# column(for:) Returns the column index for the specified view. ``` func column(for view: NSView) -> Int ``` ## Parameters `view` The view for which to retrieve the column. ## Return Value The index of the column containing `view` in the [`tableColumns`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableView/tableColumns) array. This method returns `-1` if the view is not in the table view. This method may also return `-1` if the row containing the view is being animated away, such as during the deletion of a row. ## Discussion This method is typically called in the action method of an `NSButton` (or `NSControl`) to find out what row (and column) the action should be performed on. The implementation is `O(n)` where *n* is the number of visible rows, so this method should generally not be called within a loop. --- 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)