> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.flatredball.com/gum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.flatredball.com/gum/code/gum-code-reference/graphicaluielement/getchildbynamerecursively.md).

# GetChildByNameRecursively

### Introduction

GetChildByNameRecursively returns a GraphicalUiElement by the argument name. This method is recursive so it searches the entire child hierarchy to find a child. If no match is found, null is returned.

Note that this performs a [depth-first search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth-first_search), returning the first instance found. Therefore, if multiple items exist with the same name, this may result in confusion.

### Code Example - Finding TextInstance

The following code can be used to find a Text by the name TextInstance and set its Text property to "You found me":

```csharp
// Initialize
var textInstance = RuntimeInstance.GetChildByNameRecursively("TextInstance")
     as GraphicalUiElement;
textInstance.SetProperty("Text", "You found me");
```


---

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