Reference 2007-01-22
NSEPSImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that draws an image from encapsulated PostScript data.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-22
NSImageView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a view that displays an image.
User Experience Reference 2007-01-22
NSLocking Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for supporting mutex and condition locks.
Process Management Reference 2007-01-22
NSMachBootstrapServer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a local port name server that takes and returns instances of NSMachPort.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-22
NSNib Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object for unarchiving and instantiating a nib file.
Resource Management Reference 2007-01-22
NSNibConnector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a generic connection between nib objects.
Resource Management Reference 2007-01-22
Working Around Incorrect -needsToDrawRect: Behavior in Custom View Classes (HTML)
TN2107: Describes how to work around a bug in NSView's -needsToDrawRect: method.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Notes 2007-01-22
NSCustomImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that supports drawing an image using a custom data format.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-19
NSDistantObject Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the proxy for an object in another application or thread.
Interapplication Communication Reference 2007-01-19
Core Data Constants Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the constants defined by the Core Data framework not described in individual classes.
Objective-C Language Reference 2007-01-18
NSUndoManager Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a general-purpose recorder of undo and redo operations.
Data Management Reference 2007-01-18
NSAffineTransform Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an affine transformation from one coordinate space to another.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-15
NSCachedImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes cached image data that is ready to be rendered.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-15
NSCIImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that draws an image from a Core Image CIImage instance.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-15
NSConditionLock Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an integer-based condition for use in thread locking.
Process Management Reference 2007-01-15
CarbonCocoa_PictureCursor (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use NSCursor from a Carbon based application.
User Experience Sample Code 2007-01-12
IKImageBrowserItem Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used by an image browser view to access the data source for an item.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-12
NSPredicateEditorRowTemplate Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a row in a graphical predicate editor.
Data Management, User Experience Reference 2007-01-12
Core Audio Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of Core Audio and its programming interfaces.
Audio Guides 2007-01-08
CIImageAccumulator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that enables feedback-based image processing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-05
NSCollectionViewItem Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a controller that mediates between a prototype view and a model object.
User Experience Reference 2006-12-28
How can I determine the order of the languages set by the user in the Language tab of the International preference pane? (HTML)
QA1391: Retrieving the order of the languages set by the International preference pane in Cocoa, Carbon, and Terminal.
Internationalization Technical Q&As 2006-12-19
IKImageBrowserView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that can display and browse a large amount of images and movies in an efficient manner.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-13
CIFilterShape Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that defines the bounding shape of a filter and the domain of definition of a filter operation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CIPlugInRegistration Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to load Core Image image units.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CISampler Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that retrieves samples of images that are then processed by a Core Image kernel.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CIVector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to pass parameter values to Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
IKFilterCustomUIProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Descibes the protocol that defines a method for providing a view for a filter.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
IKImageBrowserDelegate Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol for the delegate of an image browser view.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Leopard Developer Application Technologies Overview (HTML)
Learn how Leopard will help you create powerful and innovative features for your users.
Design Guidelines Articles 2006-12-07
CIFilter Image Kit Additions (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the category that extends Core Image filters for use with Image Kit.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKFilterBrowserView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports browsing Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKFilterUIView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a user interface for Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKImageEditPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a panel optimized for image editing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKImageEditPanelDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the mthods than an image edit panel object uses to access the contents of its data source object.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKSaveOptions Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that initializes, adds, and manages user interface options for saving image data.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
Image Kit Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for providing a user interface for images, image editing, and image processing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
CIColor Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to manage color values and color spaces for Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIFilterGenerator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports chaining together image processing filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIImageProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used to supply bitmap data for creating or initializing a Core Image image.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIKernel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that operates on individual pixels using a kernel routine.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIPlugIn Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that is responsible for loading image units.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
Core Image Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for using and creating filters for image processing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
Text Attachment Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Expalins how to add graphics and other attachments to text.
Text & Fonts Guides 2006-12-05
SetMouseAcclSample (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Find HID System Manager and get/set cursor acceleration
Accessibility, Events & Other Input Sample Code 2006-11-28
Configuring the Recent Searches menu for NSSearchField (HTML)
QA1496: Discusses the common problem when adding menu items to the Recent Searches menu.
User Experience Technical Q&As 2006-11-27
Security Framework Error Codes (HTML)
QA1499: Explains how to interpret errors returned by the Security Framework with an overview of Security error handling.
Security Technical Q&As 2006-11-16
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Leopard Developer Tools Overview (HTML)
Learn how Leopard developer tools make it easier than ever to create exciting applications.
Tools Articles 2006-11-15
NSProgressIndicator animation and redraw (HTML)
QA1473: Discusses why NSProgressIndicator does not redraw during progress loops.
User Experience Technical Q&As 2006-11-15
Debugging NSTableView's "Action Invocation" binding (HTML)
QA1472: Discusses the issues and factors that affect NSTableView's "Action Invocation" binding.
User Experience Technical Q&As 2006-11-13
AMWorkflowView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Apple Applications Reference 2006-11-09
QTExtractAndConvertToAIFF (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates using MovieAudioExtraction and an AudioConverter to extract and convert audio to a AIFF file.
QuickTime Sample Code 2006-11-08
QTExtractAndConvertToMovieFile (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates using MovieAudioExtraction and an AudioConverter to extract and convert audio to a QuickTime movie file.
QuickTime Sample Code 2006-11-08
Application File Management (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how Cocoa applications can use, manipulate, and "own" files.
File Management Guides 2006-11-07
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.
Tools Guides 2006-11-07
Matrix Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Cocoa matrices.
User Experience Guides 2006-11-07
Sound Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to load and play audio data in Cocoa.
Audio Guides 2006-11-07
AMAppleScriptAction Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to support Automator actions that are driven by AppleScript scripts.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-10-26
AMBundleAction Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to support Automator actions that are loadable bundles.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-10-26
AMShellScriptAction Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to support Automator actions driven by a shell script or by a Perl or Python script.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-10-26
AMWorkflow Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to represent an Automator workflow within an application.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-10-26
Automator Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for creating and working with actions used by the Automator application.
Apple Applications, Scripting & Automation Reference 2006-10-26
NSFontAttributeExplorer (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to gather and display various metric information for installed fonts using NSFont.
Text & Fonts Sample Code 2006-10-26
TremoloUnit (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Audio unit sample demonstrating how to build an effect unit with a generic view.
Audio Sample Code 2006-10-26
Finding EXC_BAD_ACCESS bugs in a Cocoa project (HTML)
QA1367: Discusses how to find memory protection violations or EXC_BAD_ACCESS bugs in Cocoa projects.
Resource Management Technical Q&As 2006-10-10
What is the "main bundle" of a command-line foundation tool? (HTML)
QA1436: Reveals the location of the main bundle of a command-line foundation tool.
Runtime Architecture Technical Q&As 2006-10-10
How to make NSTextField accept tab, return and enter keys. (HTML)
QA1454: Describes how to make the NSTextField control accept tab, return and enter keys by using the control's dispatch delegate method.
Text & Fonts, User Experience Technical Q&As 2006-10-09
MyCustomColorPicker (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to write a custom color picker using Cocoa.
Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Sample Code 2006-10-09
NSAtomicStoreCacheNode Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a node in an atomic persistent store.
Data Management Reference 2006-10-09
NSManagedObjectID Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a universal identifier for a managed object.
Data Management Reference 2006-10-09
Building Objective-C static libraries with categories (HTML)
QA1490: Describes how to properly build Objective-C static libraries that contain categories on existing classes.
Objective-C Language Technical Q&As 2006-10-03
Exception Handling Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API used to monitor and debug exceptional conditions in Objective-C code.
Objective-C Language Reference 2006-10-03
GCC Porting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides guidance on how to migrate projects to new GCC releases.
Intel-Based Macs Guides 2006-10-03
NSExceptionHandler Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a facility for monitoring and debugging exceptional conditions.
Objective-C Language Reference 2006-10-03
NSPropertyDescription Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to define properties of an entity in a Core Data managed object model.
Objective-C Language Reference 2006-10-03
Performance Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the factors that determine performance.
Performance Guides 2006-10-03
Preference Panes (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create dynamically loaded plug-ins that provide a graphical interface to user preferences.
User Experience Guides 2006-10-03
Programmatically Accessing and Manipulating Multiple Keychain Items (HTML)
QA1486: An explanation on what is and is not possible using the SecKeychain API to manipulate Keychain Items.
Security Technical Q&As 2006-10-03