How to Set Preview App Default on Mac

The Preview app on Mac is the default choice to open image and PDF files. It is a very versatile app with lots of features. This article will show you how to set Preview app default on Mac to open files.

How to Set Preview App Default on Mac

In order to set Preview app default on Mac application to open images and PDF files is pretty straightforward. Read the instructions given below to see how it is done. 

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock.
  • Press the Command-Space shortcut to launch the search bar, type in “ finder, “ and hit return to open the app. 
  • Search for the PDF file or image you want to open. Select it and draw out the contextual menu by right-clicking on it. 
  • Click Get Info from the list and select the downward pointing arrow next to the Open with section.
  • Select Preview from the list and exit the window. 
Set Preview App Default on Mac

Now all your images and PDF files should open with Preview by default. If a file does end up opening with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu. Now, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 

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How to Adjust Colors of an Image in Preview?

Preview offers various editing tools. One of them is a color adjusting tool that allows you to fine-tune the exposure, brightness, contrast, and other aspects of an image. Read the instructions provided below to see how it is done. 

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock. Use a Spotlight search to do the same. Press the Command-Space shortcut to launch the search bar, type in “ finder, “ and hit return to open the app. 
  • Search for the image you want and open it in Preview.  If the picture opens with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu. Furthermore, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 
  • Once the image is open in side Preview, click on the Show Markup Toolbar icon, which should be beside the search bar at the top.
How do you set preview as default PDF viewer
How to Set Preview App Default on Mac
  • From the Markup Toolbar, click on the Adjust colors icon, which should be beside the Sign icon. If you hover the cursor over the options, you can read its labels. 

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How to Add Image Description in Preview on Mac?

The process to add an image description in Preview is very straightforward. Read the instructions given below to see how it is done.

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock or use a Spotlight search to do the same. Press the Command-Space shortcut to launch the search bar, type in “ finder, “ and hit return to open the app. 
  • Search for the image you want and open it in Preview.  If the picture opens with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 
  • Once the image is open in the side Preview, click on the Show Markup Toolbar icon, which should be beside the search bar at the top. 
  • From the Markup toolbar, click on the last icon shaped like a chat bubble. Enter the description you want and click Done to save it. 

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How Can I Add Shapes Inside a File/Image in Preview?

The Preview app offers you various shapes to insert into your image or file. Read the instructions given below to see how it is done. 

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock.
  • Search for the image you want and open it in Preview.  If the picture opens with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 
  • Once the image is open in the side Preview, click on the Show Markup Toolbar icon, which should be beside the search bar at the top. 
  • Now click the Shapes icon, which should be right beside the Draw button.
  • Insert any shape you want and use the highlighted dots around it to adjust and move the image around the image. 

Can I Rotate an Image Inside Preview on Mac?

Yes, you can rotate files, images, and PDFs in Preview. Just read the instructions given below to see how it is done. 

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock or use a Spotlight search to do the same. Press the Command-Space shortcut to launch the search bar, type in “ finder, “ and hit return to open the app. 
  • Search for the image you want and open it in Preview.  If the picture opens with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 
  • Once the image is open inside Preview, click on the Rotate icon beside the Show Markup Toolbar button. Since there is only one button to rotate, you will have to press it multiple times to get the orientation you want. 

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How to View Table of Contents Inside Preview on Mac?

The table of contents should already be displayed when you open a document on Mac towards the left side of the window. However, if you cannot see it, use the instructions provided below to see how you can enable it. 

  • Sign in to your Mac and open a Finder window from the dock or use a Spotlight search to do the same. Press the Command-Space shortcut to launch the search bar, type in “ finder, “ and hit return to open the app. 
  • Search for the image you want and open it in Preview.  If the picture opens with some other application, right-click on it to draw out the contextual menu, select Open with and choose Preview from the list. 
  • Once the image is open in side Preview, move the cursor to the Menu bar, click on View, and select Table of contents from the list.  

Conclusion

That’s it for this article, folks. We hope this cleared your doubts about using the Preview app on Mac.

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