# init(contentsOfFile:usedEncoding:) Returns an `NSString` object initialized by reading data from the file at a given path and returns by reference the encoding used to interpret the characters. ``` convenience init(contentsOfFile path: String, usedEncoding enc: UnsafeMutablePointer?) throws ``` ## Parameters `path` A path to a file. `enc` Upon return, if the file is read successfully, contains the encoding used to interpret the file at `path`. For possible values, see [`NSStringEncoding`](/documentation/Foundation/NSStringEncoding). ## Return Value An `NSString` object initialized by reading data from the file named by `path`. The returned object may be different from the original receiver. If the file can’t be opened or there is an encoding error, returns `nil`. ## Discussion > Handling Errors in Swift: > In Swift, this method returns a nonoptional result and is marked with the `throws` keyword to indicate that it throws an error in cases of failure. > > You call this method in a `try` expression and handle any errors in the `catch` clauses of a `do` statement, as described in [Error Handling](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/LanguageGuide/ErrorHandling.html) in [The Swift Programming Language](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/) and `About Imported Cocoa Error Parameters`. ## See Also [`+ stringWithContentsOfFile:encoding:error:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/stringWithContentsOfFile:encoding:error:) Returns a string created by reading data from the file at a given path interpreted using a given encoding. --- 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)