# attributedSubstring(forProposedRange:actualRange:) Returns an attributed string derived from the given range in the receiver’s text storage. ``` func attributedSubstring(forProposedRange range: NSRange, actualRange: NSRangePointer?) -> NSAttributedString? ``` ## Parameters `range` The range in the text storage from which to create the returned string. `actualRange` The actual range of the returned string if it was adjusted, for example, to a grapheme cluster boundary or for performance or other reasons. `NULL` if range was not adjusted. ## Return Value The string created from the given range. May return `nil`. ## Discussion An implementation of this method should be prepared for `aRange` to be out of bounds. For example, the InkWell text input service can ask for the contents of the text input client that extends beyond the document’s range. In this case, you should return the intersection of the document’s range and `aRange`. If the location of `aRange` is completely outside of the document’s range, return `nil`. --- 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)