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  "framework" : "AppKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/propertyList(forType:)",
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  "role" : "Instance Method",
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  "title" : "propertyList(forType:)"
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# propertyList(forType:)

Returns the property list for the specified type from the first item in the receiver that contains the type.

```
func propertyList(forType dataType: NSPasteboard.PasteboardType) -> Any?
```

## Parameters

`dataType`

The pasteboard data type containing the property-list data.

## Return Value

A property list of objects of the specified type, obtained from the first item in the receiver that contains the type. The returned property list can contain any combination of objects, as long as each object is a valid property-list type (for a list of types, see [Property list](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/General/Conceptual/DevPedia-CocoaCore/PropertyList.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40008195-CH44)).

## Discussion

This method invokes the [`data(forType:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/data(forType:)) method.

### Special Considerations

It’s a good idea to check [`types`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/types) or call [`availableType(from:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/availableType(from:)) before invoking [`propertyList(forType:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/propertyList(forType:)). Although performing this check isn’t required, doing so can help you determine if a `nil` result from a reading method is due to something like a pasteboard timeout.

## See Also

[`-  setPropertyList:forType:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/setPropertyList(_:forType:))

Sets the given property list as the representation for the specified type for the first item on the receiver.


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