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# firstResponder

The window’s first responder.

```
weak var firstResponder: NSResponder? { get }
```

## Discussion

The first responder is usually the first object in a responder chain to receive an event or action message. In most cases, the first responder is a view object that the user selects or activates with the mouse or keyboard.

You can use the [`firstResponder`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow/firstResponder) property in custom subclasses of responder classes ([`NSWindow`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow), [`NSApplication`](/documentation/AppKit/NSApplication), [`NSView`](/documentation/AppKit/NSView), and subclasses) to determine if an instance of the subclass is currently the first responder. You can also use it to help locate a text field that currently has first-responder status. For more information, see [Mouse, Keyboard, and Trackpad](/documentation/AppKit/mouse-keyboard-and-trackpad). This property is key-value observing compliant.

## See Also

[`acceptsFirstResponder`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/acceptsFirstResponder)

A Boolean value that indicates whether the responder accepts first responder status.


---

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