NSImageCell

NSImageCell is a concrete subclass of NSCell in Apple's AppKit. It is used to render an NSImage inside cell-based controls such as NSTableView, NSMatrix, NSOutlineView, and NSBrowser. The cell stores an image and draws it within the cell’s bounds, handling selection and highlight states in a manner consistent with other cells.

The primary properties of NSImageCell focus on the image content and its presentation. The image property holds the NSImage to be displayed. Image scaling controls how the image is resized to fit the cell, allowing for various fitting and cropping behaviors. Through its drawing logic, the cell respects the cell’s alignment and insets when rendering the image.

NSImageCell participates in the standard cell lifecycle and state changes of its containing control, including selection, focus, and editing as appropriate for the host view. It is designed to be used in legacy, cell-based interfaces within AppKit.

Usage notes: NSImageCell belongs to the older generation of AppKit interfaces that rely on cells. In modern macOS development, view-based controls and components such as NSImageView are typically used for image display inside views. NSImageCell remains available for compatibility with existing cell-based implementations and for controls that adopt the NSCell paradigm.

See also: NSCell, NSImage, NSTableView, NSMatrix, NSOutlineView, NSBrowser, NSImageView.