---
title: elementPointerType()
framework: metal
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: metal/mtlarraytype/elementpointertype()
---

# elementPointerType()

Provides a description of the underlying pointer type when an array holds pointers as its elements.

## Declaration

```swift
func elementPointerType() -> MTLPointerType?
```

## Return Value

Return Value An object that describes the pointer. If the array elements aren’t pointers, this method returns nil.

## Discussion

Discussion Use this method if elementType is MTLDataType.pointer.

## See Also

### Obtaining details for complex array elements

- [element()](metal/mtlarraytype/element().md)
- [elementStructType()](metal/mtlarraytype/elementstructtype().md)
- [elementTextureReferenceType()](metal/mtlarraytype/elementtexturereferencetype().md)