<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macCatalyst: -",
    "macOS: 10.0.0 - 10.6.0"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "AppKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/AppKit/NSOpenPanel/runModalForDirectory:file:types:",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "AppKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)NSOpenPanel(im)runModalForDirectory:file:types:"
  },
  "title" : "runModalForDirectory:file:types:"
}
-->

# runModalForDirectory:file:types:

Displays the panel and begins a modal event loop that is terminated when the user clicks either OK or Cancel.

```
- (NSInteger) runModalForDirectory:(NSString *) path file:(NSString *) name types:(NSArray *) fileTypes;
```

## Parameters

`path`

The directory whose files the panel displays. When `nil`, the directory is the same directory used in the previous invocation of the panel; this is probably the best choice for most situations.

`name`

Specifies a particular file in `absoluteDirectoryPath` that is selected when the Open panel is presented to the user. When `nil`, no file is initially selected.

`fileTypes`

An array of file extensions and/or HFS file types. Specifies the files the panel allows the user to select. `nil` makes all files in `absoluteDirectoryPath` selectable by the user. An array of types passed in here will override one set using [`allowedFileTypes`](/documentation/AppKit/NSSavePanel/allowedFileTypes).

## Return Value

The button clicked to dismiss the dialog: `NSOKButton` for the OK button and `NSCancelButton` for the Cancel button.

## Discussion

You can control whether directories and files appear in the browser with the [`canChooseDirectories`](/documentation/AppKit/NSOpenPanel/canChooseDirectories) and [`canChooseFiles`](/documentation/AppKit/NSOpenPanel/canChooseFiles) methods.

## See Also

[`func runModal() -> NSApplication.ModalResponse`](/documentation/AppKit/NSSavePanel/runModal())

Displays the panel and begins its event loop with the current working (or last-selected) directory as the default starting point.


---

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)