# stringWithContentsOfFile:usedEncoding:error: Returns a string created by reading data from the file at a given path and returns by reference the encoding used to interpret the file. ``` + (instancetype) stringWithContentsOfFile:(NSString *) path usedEncoding:(NSStringEncoding *) enc error:(NSError **) error; ``` ## 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). `error` If an error occurs, upon returns contains an `NSError` object that describes the problem. If you are not interested in possible errors, you may pass in `NULL`. ## Return Value A string created by reading data from the file named by `path`. If the file can’t be opened or there is an encoding error, returns `nil`. ## Discussion This method attempts to determine the encoding of the file at `path`. --- 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)