# availableType(from:) Scans the specified types for a type that the receiver supports. ``` func availableType(from types: [NSPasteboard.PasteboardType]) -> NSPasteboard.PasteboardType? ``` ## Parameters `types` An array of `NSString` objects specifying the pasteboard types your application supports, in preferred order. ## Return Value The first pasteboard type in `types` that is available on the pasteboard, or `nil` if the receiver does not contain any of the types in `types`. ## Discussion You use this method to determine the best representation available on the pasteboard. For example, if your application supports RTFD, RTF, and string data, then you might invoke the method as follows: ```objc NSArray *supportedTypes = [NSArray arrayWithObjects: NSRTFDPboardType, NSRTFPboardType, NSStringPboardType, nil]; NSString *bestType = [[NSPasteboard generalPasteboard] availableTypeFromArray:supportedTypes]; ``` If the pasteboard contains RTF and string data, then `bestType` would contain `NSRTFPboardType`. If the pasteboard contains none of the types in `supportedTypes`, then `bestType` would be `nil`. You must send a [`types`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/types) or [`availableType(from:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSPasteboard/availableType(from:)) message before reading any data from an `NSPasteboard` object. If you need to see if a type in the returned array matches a type string you have stored locally, use the method to perform the comparison. --- 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)