How to Make Preview Default on Mac Instead of Adobe
For Mac users, Preview is an incredibly useful tool for opening and editing PDFs, images, and more. Despite this, Adobe often becomes the default PDF viewer due to certain installations or preferences. Many users find Preview faster and more streamlined compared to Adobe. This guide explains how you can make Preview the default over Adobe on your Mac, ensuring a smoother, more efficient experience with PDFs and images.
Why Use Preview Over Adobe on Mac?
Preview is a built-in application on the Mac operating system that offers several advantages, especially for those looking for a lightweight, quick way to view and edit PDFs and images. Unlike Adobe, Preview consumes fewer resources, loads quickly, and integrates seamlessly with other macOS functions. If you’re tired of Adobe’s extensive features you rarely use, switching to Preview as the default viewer may simplify your workflow.
Steps to Make Preview the Default PDF Viewer on Mac
Changing the default PDF viewer on Mac is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to switch from Adobe to Preview.
Step 1: Locate a PDF File
To start, you’ll need to find any PDF file on your Mac. If you don’t have one readily available, you can download a sample PDF from a trusted source to use during this setup.
Step 2: Right-Click and Select “Get Info”
Right-click on the PDF file you’ve selected. From the dropdown menu, choose “Get Info”. This will open a new window showing various file details, including the current default application associated with the file type.
Step 3: Change the Default App to Preview
In the “Get Info” window, scroll down to find the “Open with” section. Here, you’ll see the application currently set as the default for opening PDF files—likely Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Click the dropdown menu and select Preview from the list of available applications.
Step 4: Apply the Change to All PDFs
Once you’ve chosen Preview, click the “Change All…” button just below the dropdown. A dialog box will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to make this change for all PDFs. Click “Continue” to confirm. Now, all PDF files will open with Preview by default instead of Adobe.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re encountering issues while trying to set Preview as the default PDF viewer on your Mac, here are some common troubleshooting steps.
1. Preview Not Showing Up as an Option
Sometimes, Preview may not appear in the “Open with” dropdown. If this happens, restart your Mac and try the process again. If the issue persists, navigate to Finder > Applications > Preview, right-click on Preview, and choose “Open.” This can sometimes “refresh” Preview’s association with macOS.
2. Changes Not Saving
If you follow the steps but the default app continues to revert to Adobe, it could be due to corrupted preferences. To fix this, delete your PDF preferences by going to Library > Preferences and finding any files related to “Adobe” or “Acrobat.” After deleting these files, restart your Mac and repeat the steps above.
3. Dealing with Adobe’s Persistent Prompts
Adobe may prompt you to restore its default viewer settings after you change them. To prevent this, open Adobe Acrobat, go to Preferences > General, and disable the setting that automatically sets Adobe as the default. This will stop Adobe from reassigning itself as the default app each time you open it.
Additional Tips for Optimizing Preview on Mac
Preview offers many features that can help enhance your experience even further. Here are a few tips on how to make the most out of this native Mac application.
Annotate PDFs
With Preview, you can annotate PDFs without the need for Adobe’s extensive tools. Simply open a PDF in Preview, and from the menu, choose “Tools > Annotate”. Here, you’ll find options to highlight, underline, and add notes, making it an excellent tool for students, professionals, or anyone who frequently works with PDFs.
Combine PDF Files
If you need to merge multiple PDFs into one document, Preview can handle this with ease. Open the first PDF, then drag and drop other PDFs into the sidebar. This will create a single, combined PDF that you can save and share.
Use Preview for Basic Image Editing
Preview isn’t limited to PDF files—it’s also a quick solution for editing images. You can crop, resize, and adjust the color balance of images without needing additional software. Simply open an image file in Preview and use the toolbar to access these editing tools.
Benefits of Using Preview as Your Default App on Mac
Choosing Preview as your default PDF viewer comes with several advantages:
- Faster Loading Times: Preview is optimized for macOS, resulting in faster loading times compared to Adobe.
- Resource Efficiency: Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader can be resource-intensive, slowing down your Mac. Preview is lightweight and conserves resources.
- Ease of Use: For basic PDF and image needs, Preview provides an intuitive interface without the clutter of unnecessary features.
- Better Integration: Preview integrates seamlessly with macOS, supporting features like Quick Look and compatibility with other Apple applications.
When Adobe May Still Be Useful on Mac
While Preview is great for basic needs, Adobe Acrobat offers advanced capabilities like:
- Advanced editing and text manipulation
- Secure electronic signatures and document encryption
- Form creation and management
- Editing complex PDFs with multimedia elements
If these features are essential to your work, consider keeping Adobe as a secondary tool while still setting Preview as the default for most documents. You can always open specific files in Adobe manually if necessary.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily make Preview the default PDF viewer on your Mac, allowing for a more efficient, lightweight, and macOS-integrated experience. While Adobe Acrobat has its place for certain professional needs, most users will find Preview more than sufficient for daily PDF and image tasks. Enjoy the benefits of faster performance, better resource management, and enhanced productivity on your Mac.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by CreativeSuitePro Team