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Mastering Preview on Mac: Essential Tips for PDF and Image Editing

7/11/2026
Mastering Preview on Mac: Essential Tips for PDF and Image Editing

Many Mac users tend to utilize Preview just to view images or PDFs, unaware of its powerful features that can save time and money. From removing photo backgrounds to digitally signing documents, Preview serves as a robust productivity tool without the need for extra software installation. Here are ten essential tricks for maximizing your use of Preview on your Apple devices.

Quick Look: View Files Instantly

One of the standout features of Preview is the ability to utilize Quick Look, which allows you to preview files without launching the application. Simply select the file you want to view and press the spacebar. This method is particularly useful for quickly checking images, PDFs, or folder contents. Press the spacebar again to close the preview.

Switch to Dark Mode for PDFs

If you prefer a darker reading experience, Preview offers an option to change the background of PDFs to dark mode. Open your PDF in Preview, click on the View menu, and select 'Use Dark Appearance for PDF.' Your document will transform to a dark background with white text, making it easier on the eyes, especially in low-light settings.

Open Images Directly from Clipboard

Instead of saving images to your Mac first, you can open them directly from the clipboard. Copy an image from any source, then open Preview and press Command + N, or navigate to File > New from Clipboard. This feature is especially handy for editing screenshots or images taken from the web.

Efficient Background Removal

Many users resort to third-party image editors for simple tasks like removing backgrounds. However, Preview can effectively handle this as well. Open your image in Preview and press Command + Shift + K, or go to Tools > Remove Background. This function helps in isolating subjects in a photo, making your images cleaner and more professional.

Extract Text from Images and PDFs

Preview also allows you to copy text from images and PDFs, a useful feature when dealing with scanned documents. Open the file in Preview, hover over the text, and either double-click or drag your cursor to highlight it. This capability is available across Mac, iPhone, and iPad versions of Preview.

Use Your iPhone as a Document Scanner

If you need to scan documents, Preview can turn your iPhone into a handy scanner. Open Preview, select File > Import from iPhone > Scan Documents. Ensure both devices are signed into the same iCloud account, and your iPhone camera will activate to scan pages automatically. The scanned documents will appear in Preview on your Mac instantly.

View and Edit Metadata

Preview makes it easy to check and edit metadata, such as EXIF data, which reveals important details about your photos. Open an image in Preview and click the info button. On iPhone and iPad, this will display a comprehensive list of metadata. On Mac, the details are organized into tabs. Review this information before sharing images, and consider removing sensitive data if necessary.

Combine and Manage PDF Pages

You can effortlessly combine multiple PDF pages into a single document using Preview. Open your PDF and click on the sidebar button, select Thumbnails, then click the '+' icon to insert a page from another file. To delete a page, select its thumbnail and press the delete key. On iPhone and iPad, swipe right from the left edge to show thumbnails and manage your pages.

Digitally Sign Documents

With Preview, signing documents digitally is quick and straightforward. If someone requests a signed copy, you can bypass printing, signing, and rescanning. Open your document, click the Form Filling Toolbar, and select 'Add Signature' to create your digital signature.

Secure PDFs with Passwords

Preview also allows you to add or remove passwords from PDF files. To set a password, open the document in Preview, go to File > Export, and select Permissions. You can establish a password to open the document and another for editing restrictions. To remove a password, access File > Enter Password and modify the permissions as needed.

By mastering these ten tricks, you can enhance your productivity without relying on paid applications for PDF and image editing. From signing documents to securing files, Preview is a versatile tool that is invaluable for Mac users. Try out these tips today and experience the benefits!

Source: https://telset.id/how-to/10-trik-preview-mac-untuk-edit-pdf-gambar-tanpa-aplikasi-tambahan

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