# target(forAction:to:from:) Searches for an object that can receive the message specified by the given selector. ``` func target(forAction action: Selector, to target: Any?, from sender: Any?) -> Any? ``` ## Parameters `action` The desired action message. May be `nil`, in which case this method will return `nil`. `target` The target object to check. Specify `nil` if you want to search the responder chain starting with the current first responder. `sender` The potential sender for the action message. ## Return Value The object that can accept the specified action message or `nil` if no target object can receive the message from the specified `sender`. Returns `nil` if `anAction` is `nil`. ## Discussion The system looks for an object that implements a method matching `anAction`. If `aTarget` is specified, the system verifies that it’s a valid target for the provided action and sender, returning `aTarget` if valid, `nil` otherwise. If the provided target is `nil`, the search begins with the first responder of the key window. The system follows the responder object looking for targets. If no object capable of handling the message is found in the responder chain, the system returns `nil`. --- 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)