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  "identifier" : "/documentation/Quartz/QCPlugIn/serializedValue(forKey:)",
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  "title" : "serializedValue(forKey:)"
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# serializedValue(forKey:)

A method implemented to override serialization.

```
func serializedValue(forKey key: String!) -> Any!
```

## Parameters

`key`

The key for the value to retrieve.

## Return Value

Either `nil` or a value that’s compliant with property lists:  `NSString`, `NSNumber`, `NSDate`, `NSData`, `NSArray`, or `NSDictionary`.

## Discussion

Provides custom serialization for patch internal settings that do not comply to the <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Foundation/NSCoding> protocol.

## Discussion

If your patch has internal settings that do not conform to the <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Foundation/NSCoding> protocol, you must implement this method.

---

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