# init(dictionary:copyItems:) Initializes a newly allocated dictionary using the objects contained in another given dictionary. ``` convenience init(dictionary otherDictionary: [AnyHashable : Any], copyItems flag: Bool) ``` ## Parameters `otherDictionary` A dictionary containing the keys and values with which to initialize the new dictionary. `flag` If , each object in `otherDictionary` receives a message to create a copy of the object—objects must conform to the `NSCopying` protocol. In a managed memory environment, this is instead of the `retain` message the object would otherwise receive. The object copy is then added to the returned dictionary. If , then in a managed memory environment each object in `otherDictionary` simply receives a `retain` message when it is added to the returned dictionary. ## Return Value An initialized object—which might be different than the original receiver—containing the keys and values found in `otherDictionary`. ## Discussion After an immutable dictionary has been initialized in this way, it cannot be modified. The [`copy(with:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSCopying/copy(with:)) method performs a shallow copy. If you have a collection of arbitrary depth, passing for the `flag` parameter will perform an immutable copy of the first level below the surface. If you pass the mutability of the first level is unaffected. In either case, the mutability of all deeper levels is unaffected. --- 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)