# addSymbolicLink(withDestination:preferredFilename:) Creates a symbolic-link file wrapper pointing to a given file-system node and adds it to the receiver, which must be a directory file wrapper. ``` func addSymbolicLink(withDestination path: String, preferredFilename filename: String) -> String ``` ## Parameters `path` Pathname the new symbolic-link file wrapper is to reference. `filename` Preferred filename for the new symbolic-link file wrapper. ## Return Value Dictionary key used to store the new file wrapper in the directory’s list of file wrappers. See [Accessing File Wrapper Identities](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/FileSystemProgrammingGuide/FileWrappers/FileWrappers.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40010672-CH13-SW1) in [File System Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/FileSystemProgrammingGuide/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40010672) for more information. ## Discussion Beginning with OS X v10.6, the preferred method of referring to files is with a `file://` URL. Instead of using this method, you can instantiate `NSFileWrapper` with one of the initializers, set its [`preferredFilename`](/documentation/Foundation/FileWrapper/preferredFilename) property if necessary, and pass the result to [`addFileWrapper(_:)`](/documentation/Foundation/FileWrapper/addFileWrapper(_:)). This method raises `NSInternalInconsistencyException` if the receiver is not a directory file wrapper. This method raises `NSInvalidArgumentException` if you pass `nil` or an empty value for `preferredFilename`. --- 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)