# makeFirstResponder(_:) Attempts to make a given responder the first responder for the window. ``` func makeFirstResponder(_ responder: NSResponder?) -> Bool ``` ## Parameters `responder` The responder to set as the window’s first responder. `nil` makes the window its first responder. ## Return Value when the operation is successful; otherwise, . ## Discussion If `responder` isn’t already the first responder, this method first sends a [`resignFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/resignFirstResponder()) message to the object that is the first responder. If that object refuses to resign, it remains the first responder, and this method immediately returns . If the current first responder resigns, this method sends a [`becomeFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/becomeFirstResponder()) message to `responder`. If `responder` does not accept first responder status, the `NSWindow` object becomes first responder; in this case, the method returns even if `responder` refuses first responder status. If `responder` is `nil`, this method still sends [`resignFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/resignFirstResponder()) to the current first responder. If the current first responder refuses to resign, it remains the first responder and this method immediately returns . If the current first responder returns from [`resignFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/resignFirstResponder()), the window is made its own first responder and this method returns . The Application Kit framework uses this method to alter the first responder in response to mouse-down events; you can also use it to explicitly set the first responder from within your program. The `responder` object is typically an `NSView` object in the window’s view hierarchy. If this method is called explicitly, first send [`acceptsFirstResponder`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/acceptsFirstResponder) to `responder`, and do not call [`makeFirstResponder(_:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow/makeFirstResponder(_:)) if [`acceptsFirstResponder`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/acceptsFirstResponder) returns . Use [`initialFirstResponder`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow/initialFirstResponder) to the set the first responder to be used when the window is brought onscreen for the first time. ## See Also [`becomeFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/becomeFirstResponder()) Notifies the receiver that it’s about to become first responder in its [`NSWindow`](/documentation/AppKit/NSWindow). [`resignFirstResponder()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSResponder/resignFirstResponder()) Notifies the receiver that it’s been asked to relinquish its status as first responder in its window. --- 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)