How to Make Preview Default on Mac
Preview excels at previewing, annotating, and signing PDFs and handles images well. It supports various formats, including JPEG and PNG, making it a versatile tool for viewing PDFs and annotating and editing a wide range of image files.
Let's check how to set Preview as the default on Mac for viewing PDF or image files.
#1. Make Preview Default on Mac for PDF
Step 1: Tap the Finder icon in the Dock to open a new Finder window.
Step 2: Find and select any PDF file within the Finder window on your Mac.
Step 3: Select the PDF file and press Command-I or Control-click. Then, choose "Get Info" from the context menu.
Step 4: In the Get Info window, click the menu under "Open With" and choose "Preview" from the drop-down list.
Step 5: Click the "Change All" button to apply the settings for all PDF files.
Step 6: In the confirmation dialog box, tap "Continue" to set Preview as the default PDF viewer on Mac.
#2. Make Preview the Default Image Viewer on Mac
Preview handles standard image formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, as well as some proprietary formats like .psd and .ai. Use the same method as PDFs to set Preview as the default photo viewer on Mac.
Step 1: Find a file in Finder of the type for which you want to open it with Preview.
Step 2: Select the file and open the "Get Info" window by pressing Command-I or right-clicking.
Step 3: Select "Preview" from the "Open With" menu to choose the application.
Step 4: Click "Change All" and confirm that to make Preview the default on Mac for photos.
Why Use Apple Preview for Viewing PDFs?
Apple Preview is a top PDF reader on Mac, offering robust editing features. It's ideal for most users, handling tasks like editing, form-filling, and digital signing directly on your Mac. Pre-installed and user-friendly, it caters to PDF needs without requiring online tools. While it is perfect for both casual and serious users, you cannot edit a PDF with Preview.
After you make Preview the default PDF viewer on Mac, browse the major features to better know how to use Preview on Mac:
Apple Preview offers features beyond viewing a document. It has a vast array of tools to keep you covered and up to date with PDFs on Mac.
- Customize and Reorder Documents
You can delete, reorder, customize, and copy pages between documents. With two documents open after you change Preview to default on Mac, simply drag pages from one sidebar to another to duplicate them.
- Annotate Documents
Preview's annotation tools let you add notes, draw, and insert shapes on any document. You can access these via the Menubar (Tools > Annotate) or toolbar icon. You can also add text boxes and signatures, enhancing your document editing.
- Merge PDF Files Into One
Online tools are handy for merging PDFs on a Mac if you're using a borrowed or public computer. However, Preview offers more features and control. You can combine PDFs in Preview when you make Preview the default for PDFs on Mac and open your PDF pages with it.
- Create Signatures
Apple Preview offers three signature methods: Trackpad for smooth precision, Camera for extracting from paper, and iPhone for seamless signing on mobile. While the phone mode lacks landscape support, these options provide versatile ways to add signatures.
Benefits of Viewing and Editing PDFs if you make Preview the default on Mac and use the application:
Apple Preview offers several advantages to its users Apple Preview provides numerous benefits, including fast performance, user-friendly annotation tools, efficient PDF and image handling, and the ability to edit and sign documents without needing additional software. Some of them are listed below.
- Free: Completely free with no additional cost or subscription required.
- Easy to use: User-friendly and clear interface makes it simple to navigate and operate.
- Loads of powerful hidden features: It contains many advanced tools that are not immediately apparent.
- More versatile than it appears: Offers a wide range of functions beyond primary usage.
Bonus: Best Preview Alternative for Reading & Editing PDF on Mac
From the above tutorial, you have figured out how to make Preview the default on Mac instead of Adobe. While Preview handles many PDF tasks on Mac, it lacks text editing features and is limited to individual use. Consider reputable PDF software like SwifDoo PDF for broader capabilities and availability for cross-platform use. SwifDoo PDF for Mac has extensive tools for all PDF needs, including editing, converting, and document protection.
It efficiently handles tasks like annotating, page organizing, editing, and password protecting. SwifDoo PDF both versatile and user-friendly.
Here's a detailed guide on how to change the default PDF viewer to the Preview alternative on Mac.
Step 1: Download and install the comprehensive PDF program SwifDoo PDF on your Mac PC or MacBook. Then, launch it.
Step 2: Click the three horizontal line icon, and then click General.
Step 3: Check the "Set SwifDoo PDF as default PDF reader" option.
Step 4: Click Apply.
Better than making Preview the default PDF reader and opener on Mac, the outstanding parts of SwifDoo PDF:
- Enables users to open, create, read, and view PDFs for free
- Edit and annotate PDFs to empower your productivity
- Merge and split PDFs and images to work more efficiently
- Add links, files, or pages; insert and edit images in PDFs
- Sign and encrypt PDFs to protect them from being opened, copied, edited, or printed
Final Wrap
It's easy to make Preview the default on Mac for PDFs and photos. This free, pre-installed tool offers basic reading and powerful editing and note-taking functions, making it a versatile and practical choice for managing PDFs. However, Mac users can make the SwifDoo PDF instead of the Preview default for PDFs if they need a reliable PDF editor.
