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# helpRequested(_:)

Displays context-sensitive help for the receiver if help has been registered.

```
func helpRequested(_ eventPtr: NSEvent)
```

## Parameters

`eventPtr`

An object encapsulating information about the help-request event.

## Discussion

[`NSWindow`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow) invokes this method automatically when the user clicks for help and help has been registered using [`setContextHelp(_:for:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSHelpManager/setContextHelp(_:for:)). Otherwise, `NSWindow` passes the message to the next responder. Subclasses are not required to override this method.

> Note:
> Current hardware does not invoke this method and application code should not call it directly. To provide context-sensitive help, use help tags (tooltips). For more information, see [macOS Human Interface Guidelines - Help Tags (Tooltips)](https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/macos/user-interaction/help/#help-tags).

## See Also

[`-  showContextHelp:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/showContextHelp(_:))

Implemented by subclasses to invoke the help system, displaying information relevant to the receiver and its current state.



---

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