# SKTileGroup A set of tiles that collectively define one type of terrain. ``` class SKTileGroup ``` ## Overview An `SKTileGroup` object contains either the definition of a single tile or an array of [`SKTileGroupRule`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroupRule) objects that define adjacency rules. You supply a tile group with either: - The definition of a single tile that can be used to populate a tile map node with a single texture. - An array of one or more tile group rules that allow for the automatic placement of textures dependent on their adjacency and the placement weights of their definitions. For example, a tile group may contain nine tile group rules containing the definitions of the central tile and eight edge tiles that, when placed adjacently, appear as a single object. The preferred method to create tile groups is to use the editor tools in Xcode. However, to work with SpriteKit’s tile support programmatically, see the following articles. ## Topics ### Creating Tile Groups [Creating Tile Groups Programmatically](/documentation/SpriteKit/creating-tile-groups-programmatically) Paint tiles on a map by putting tile definitions in a group that you create in code. [`init(tileDefinition:)`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/init(tileDefinition:)) Creates and initializes a simple tile group with a single tile definition. [`tileGroupWithTileDefinition:`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/tileGroupWithTileDefinition:) [`init(rules:)`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/init(rules:)) Creates and initializes a tile group with the specified tile group rules. [`tileGroupWithRules:`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/tileGroupWithRules:) ### Accessing or Setting a Tile Group’s Properties [`name`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/name) The receiver’s name. [`rules`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/rules) An array of [`SKTileGroupRule`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroupRule) objects that the tile group uses to determine tile placement. ### Creating an Empty Tile Group Create an empty tile group to erase tiles at a given location on a map. [`empty()`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKTileGroup/empty()) Creates an empty tile that erases the existing tile at that location on a tile map. --- 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)