<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macOS: -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "AppKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/AppKit/NSAppearanceCustomization",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Protocol",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Protocol",
    "modules" : [
      "AppKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(pl)NSAppearanceCustomization"
  },
  "title" : "NSAppearanceCustomization"
}
-->

# NSAppearanceCustomization

A set of methods for getting and setting the appearance attributes of a view.

```
protocol NSAppearanceCustomization : NSObjectProtocol
```

## Overview

When an object adopts this protocol, assigning a value to the [`appearance`](/documentation/AppKit/NSAppearanceCustomization/appearance) property causes that object to use the appearance attributes you specified instead of any inherited attributes. You can access the current attributes for the object from the [`effectiveAppearance`](/documentation/AppKit/NSAppearanceCustomization/effectiveAppearance) property, which reflects any inherited attributes.

## Topics

### Getting and Setting Appearance

[Choosing a Specific Appearance for Your macOS App](/documentation/AppKit/choosing-a-specific-appearance-for-your-macos-app)

Adopt a specific appearance for your windows, views, or app when it is inappropriate to support both light and dark variants.

[`appearance`](/documentation/AppKit/NSAppearanceCustomization/appearance)

The appearance of the receiver, in an `NSAppearance` object.

[`effectiveAppearance`](/documentation/AppKit/NSAppearanceCustomization/effectiveAppearance)

The appearance that will be used when the receiver is drawn onscreen, in an `NSAppearance` object. (read-only)



---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)