# CGPDFArray An array structure within a PDF document. ## Discussion PDF arrays may be heterogeneous—that is, they may contain any other PDF objects, including PDF strings, PDF dictionaries, and other PDF arrays. Many `CGPDFArray` functions to retrieve values from a PDF array take the form: ```objc bool CGPDFArrayGet ( CGPDFArrayRef array, size_t index, Ref *value ); ``` These functions test the data type of the object at the specified index. If the object is not of the expected type, the function returns . If the object is of the expected type, the function returns , and the object is passed back in the `value` parameter. This type is not derived from and therefore there are no functions for retaining and releasing it. [`CGPDFArrayRef`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayRef) objects exist only as constituent parts of a [`CGPDFDocument`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFDocument) object, and they are managed by their container. ## Topics ### Getting Data from a PDF Array [`CGPDFArrayGetArray`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetArray(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is another PDF array and, if so, retrieves that array. [`CGPDFArrayGetBoolean`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetBoolean(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF Boolean and, if so, retrieves that Boolean. [`CGPDFArrayGetCount`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetCount(_:)) Returns the number of items in a PDF array. [`CGPDFArrayGetDictionary`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetDictionary(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF dictionary and, if so, retrieves that dictionary. [`CGPDFArrayGetInteger`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetInteger(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF integer and, if so, retrieves that object. [`CGPDFArrayGetName`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetName(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF name reference (represented as a constant C string) and, if so, retrieves that name. [`CGPDFArrayGetNull`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetNull(_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a Quartz PDF array is a PDF null. [`CGPDFArrayGetNumber`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetNumber(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF number and, if so, retrieves that object. [`CGPDFArrayGetObject`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetObject(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF object and, if so, retrieves that object. [`CGPDFArrayGetStream`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetStream(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF stream and, if so, retrieves that stream. [`CGPDFArrayGetString`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayGetString(_:_:_:)) Returns whether an object at a given index in a PDF array is a PDF string and, if so, retrieves that string. ### Data Types [`CGPDFArrayRef`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGPDFArrayRef) An opaque type that encapsulates a PDF array. ## See Also [Quartz 2D Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/drawingwithquartz2d/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP30001066) --- Copyright © 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)