# view(atColumn:row:makeIfNecessary:) Returns a view at the specified row and column indexes, creating one if necessary. ``` func view(atColumn column: Int, row: Int, makeIfNecessary: Bool) -> NSView? ``` ## Parameters `column` The index of the column in the [`tableColumns`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableView/tableColumns) array. `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 of [`NSView`](/documentation/AppKit/NSView). ## Discussion This method first attempts to return an available view, which is generally in the visible area. If there is no available view, and `makeIfNecessary` is , a prepared temporary view is returned. If `makeIfNecessary` is , and the view is not available, `nil` will be returned. In general, `makeIfNecessary` should be if you require a resulting view, and if you only want to update properties on a view only if it is available (generally this means it is visible). An exception will be thrown if `row` is not within the [`numberOfRows`](/documentation/AppKit/NSTableView/numberOfRows). The returned result should generally not be held onto for longer than the current run loop cycle. Instead they should re-query the table view for the row view. --- 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)