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Leopard Reference Library
User experience encompasses the visual appearance, interactive behavior, and assistive capabilities of software. From an application's graphical user interface to its use of additional technologies such as speech recognition and speech synthesis, a cohesive and professional user experience is what Mac users have come to expect.

A guided introduction for developers new to adopting the Mac OS X user experience.   Essential information for developers implementing application user interfaces.   APIs for implementing the look and feel of Mac OS X application software.
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NSImageCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that displays an image in a frame, usually in a control.
Cocoa Reference 2009-01-06
NSPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a window for performing auxiliary functions in an application.
Cocoa Reference 2009-01-06
NSSpeechSynthesizer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Cocoa parser that converts text to speech.
Accessibility, Cocoa Reference 2009-01-06
NSTextField Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control that displays editable text.
Cocoa Reference 2009-01-06
NSTextFieldCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the user interface of a text field.
Cocoa Reference 2009-01-06
Installer JavaScript Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the JavaScript object model used in distribution definition files.
Files & Software Installation Reference 2008-12-16
Application Kit Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for all things related to an application's user interface.
Cocoa Reference 2008-11-19
NSDateFormatter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a date formatter.
Cocoa Reference 2008-11-19
NSNumberFormatter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a number formatter.
Cocoa Reference 2008-11-19
Accessibility (ApplicationServices/HIServices) Reference (HTML)
Describes the low-level API for making applications accessible to assistive applications.
Accessibility Reference 2008-10-15
NSBox Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a view that can display its border and a title.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSControl Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for views that respond to user actions by sending action messages.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSMatrix Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a group of cell objects that work together in various ways.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSPopUpButton Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control for displaying pull-down or pop-up lists of items.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSPopUpButtonCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a cell used in the display of pull-down or pop-up menus.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSTokenField Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a text field that provides tokenized editing.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
NSToolbar Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a toolbar in a window's title bar.
Cocoa Reference 2008-10-15
WebKit C Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for displaying web content in windows.
Carbon Reference 2008-10-15
NSDatePicker Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control for displaying and editing a date.
Cocoa Reference 2008-06-09
NSDatePickerCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a cell for displaying and editing a date.
Cocoa Reference 2008-06-09
Data Browser Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API used to display data in list or column views similar to the Finder.
Carbon Reference 2008-04-08
Disc Recording UI Framework Reference (HTML)
Describes the Objective-C and C API for presenting a user interface when burning audio and data CDs and DVDs.
Carbon, Cocoa Reference 2008-04-08
Force Feedback Framework Reference (HTML)
Describes the public interfaces to the Force Feedback implementation in Mac OS X, including support for plug-ins.
Accessibility, Human Interface Device & Force Feedback Reference 2008-04-08
Latent Semantic Mapping Reference (HTML)
Describes the C API for classifying text and other token-based content based on latent semantic information.
Speech Technologies Reference 2008-04-08
NSProgressIndicator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control that shows that a lengthy task is under way.
Cocoa Reference 2008-03-11
NSSearchFieldCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a search field cell.
Cocoa Reference 2008-03-11
NSLocale Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a locale.
Cocoa Reference 2008-02-08
NSMenu Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an application menu.
Cocoa Reference 2008-02-08
NSMenuItem Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a menu item.
Cocoa Reference 2008-02-08
NSRuleEditor Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a graphical rule editor.
Cocoa Reference 2008-02-08
List Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Deprecated - Describes the legacy C API for managing and displaying elements in a scrollable list. Replaced by the Data Browser.
Carbon Reference 2007-12-11
Display Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Deprecated - Describes the C API for dynamically changing the arrangement and display modes of attached monitors. Replaced by Quartz Display Services.
Carbon Reference 2007-12-04
Application Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for performing various application-level tasks in a Carbon application. Formerly titled Dock Manager Reference.
Carbon Reference 2007-10-31
Application Services Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for a number of services--such as Quartz 2D and ATSUI--that are essential to Carbon applications.
General Reference 2007-10-31
Carbon Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes many fundamental user experience APIs used in Carbon applications.
Carbon Reference 2007-10-31
Core Services Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for many fundamental operating system services.
General Reference 2007-10-31
Dialog Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C interface for implementing alerts and dialog boxes.
Carbon Reference 2007-10-31
NSSecureTextFieldCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the user interface of a secure text field.
Cocoa Reference 2007-10-31
NSTableColumn Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the display characteristics and attribute identifiers for a column in a table view.
Cocoa Reference 2007-10-31
Preferences Utilities Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes Core Foundation preferences functions.
Carbon Reference 2007-10-31
QLThumbnailRequest Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an opaque type for handling requests for Quick Look thumbnail images.
Carbon, Cocoa, Files & Software Installation Reference 2007-10-31
Window Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for creating and manipulating Carbon windows.
Carbon Reference 2007-10-31
NSFormatter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for formatter objects.
Cocoa Reference 2007-07-09
IMKInputController Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that controls input on the input method side.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
IMKServer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that manages connections to input method clients.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
Input Method Kit Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for building input methods for Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-06
IMKCandidates Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports the use of candidate windows for an input method.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMKMouseHandling Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to receive mouse events for an input method client session.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
IMKStateSetting Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to set or access state values for an input method client session.
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.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-06-05
Dictionary Services Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C and C routines that support programmatic access to dictionaries.
Text & Fonts Reference 2007-05-29
CBGroupIdentity Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for operating on user identities.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
CBIdentity Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to create and operate on identities.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
CBIdentityAuthority Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to manipulate identity authority databases.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
CBIdentityPicker Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that manages the identity picker.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
CBUserIdentity Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for operating on user identities.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
Collaboration Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for monitoring and editing identities.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
Identity Services Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the APIs for using identities and the Identity Picker.
Apple Applications Reference 2007-05-14
NSColorPickingDefault Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for receiving basic color-picker user-interface requests.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-27
NSAlert Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a window that displays a message and obtains the user's response to it.
Cocoa, Help Technologies Reference 2007-04-25
QLPreviewRequest Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an opaque type for handling requests for Quick Look document previews.
Carbon, Cocoa, Files & Software Installation Reference 2007-04-20
HIView Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for creating and manipulating view-based controls and menus in Carbon applications.
Carbon Reference 2007-04-13
Quick Look Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for creating plug-ins that generate Quick Look previews and thumbnails.
Carbon, Cocoa, Files & Software Installation Reference 2007-04-13
NSToolbarItemGroup Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a group of items in a window's toolbar.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-11
NSTableDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for receiving table view data requests.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-10
Icon Services and Utilities Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for manipulating and drawing icons in Carbon applications.
Carbon Reference 2007-04-06
NSFontPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the panel for font selection.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-06
NSFontPanelValidation Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for validating fonts.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-06
NSBrowser Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control for manipulating one- or two-dimensional data sets.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-05
NSSpeechRecognizer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Cocoa command-and-control voice recognition system.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-03
NSInputServerMouseTracker Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol implemented by text input servers to handle mouse events.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-02
NSInputServiceProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol implemented by text input servers to handle application and text field events.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-02
NSBrowserCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a cell that displays data in a browser.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-01
NSButton Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control that responds to clicks.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-01
NSColorPickingCustom Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for receiving custom color-picker user-interface requests.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-01
NSInputManager Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used by text views to communicate with the text input management system.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-01
NSInputServer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that interprets text view events and communicates them to the text input management system.
Cocoa Reference 2007-04-01
Control Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for creating and manipulating Carbon controls.
Carbon Reference 2007-03-26
NSMenuItemCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a deprecated class replaced by the NSMenuItem class.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-07
NSStatusBar Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the collection of status items in the menu bar.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-05
NSStatusItem Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a status item in the menu bar.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-05
NSTokenFieldCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a cell used in the conversion of entered text into tokens representing objects.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-05
NSMenuValidation Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for enabling and disabling menu items.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-02
NSLevelIndicator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control for displaying a rank or amount along a linear scale.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-01
NSLevelIndicatorCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a cell used for displaying a rank or amount along a linear scale.
Cocoa Reference 2007-03-01
NSActionCell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for the active area in a control.
Cocoa Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorPicker Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for custom views in a color panel used for color selection.
Cocoa Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorWell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a control for displaying and selecting colors.
Cocoa Reference 2007-02-28
Fonts Panel Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for providing a Fonts window in a Carbon application.
Carbon Reference 2007-02-26
NSErrorRecoveryAttempting Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for attempting recovery from runtime errors.
Cocoa Reference 2007-02-23
NSMenuItem Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Deprecated - Describes a deprecated protocol replaced by the NSMenuItem class.
Cocoa Reference 2007-02-08
NSOpenGLView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a view for OpenGL drawing.
Cocoa Reference 2007-01-26
Appearance Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for coordinating the look of the standard Mac OS human interface.
Carbon Reference 2007-01-23
NSImageView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a view that displays an image.
Cocoa Reference 2007-01-22
Finder Interface Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes several C data types used by the Finder to contain information about file system objects.
Carbon Reference 2006-10-31
Menu Manager Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for creating and managing an application's menus.
Carbon Reference 2006-09-15
Navigation Services Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for presenting a user interface for opening, saving, and navigating files.
Carbon Reference 2006-08-16
Backup Core Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for managing the backup exclusion status of files and folders.
Apple Applications Reference 2006-07-31
Find By Content Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Deprecated - Describes the legacy C API for performing relevance-ranked searches. Replaced by Search Kit.
Carbon, Cocoa Reference 2006-07-13
Apple Help Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C API for finding and displaying help content using Apple's HTML-based help system.
Carbon, Help Technologies Reference 2006-07-12