Contents

LSOpenCFURLRef(_:_:)

Opens an item for a URL in the default manner in its preferred app.

Declaration

func LSOpenCFURLRef(_ inURL: CFURL, _ outLaunchedURL: UnsafeMutablePointer<Unmanaged<CFURL>?>?) -> OSStatus

Parameters

  • inURL:

    A Core Foundation URL reference designating the item to open; see the CFURL Reference in the Core Foundation Reference Documentation for a description of the CFURLRef data type.

  • outLaunchedURL:

    A pointer to a Core Foundation URL reference that, on return, will identify the app launched. Pass NULL if this information is unimportant.

    Despite the absence of the word Copy in its name, this function retains the URL reference object on your behalf; you are responsible for releasing this object.

Return Value

A result code; see Result Codes.

Discussion

The designated item is opened in the default manner, as if it had been opened with the LSOpenFromURLSpec function with a launch specification specifying the launch flag kLSLaunchDefaults: that is, asynchronously, and with the remaining launch parameters taken from the application’s information property list. For greater control, call LSOpenFromURLSpec directly. See LSLaunchFlags for more information about launch flags.

If the item URL’s scheme is file (designating either a file or a directory), the selection of the preferred application is based on the designated item’s filename extension, file type, and creator signature; otherwise, it is based on the URL scheme (such as http, ftp, or mailto). The application is launched or activated, as required, and sent an appropriate Apple event depending on the circumstances:

  • If the URL’s scheme is file and it designates a document, the document’s preferred application is launched (or activated if it is already running).

    • If the application claims to accept file URLs, it is sent a 'GURL' (“get URL”) Apple event containing the item’s URL.

    • If the application does not claim to accept file URLs, it is sent an 'odoc' (“open document”) Apple event identifying the document to open.

  • If the URL’s scheme is file and it designates an application:

    • If the application is not already running, it is launched and sent an 'oapp' (“open application”) Apple event.

    • If the application is already running, it is activated and sent an 'rapp' (“reopen application”) Apple event.

  • If the URL has a scheme other than file, the scheme’s preferred application is launched (or activated if it is already running) and sent a 'GURL' (“get URL”) Apple event containing the item’s URL.

As of macOS 10.4 and later, launchApplication(at:options:configuration:) is the preferred way of opening a URL.

Version-Notes

Thread-safe since Mac OS version 10.2.

See Also

Opening Items