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# layer

Creates and returns an instance of the layer object.

```
+ (instancetype) layer;
```

## Return Value

The initialized layer object or `nil` if initialization was not successful.

## Discussion

If you subclass `CALayer`, you may override this method and use it to provide an instance of your specific subclass.

## See Also

  [Core Animation Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/CoreAnimation_guide/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004514)


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