# makeCell(atRow:column:) Creates a new cell at the location specified by the given row and column in the receiver. ``` func makeCell(atRow row: Int, column col: Int) -> NSCell ``` ## Parameters `row` The row in which to create the new cell. `col` The column in which to create the new cell. ## Return Value The newly created cell. ## Discussion If the receiver has a prototype cell, it’s copied to create the new cell. If not, and if the receiver has a cell class set, it allocates and initializes (with `init`) an instance of that class. If the receiver hasn’t had either a prototype cell or a cell class set, [`NSMatrix`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix) creates an [`NSActionCell`](/documentation/AppKit/NSActionCell). Your code should never invoke this method directly; it’s used by [`addRow()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/addRow()) and other methods when a cell must be created. It may be overridden to provide more specific initialization of cells. ## See Also [`prototype`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/prototype) The prototype cell that’s copied whenever the matrix creates a new cell. [`cellClass`](/documentation/AppKit/NSMatrix/cellClass) The subclass of [`NSCell`](/documentation/AppKit/NSCell) that the matrix uses when creating new (empty) cells. --- 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)