<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 7.0.0 -",
    "iPadOS: 7.0.0 -",
    "macCatalyst: 13.1.0 -",
    "tvOS: -",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "UIKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/UIKit/UITabBarItem/selectedImage",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Property",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Property",
    "modules" : [
      "UIKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)UITabBarItem(py)selectedImage"
  },
  "title" : "selectedImage"
}
-->

# selectedImage

The source image the item uses to generate its selected image.

```
var selectedImage: UIImage? { get set }
```

## Discussion

If `nil`, the item uses the value in [`image`](/documentation/UIKit/UIBarItem/image) instead. The item creates the images it displays from the alpha values in its source images. To prevent system tinting, use images with the [`UIImage.RenderingMode.alwaysOriginal`](/documentation/UIKit/UIImage/RenderingMode-swift.enum/alwaysOriginal) rendering mode. The item clips any image that’s larger than its bounds.

---

Copyright &copy; 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)