# getCharacters(_:range:) Copies characters from a given range in the receiver into a given buffer. ``` func getCharacters(_ buffer: UnsafeMutablePointer, range: NSRange) ``` ## Parameters `buffer` Upon return, contains the characters from the receiver. `buffer` must be large enough to contain the characters in the range `aRange` (`aRange.length*sizeof(unichar)`). `range` The range of characters to retrieve. The range must not exceed the bounds of the receiver. > Important: > Raises an `NSRangeException` if any part of `aRange` lies beyond the bounds of the receiver. ## Discussion This method does not add a `NULL` character. The abstract implementation of this method uses [`character(at:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/character(at:)) repeatedly, correctly extracting the characters, though very inefficiently. Subclasses should override it to provide a fast implementation. You should always use the [`rangeOfComposedCharacterSequence(at:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/rangeOfComposedCharacterSequence(at:)) or [`rangeOfComposedCharacterSequences(for:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/rangeOfComposedCharacterSequences(for:)) method to determine character boundaries, so that any surrogate pairs or character clusters are handled correctly. --- 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)