<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macOS: -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "AppKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/prototype",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Property",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Property",
    "modules" : [
      "AppKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)NSMatrix(py)prototype"
  },
  "title" : "prototype"
}
-->

# prototype

The prototype cell that’s copied whenever the matrix creates a new cell.

```
@NSCopying var prototype: NSCell? { get set }
```

## Discussion

When the value of this property is `nil`, there is no prototype cell.

## See Also

[`-  initWithFrame:mode:prototype:numberOfRows:numberOfColumns:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/init(frame:mode:prototype:numberOfRows:numberOfColumns:))

Initializes and returns a newly allocated matrix of the specified size using the given cell as a prototype.

[`-  makeCellAtRow:column:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/makeCell(atRow:column:))

Creates a new cell at the location specified by the given row and column in the receiver.


---

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)