# FocusedValueKey A protocol for identifier types used when publishing and observing focused values. ``` protocol FocusedValueKey ``` ## Overview Unlike [`EnvironmentKey`](/documentation/SwiftUI/EnvironmentKey), `FocusedValueKey` has no default value requirement, because the default value for a key is always `nil`. Use the `Entry` macro to create custom focused values by extending `FocusedValues` with new properties: ``` extension FocusedValues { @Entry var selectedItem: Item? } ``` Alternatively it is possible to create a focused value key by manually creating a type that conforms to this protocol: ``` struct SelectedItemKey: FocusedValueKey { typealias Value = Item } ``` Then extend [`FocusedValues`](/documentation/SwiftUI/FocusedValues) to add a computed property for your key: ``` extension FocusedValues { var selectedItem: Item? { get { self[SelectedItemKey.self] } set { self[SelectedItemKey.self] = newValue } } } ``` ## Topics ### Specifying the value type [`Value`](/documentation/SwiftUI/FocusedValueKey/Value) --- 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)