# copyScriptingValue(_:forKey:withProperties:) Creates and returns one or more scripting objects to be inserted into the specified relationship by copying the passed-in value and setting the properties in the copied object or objects. ``` func copyScriptingValue(_ value: Any, forKey key: String, withProperties properties: [String : Any]) -> Any? ``` ## Parameters `value` An object or objects to be copied. The type must match the type of the property identified by `key`. (See also the Discussion section.) For example, if the property is a to-many relationship, `value` will always be an array of objects to be copied, and this method must therefore return an array of objects. `key` A key that identifies the relationship into which to insert the copied object or objects. `properties` The properties to be set in the copied object or objects. Derived from the “with properties” parameter of a `duplicate` command. (See also the Discussion section.) ## Return Value The copied object or objects. Returns `nil` if an error occurs. ## Discussion You can override the `copyScriptingValue` method to take more control when your application is sent a `duplicate` command. This method is invoked on the prospective container of the copied object or objects. The `properties` are derived from the `with properties` parameter of the `duplicate` command. The returned objects or objects are then inserted into the container using key-value coding. When this method is invoked by Cocoa, neither the value nor the properties will have yet been coerced using the `NSScriptKeyValueCoding` method [`coerceValue(_:forKey:)`](/documentation/ObjectiveC/NSObject-swift.class/coerceValue(_:forKey:)). For sdef-declared scriptability, however, the types of the passed-in objects reliably match the relevant sdef declarations. The default implementation of this method copies scripting objects by sending `copyWithZone:` to the object or objects specified by `value`. You override this method for situations where this is not sufficient, such as in Core Data applications, in which new objects must be initialized with `[NSManagedObject initWithEntity:insertIntoManagedObjectContext:]`. --- 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)