# rowView(atRow:makeIfNecessary:) Returns a row view at the specified index, creating one if necessary. ``` func rowView(atRow row: Int, makeIfNecessary: Bool) -> NSTableRowView? ``` ## Parameters `row` The row index. `makeIfNecessary` if a view is required, if you want to update properties on a view, if one is available. ## Return Value An instance, or subclass, of [`NSTableRowView`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableRowView). Returning `nil` is also valid if `makeIfNecessary` is and the view did not exist. ## Discussion This method first attempts to return a currently displayed view in the visible area. If there is no visible view, and `makeIfNecessary` is , a prepared temporary view is returned. If `makeIfNecessary` is , and the view is not visible, `nil` is returned. In general, `makeIfNecessary` should be if you require a resulting view, and if you want to update properties on a view only if it is available (generally this means it is visible). An exception is thrown if `row` falls outside of the number of rows in the table ([`numberOfRows`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableView/numberOfRows)). The returned result should generally not be held onto for longer than the current run loop cycle. It’s better to call [`rowView(atRow:makeIfNecessary:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableView/rowView(atRow:makeIfNecessary:)) whenever a view is required. --- 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)