# CustomStringConvertible A type with a customized textual representation. ``` protocol CustomStringConvertible ``` ## Overview Types that conform to the `CustomStringConvertible` protocol can provide their own representation to be used when converting an instance to a string. The `String(describing:)` initializer is the preferred way to convert an instance of *any* type to a string. If the passed instance conforms to `CustomStringConvertible`, the `String(describing:)` initializer and the `print(_:)` function use the instance’s custom `description` property. Accessing a type’s `description` property directly or using `CustomStringConvertible` as a generic constraint is discouraged. # Conforming to the CustomStringConvertible Protocol Add `CustomStringConvertible` conformance to your custom types by defining a `description` property. For example, this custom `Point` struct uses the default representation supplied by the standard library: ``` struct Point { let x: Int, y: Int } let p = Point(x: 21, y: 30) print(p) // Prints "Point(x: 21, y: 30)" ``` After implementing the `description` property and declaring `CustomStringConvertible` conformance, the `Point` type provides its own custom representation. ``` extension Point: CustomStringConvertible { var description: String { return "(\(x), \(y))" } } print(p) // Prints "(21, 30)" ``` --- 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)