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# runModalForDirectory:file:

Initializes the panel to the directory and file specified, if any, then displays it and begins its modal event loop.

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

## Parameters

`path`

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 `path` that is selected when the Save panel is presented to a user. When `nil`, no file is initially selected.

## Return Value

`NSFileHandlingPanelOKButton` (if the user clicks the OK button) or `NSFileHandlingPanelCancelButton` (if the user clicks the Cancel button).

## Discussion

This method invokes `NSApplication`’s [`runModal(for:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSApplication/runModal(for:)) method with `self` as the argument.

## See Also

[`func runModal(for: NSWindow) -> NSApplication.ModalResponse`](/documentation/AppKit/NSApplication/runModal(for:))

Starts a modal event loop for the specified window.

[`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.


---

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