---
title: Introduction to Dashboard Reference
framework: appleapplications
role: article
path: apple-archive/documentation/AppleApplications/Reference/Dashboard_Ref/DashboardRef
---

# Introduction to Dashboard Reference

Describes the API for implementing Dashboard widgets.

## Who Should Read This Document?

*Dashboard Reference* is for any widget creator looking for detailed information about the various interfaces available to widgets.

## Organization of This Document

This document contains the following chapters:

- [Widget Object](../GadgetObj/GadgetObj.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001339-CH203-BAJIFEBC) describes the methods and properties of the Widget object—a JavaScript object you use to manage widget-specific behavior. - [Regions](../DashboardRegions/DashboardRegions.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001339-CH218-BAJIFEBC) describes the use of regions within your widget. Regions allow you to specify areas for specific uses. - [Dashboard Info.plist Keys](../DashboardPlist/DashboardPlist.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001339-CH205-BAJCBIDE) describes the custom and expected keys to include in your widget’s information property list file. - [Widget Plug-in Interface](../Plugin/Plugin.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001339-CH206-BAJFEHJJ) describes the interface used to create custom plug-ins for your widget.

## See Also

For an introduction to Dashboard widgets, see “Widget Basics” in *[Dashboard Programming Topics](../../../Conceptual/Dashboard_ProgTopics/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002837)*. Read the other articles in *[Dashboard Programming Topics](../../../Conceptual/Dashboard_ProgTopics/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002837)* for information on the various technologies available to widget developers. To learn how to use Dashcode to create widgets, see *[Dashcode User Guide](../../../Conceptual/Dashcode_UserGuide/Contents/Resources/en.lproj/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004692)*.

For more information on the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript capabilities found in WebKit, the technology behind Dashboard widgets, consult:

- *[Safari HTML Reference](../../SafariHTMLRef/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002049)* - *[Safari CSS Reference](../../SafariCSSRef/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002050)* - *WebKit DOM Reference*

[Next](../GadgetObj/GadgetObj.html)

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