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10 Essential Preview Tips for Mac Users to Edit PDFs and Images

7/14/2026
10 Essential Preview Tips for Mac Users to Edit PDFs and Images

Many Mac users rely solely on Preview to open images or PDFs, often overlooking its extensive capabilities. This built-in application can significantly enhance your productivity, allowing you to do everything from removing photo backgrounds to signing documents digitally, all without needing additional software. Here are ten essential Preview tips that every Mac user should know.

Utilize Quick Look for Fast Previews

One of the best ways to save time with Preview is by using Quick Look. Instead of launching the application for each file, simply select the file you want to view and press the spacebar. This feature allows you to see a preview of images or PDFs without fully opening them. Press the spacebar again to close the preview. This is particularly useful for quickly checking the contents of folders.

Switch to Dark Mode for PDFs

If you find bright backgrounds uncomfortable while reading PDFs, Preview has a solution. To enable a dark background, open your PDF in Preview, click on 'View' in the menu bar, and select 'Use Dark Appearance for PDF.' This will change the background to dark with white text, making it easier on your eyes. This feature is also available on iPhone and iPad by tapping the three dots in the upper right corner and selecting 'Dark Background.'

Edit Images Directly from the Clipboard

Instead of saving images to your Mac before opening them in Preview, you can directly edit images copied to your clipboard. Once you've copied an image from any application, open Preview and hit Command + N, or select 'File > New from Clipboard.' This method is especially handy for editing screenshots or images pulled from a browser.

Remove Backgrounds with Ease

For simple edits like removing photo backgrounds, Preview can do the job effectively. Open the image in Preview and press Command + Shift + K. Alternatively, go to 'Tools > Remove Background' in the menu bar, or click the camera icon with a diagonal line in the toolbar. This feature is great for focusing on specific objects within your photos.

Extract Text from Images and PDFs

Preview also enables you to copy text from images and scanned PDFs. While many PDFs allow easy text selection, some pages may be images. In these cases, Preview can help. Open the image or PDF, hover over the text, and click twice or drag your cursor to select it. This functionality is available on all Apple devices, including iPhone and iPad.

Scan Documents Using Your iPhone

Did you know you can use your iPhone as a document scanner with Preview? Open the application and navigate to 'File > Import from iPhone > Scan Documents.' Ensure both devices are signed in to the same iCloud account, and your iPhone's camera will activate for scanning. Once you aim the camera at the page, it will automatically detect the edges and scan the document. This feature is also available on iPhone and iPad through the 'Scan Documents' option.

View and Manage Metadata

Preview makes it easy to access metadata, such as EXIF data, which provides valuable information about your photos, including the date taken, camera settings, and location. To view this information, open the image in Preview and click the 'i' button. On Mac, the details are organized in two tabs, while on iPhone and iPad, it's all in one long list. Be cautious about sharing images online, as sensitive metadata can be removed before uploading.

Combine and Edit PDF Pages

Preview is a fantastic free PDF editor for merging multiple PDF pages into a single document. Open your PDF, click on the sidebar button, select 'Thumbnails,' and then click the '+' button at the bottom left to 'Insert Page from File.' To remove a page, select the thumbnail on the left and hit delete. On iPhone and iPad, swipe right from the left edge to access thumbnails and tap the three dots to combine pages.

Digitally Sign Documents

With Preview, you can sign documents digitally without printing and scanning. Open the file in Preview, and click the Form Filling Toolbar. On Mac, this appears at the top, while on iPhone or iPad, it’s at the bottom. Click 'Add Signature' to create your digital signature quickly.

Secure PDFs with Passwords

Preview also allows you to add or remove passwords from PDFs. To add a password, open the document and select 'File > Export.' Click on 'Permissions' to set a password for opening the file, as well as a second password to restrict editing or printing. To remove a password, open the PDF, go to 'File > Enter Password,' and after entering the owner password, you can change the document permissions.

By mastering these ten Preview tricks, you can effectively edit PDFs and images without relying on paid software. From signing documents to securing files with passwords, Preview is an indispensable tool that enhances your workflow. Try out these tips today and experience a boost in your productivity.

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

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