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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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IBDocument Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an Interface Builder document, which visually represents a nib file.
Tools Reference 2009-01-06
IBInspector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for managing inspector views in Interface Builder.
Tools Reference 2007-07-11
IBPlugin Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for managing plug-ins in Interface Builder.
Tools Reference 2007-04-02
IconCollection (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use NSCollectionView along with NSWorkspace and named images to determine its content.
User Experience Sample Code 2008-01-18
Identity Services Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the APIs for using identities and the Identity Picker.
Networking Reference 2007-05-14
IKFilterBrowserPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides the panel contained in a filter browser.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
IKFilterBrowserView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports browsing Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
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
IKFilterUIView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a user interface for Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
IKImageBrowserDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used to access the data source associated with an image browser view.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-17
IKImageBrowserDelegate Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol for the delegate of an image browser view.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
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
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
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
IKImageView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to display images efficiently at the same time it supports image editing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-04-08
IKPictureTaker Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Descibes the class that provides a panel for choosing images.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
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
IKSlideshow Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that encapsulates a data source and options for a slideshow.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
IKSlideshowDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the methods that a slideshow object uses to access the contents of its data source object.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2009-03-04
Image Capture Applications Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interaction between applications programs and image capture devices such as cameras and scanners.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2007-05-16
Image Difference (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates a way to use Quartz's compositing capability to find the difference between two images.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-30
Image I/O Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to read and write image data using the Image I/O framework.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2007-07-02
Image Kit Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support browsing, viewing, editing, and processing images.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-09
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
Image Kit with Core Data (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Using Image Kit's browser view with Core Data content.
Data Management, Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Sample Code 2008-07-25
Image Unit Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to write image processing kernels and package them for distribution.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2009-05-06
Image Views (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Cocoa image views.
Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Guides 2002-11-12
ImageBackground (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to draw an image in the background of an NSOutlineView and NSTableView.
Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Sample Code 2006-10-02
ImageBrowser (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the ImageKit's IKImageBrowserView to browse images in a basic Cocoa application.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-03-13
ImageClient (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use CFNetwork for synchronous and asynchronous operations, network diagnostics, proxy navigation, and authentication.
Networking Sample Code 2005-06-01
ImageMapExample (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Implements a custom NSView, an image map, and accessorizes it (i.e. makes it work with accessibility).
Accessibility Sample Code 2005-06-01
ImagesToQTMovie (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Creates a QuickTime movie from the images of any connected camera.
QuickTime Sample Code 2003-01-14
IMAVManager Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the object that controls the auxiliary audio and video source to iChat Theater.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-10-31
IMKCandidates Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports the use of candidate windows for an input method.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMKInputController Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that controls input on the input method side.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
IMKMouseHandling Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to receive mouse events for an input method client session.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMKServer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that manages connections to input method clients.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
IMKServerInput Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used to receive text events.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2009-05-06
IMKStateSetting Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to set or access state values for an input method client session.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMKTextInput Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to send and obtain data from an input method client session.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMService Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the IMService objects that each represent one service available through iChat.
Apple Applications Reference 2008-10-15
IMVideoDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the methods that a video data source implements to provide auxiliary audio and video source to iChat Theater.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-07-08
Including a custom NSWindow in a nib file (HTML)
QA1511: Shows how to create a custom NSWindow and instantiate it in a nib file.
Tools Technical Q&As 2007-03-21
InkSample (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates some usage scenarios for the Ink.Framework APIs.
Text & Fonts Sample Code 2003-10-27
Input Method Kit Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for building input methods for Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
Input Method Kit Reference Update (HTML) (PDF)
Summarizes the symbols added to the Input Method Kit framework.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Release Notes 2007-07-18
Input Method Kit Release Note (HTML)
Describes an Objective-C framework for building input methods for Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
Internationalization, Text & Fonts Release Notes 2007-07-17
Instant Message Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for providing iChat presence information to Cocoa applications and using iChat Theater.
Apple Applications, Internet & Web Reference 2007-07-08
Instant Message Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access iChat services and buddies and use iChat Theater through code samples.
Apple Applications, General, Internet & Web Guides 2007-10-31
Instant Message Reference Update (HTML) (PDF)
Summarizes the symbols added to the Instant Message framework.
Apple Applications Release Notes 2007-07-18
InstantMessage Constants Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the constants found in the Instant Message framework.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-05-23
InstantMessage Data Types Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the data types found in the Instant Message framework.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-05-23
Integrating Sync Services into Your Application (HTML)
Learn how to sync any kind of data in your application using Sync Services.
Apple Applications, Internet & Web, Syncing Articles 2005-06-06
Interacting with the Operating System (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how Cocoa applications manage tasks and get information about hosts and processes.
Interapplication Communication, Process Management, Resource Management Guides 2006-04-04
Interface Builder Kit Constants Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the constants declared in the Interface Builder Kit framework.
Tools Reference 2007-04-02
Interface Builder Kit Data Types Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the data types declared in the Interface Builder Kit framework.
Tools Reference 2007-04-02
Interface Builder Kit Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for implementing Interface Builder plug-ins.
Tools Reference 2007-04-18
Interface Builder Plug-In Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the process for creating custom Interface Builder palettes.
Tools Guides 2007-07-18
Interface Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tasks explaining how to use the Interface Builder application to design user interfaces.
Tools Guides 2008-11-19
Internationalization Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support multiple languages in software.
Internationalization Guides 2009-01-06
Is ColorSync thread safe? (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1261: Discusses ColorSync thread-safety issues.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2003-04-17
iSpend (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to incorporate a number of Cocoa Tiger features into a simple application.
Data Management, User Experience Sample Code 2005-06-01
ISyncChange Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2006-06-30
ISyncClient Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
An ISyncClient object represents an application, tool, or device that syncs records--for example, Address Book, .Mac, or a mobile phone.
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncFilter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2006-07-07
ISyncFiltering Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncManager Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
You use an ISyncManager object to communicate directly with the sync engine to perform administrative operations.
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncRecordReference Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncRecordSnapshot Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2006-07-07
ISyncSession Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
An ISyncSession object is used to manage a single sync operation.
Syncing Reference 2008-11-19
ISyncSessionDriver Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncSessionDriverDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Defines a set of methods that the data source of an ISyncSessionDriver object must implement.
Syncing Reference 2007-07-11
ISyncUIHelper Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
An informal protocol that provides user interface attributes to the iSync user interface.
Syncing Reference 2007-10-31
JavaFrameEmbedding example (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Small Cocoa application that demonstrates how to use JavaFrameEmbedding.framework
Internet & Web, Java, User Experience Sample Code 2007-06-12
JDragNDrop (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Deprecated - Demonstrates building a simple view to implement Drag-and-Drop functionality in Cocoa-Java.
Data Management, Events & Other Input, File Management, Java, Resource Management, Tools Sample Code 2003-01-14
JNI Development on Mac OS X (HTML)
TN2147: Discusses use of native APIs and UI elements from Java applications
Java Technical Notes 2006-04-17
JSInterpreter (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Simple JavaScript interpreter
Internet & Web Sample Code 2007-06-06
JSPong (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Pong with JavaScript AI
Internet & Web Sample Code 2007-06-06
Kerberos: Highly Secure Single Sign On Authentication in Mac OS X (HTML)
Learn how you can take advantage of Kerberos in your application.
Security Articles 2007-02-05
Key-Value Coding Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information about how to access a Cocoa object's values using keys.
Data Management, Design Guidelines Guides 2009-02-04
Key-Value Observing Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the Cocoa key-value observing protocol.
Data Management, Design Guidelines Guides 2009-05-06
Keychain Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
This document explains how to use Keychain Services to store and retrieve passwords.
Security Guides 2009-03-12
Keychain Services Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Keychain Services API, used to create, find, modify, and delete keychain items.
Security Reference 2008-11-19
Launch Services Release Notes (HTML)
Interapplication Communication Release Notes 2007-10-31
Launch Time Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the launch performance of an application.
Performance Guides 2006-04-04
LayerBackedOpenGLView (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
"LayerBackedOpenGLView" provides a simple example of hosting Cocoa controls as subviews of an NSOpenGLView.
Graphics & Imaging, User Experience Sample Code 2007-06-12
LayoutManagerDemo (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the layout manager using rollovers with different colors for lines, words and characters under the mouse.
Text & Fonts Sample Code 2003-01-14
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Broadcast Your Application's Content with iChat Theater (HTML)
Leopard Overview article on using the Instant Messaging framework.
Apple Applications Articles 2007-05-22
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Graphics & Media Overview (HTML)
Describes Leopard's graphics and media capabilities.
Graphics & Imaging Articles 2007-12-11
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
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
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Objective-C 2.0 Overview (HTML)
Describes features and capabilities introduced in Objective-C 2.0.
Objective-C Language, Tools Articles 2007-12-11
Link Snoop (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to use PDFKit to scan for and highlight link annotations in PDFs.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2005-06-01
LiveVideoMixer3 (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
LiveVideoMixer3 is extended to support Video In via QTKit
Graphics & Imaging, QuickTime Sample Code 2006-08-01
LoginItemsAE (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Uses Apple events to manipulate the list of login items (items launched when you log in).
Process Management Sample Code 2005-10-17
Low-Level File Management Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the low-level ways Cocoa applications can interact with files.
File Management Guides 2009-03-05
LSMSmartCategorizer (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the Latent Semantic Mapping (LSM) framework by automatically categorize RSS feeds.
Data Management, Internet & Web Sample Code 2007-05-09
Mac OS X 10.2 (HTML)
TN2053: Describes software development-related changes provided in system software update Mac OS X 10.2.
Tools Technical Notes 2002-09-04
Mac OS X ABI Dynamic Loader Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the functions used to access Mach-O files.
Runtime Architecture Reference 2005-11-09