Many Mac users only utilize Preview to view images or PDFs, but this built-in application offers a wealth of advanced features that can save you both time and money. From removing backgrounds in photos to digitally signing documents, Preview serves as a robust productivity tool without the need for additional software.

Surprisingly, many are unaware that Preview is one of the best free PDF editors available for Mac, and these features are also accessible on iPhone and iPad. To maximize your Apple device's potential, here are ten essential Preview tips you should know.

Quick Look for Fast File Preview

One of the best Preview hacks is to avoid opening the application itself. If you tend to open files in separate applications, you may be wasting valuable time. Simply select the file you want to view and press the spacebar. This activates the Quick Look feature, showing a preview of the file without launching Preview. Press the spacebar again to close it. This trick is particularly useful for quickly checking images, PDFs, or folder contents.

Switch to Dark Mode for PDFs

While Preview can open PDFs, these files often have a bright white background, even in dark mode. If you prefer reading documents with a darker background, you’re in luck! Preview allows you to switch the PDF background to dark. Open the PDF in Preview, go to the View menu, and click on 'Use Dark Appearance for PDF.' The PDF will then display with a dark background and white text. This feature is also available on Preview for iPhone and iPad by tapping the three dots in the upper right corner and selecting 'Dark Background.'

Open Images Directly from Clipboard

Many users save images to their Mac before opening them in Preview. However, you can skip this step by opening images directly from the clipboard. Copy an image from any application, then open Preview and press Command + N. Alternatively, you can choose File > New from Clipboard. This is particularly handy for editing screenshots or images from your web browser.

Remove Backgrounds with Ease

Instead of using specialized image editing software for simple tasks like removing backgrounds, you can do this effectively in Preview. Open the image in Preview and press Command + Shift + K. Alternatively, click Tools > Remove Background from the menu bar, or select the camera icon with a diagonal line in the toolbar. This feature is excellent for emphasizing the subject of your photos.

Extract Text from Images and PDFs

Preview makes it easy to copy text from images and PDFs. While most PDF documents allow for easy text selection, many are scanned images. In such cases, Preview can help you extract text. Open the image or PDF in Preview, position your cursor over the text, and double-click or drag to select it. This functionality is available on Preview for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Scan Documents Using Your iPhone

Preview for Mac allows you to use your iPhone as a document scanner. Open the app and navigate to File > Import from iPhone > Scan Documents. Ensure both your iPhone and Mac are logged into the same iCloud account, and the iPhone camera will automatically open to scan. Point the camera at the page, and the iPhone will automatically detect the edges and scan it. The scanned document will instantly appear in Preview on your Mac. This scanning mode is also available on Preview for iPhone and iPad by tapping 'Scan Documents.'

View and Manage Metadata

Metadata, such as EXIF data, provides important details about your photos, including when they were taken, the camera and lens used, and the location. Preview allows you to easily view this metadata. Open the image in Preview, then click the 'i' button in the app. On iPhone and iPad, this will display a long list of metadata. On Mac, the details are organized in two tabs. This can be a great way to learn more about how a photo was taken, but it’s advisable to review this data before sharing images online, as it may contain sensitive personal information.

Merge PDF Pages and Add Signatures

Preview serves as a great free PDF editor for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can merge multiple PDF pages into a single document. Open the PDF file in Preview, click the sidebar button, select Thumbnails, then click the + button in the lower-left corner and choose 'Insert Page from File.' To remove a page, select its thumbnail in the left panel and hit the delete key on your keyboard. On iPhone and iPad, swipe right from the left edge of the screen to show thumbnails, then tap the three dots on the page and select 'Insert from File' to combine pages.

Preview also allows you to digitally sign documents. If someone asks you to send a signed document, you won’t need to print it, sign it, and then scan it again. Open the file in Preview, click the Form Filling Toolbar (the rectangle icon with three dots and a pencil). On Mac, this appears in the top toolbar, while on iPhone or iPad it’s located in the bottom bar. Then, select 'Add Signature' to create your digital signature and quickly sign the document.

Additionally, Preview for Mac is a solid tool for adding or removing passwords from PDFs. To add a password, open the document in Preview, then select File > Export. Click on Permissions, and you can set a password to open the document, as well as an owner password to prevent editing, printing, or copying text from the PDF without the password. To remove a password, open the PDF in Preview, then go to File > Enter Password. After entering the owner password, select Edit to change the document permissions.

By mastering these ten Preview tricks, you’ll no longer need to rely on paid applications for editing PDFs or images. From signing documents to password protecting files, Preview is a versatile tool worth utilizing. Try out one of these tips today and experience the productivity boost for yourself.

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

Tips & Trik

Essential Preview Tips for Mac Users to Edit PDFs and Images