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# eventRef

An opaque Carbon type associated with this event.

```
var eventRef: UnsafeRawPointer? { get }
```

## Discussion

This method is valid for all types of events. The `EventRef` object is retained by the receiver, so it is valid as long as the `NSEvent` object is valid, and is released when the `NSEvent` object is freed. You can use `RetainEvent(_:)` to extend the lifetime of the `EventRef` object, with a corresponding `ReleaseEvent(_:)` when you are done with it.

The system typically creates user-input events with an associated `EventRef`. Other `NSEvent` objects create an `EventRef` when this property is first accessed, if possible. If there is no equivalent `NSEvent` for this event, the property is set to `NULL`.

## See Also

[`+  eventWithEventRef:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSEvent/init(eventRef:))

Creates and returns a new event object for a Carbon event.


---

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