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# preferredPasteboardType(from:restrictedToTypesFrom:)

Returns whatever type on the pasteboard would be most preferred for copying data.

```
func preferredPasteboardType(from availableTypes: [NSPasteboard.PasteboardType], restrictedToTypesFrom allowedTypes: [NSPasteboard.PasteboardType]?) -> NSPasteboard.PasteboardType?
```

## Parameters

`availableTypes`

The types currently available on the pasteboard.

`allowedTypes`

Types allowed in the return value. If `nil`, any available type is allowed.

## Return Value

The preferred type to provide given the available types and the allowed types.

## Discussion

You should not need to override this method. You should also not need to invoke it unless you are implementing a new type of pasteboard to handle services other than copy/paste or dragging.

## See Also

[`-  pasteAsRichText:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTextView/pasteAsRichText(_:))

This action method inserts the contents of the pasteboard into the receiver’s text as rich text, maintaining its attributes.

[`-  pasteAsPlainText:`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTextView/pasteAsPlainText(_:))

Inserts the contents of the pasteboard into the receiver’s text as plain text.


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