---
name: "XmInternAtom"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "openmotif"
version: "2.3.8-4"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/XmInternAtom"
---

# XmInternAtom(3)

A macro that returns an atom for a given name

## NAME

**XmInternAtom** — A macro that returns an atom for a given name

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <Xm/AtomMgr.h>
Atom XmInternAtom(
Display * display,
String name,
Boolean only_if_exists);
```

## DESCRIPTION

**XmInternAtom** returns an atom for a given name. The returned atom remains defined even after the client's connection closes. The returned atom becomes undefined when the last connection to the X server closes.

- *display*

  Specifies the connection to the X server

- *name*

  Specifies the name associated with the atom you want returned. The value of *name* is case dependent.

- *only\_if\_exists*

  Specifies a Boolean value. If False, the atom is created even if it does not exist. (If it does not exist, the returned atom will be **None**.) If True, the atom is created only if it exists.

## RETURN

Returns an atom.