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# controlColor

The color to use for the flat surfaces of a control.

```
class var controlColor: NSColor { get }
```

## Return Value

The system color used for the flat surfaces of a control. By default, the control color is a pattern color that will draw the ruled lines for the window background, which is the same as returned by [`windowBackgroundColor`](/documentation/AppKit/NSColor/windowBackgroundColor).

## Discussion

If you use [`controlColor`](/documentation/AppKit/NSColor/controlColor) assuming that it is a solid, you may have an incorrect appearance. You should use [`lightGray`](/documentation/AppKit/NSColor/lightGray) in its place.

---

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