<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macOS: 10.4.0 - 10.15.0"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "Quartz",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Quartz/QCPlugIn/timeMode()",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Type Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Type Method",
    "modules" : [
      "Quartz"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)QCPlugIn(cm)timeMode"
  },
  "title" : "timeMode()"
}
-->

# timeMode()

Returns the time mode for the custom patch.

```
class func timeMode() -> QCPlugInTimeMode
```

## Return Value

The time mode of the custom patch. See [`QCPlugInTimeMode`](/documentation/Quartz/QCPlugInTimeMode) for the constants you can return.

## Discussion

You must implement this method to define whether you custom patch depends on time, doesn’t depend on time, or needs time to idle.

---

Copyright &copy; 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)