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# NSDockTilePlugIn

A set of methods implemented by plug-ins that allow an app’s Dock tile to be customized while the app is not running.

```
protocol NSDockTilePlugIn : NSObjectProtocol
```

## Overview

Customizing an application’s Dock tile when the application itself is not running requires that you write a plug-in. The plug-in’s principal class must implement the [`NSDockTilePlugIn`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn) protocol.

The name of the plugin is indicated by a `NSDockTilePlugIn` key in the application’s `Info.plist` file.

The plugin is loaded in a system process at login time or when the application tile is added to the Dock.  When the plugin is loaded, the principal class’ implementation of [`setDockTile(_:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn/setDockTile(_:)) is invoked, passing an [`NSDockTile`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTile) for the plug-in to customize.  If the principal class implements [`dockMenu()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn/dockMenu()) it is invoked whenever the user causes the application’s dock menu to be shown.  When the dock tile is no longer valid (for example,. the application has been removed from the dock) -[`setDockTile(_:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn/setDockTile(_:)) is invoked with `nil`.

## Topics

### Setting the Dock Tile

[`setDockTile(_:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn/setDockTile(_:))

Invoked when the plug-in is first loaded and when the application is removed from the Dock.

### Getting the Dock Tile Menu

[`dockMenu()`](/documentation/AppKit/NSDockTilePlugIn/dockMenu())

Invoked when the user causes the application’s dock menu to be shown.


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