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# baseWritingDirection(for:in:)

Returns the base writing direction for a position in the text going in a certain direction.

```
func baseWritingDirection(for position: UITextPosition, in direction: UITextStorageDirection) -> NSWritingDirection
```

## Parameters

`position`

An object that identifies a location in a document.

`direction`

A constant that indicates a direction of storage (forward or backward).

## Return Value

A constant that represents a writing direction (for example, left-to-right or right-to-left).

## Discussion

The base writing direction is set previously when the text input system sends a [`setBaseWritingDirection(_:for:)`](/documentation/UIKit/UITextInput/setBaseWritingDirection(_:for:)) message to the conforming document object.

---

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