Technical Q&A QA1323

Interface element identification in Interface Builder

Q:  How can I visually identify the various components of my interface in Interface Builder?

A: You can get a visual pointer to any interface element on-screen by selecting the interface element in the outline view of the document window as shown in Figure 1, then holding down Command-Option-Down Arrow in Interface Builder 3.x. The element will appear highlighted as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 1  Select the NSMenuItem (Redo) from the document window
Figure 2  Result of a command-option-down arrow-click on the NSMenuItem (Redo)


Document Revision History


DateNotes
2010-08-31

Updated for Interface Builder 3.x.

2006-10-06

New document that describes a way to easily visually identify interface elements in a nib file.