What to Do If Preview in Mac is Not Working?
Mac’s Preview serves as a one-stop destination for viewing images, documents, and meeting all of our editing needs in one location. The Mac’s Preview program makes it simple to open photos, PDF files, fill out and sign forms, add a signature, password-protect your most essential documents, merge PDF files, change file formats, and carry out a wide range of editing operations.
Almost all popular image formats, including JPEG, PNG, PSD, and TIFF, are supported with the Preview app. Without having to download any other software, you may rely on this utility to edit PDF files on macOS.
So certainly, the Preview application on Mac is quite helpful. On a Mac, Preview won’t run. Is it impossible for the Preview app to open a file or load a thumbnail? Not to worry. By using a few workarounds, you can quickly resolve this problem. This article contains a long list of fixes for the “Preview not working on Mac” problem. You can quickly restore the functionality of the Preview app by using any of the alternatives described below.
Possible Sings of a Mac’s Preview Not Working
Adobe Reader and Preview are very similar on Mac. Images and PDF files can be opened, and some basic editing functions can be used.
The application “Preview.app” is not open anymore is the most frequent error message for a malfunctioning version of Preview. In addition, there are further signals that the Preview feature needs to be improved.
How can it be said that Preview is broken? The cases that are most frequently mentioned are listed below:
- Unavailable are some Preview tools.
- No content loads for the Preview function.
- It is unable to open the file that should be open.
Methods on How to Fix Preview Not Working
A. Preview of Force Quit
The first solution to the Preview problem is pretty easy. Attempt to fully exit the app before relaunching it:
1. Launch Preview, select the Apple icon, and press Force Quit.
2. From the selection, select Exit Preview.
Note: Try the next option if the first one doesn’t work. It is also rather simple.
B. Try Several Files
The file you are attempting to open could be the issue instead of specifically the Preview. To be sure, try opening several additional files. If every other one functions, the first one must be problematic.
C. Look for updates for macOS
The Preview problem can also have a macOS cause. Numerous issues could arise if the macOS version you are currently using has a bug. The best method is to upgrade your device to the latest version available.
Check your Mac for updates by performing the following steps:
1. Select About This Mac by clicking the Apple logo.
2. The window displaying your computer’s information will appear. Update Software by clicking.
3. Permit the most recent update to load on your Mac. A possible update will be displayed.
4. Press “Upgrade Now.”
D. Restart Your Mac
For many Mac-related issues, restarting Mac is a common solution. When Preview on your Mac isn’t working, this is also useful.
Restart your Mac after closing all currently running applications:
1. Click the Apple icon.
2. Click “Restart.”
Verify that your Preview tool is now functional.
E. Reset Preview
Try resetting the Preview tool if none of the previously recommended fixes are successful. Please keep in mind that Preview is a system application and therefore resetting it could require some advanced skills.
You must remove the PLIST file from Preview in order to reset it. You’ll succeed if you use Finder and our additional instructions!
To reset Preview, take these actions:
1. Launch Finder.
2. Press Go. Press and hold the Option key on your keyboard after this. The option for the library will appear. Just click it.
3. Find the Preferences folder by swiping it down. To open it, click twice.
4. Locate and delete the file named “com.apple.Preview.plist” from the list.
Open the Preview tool once more. For the software, your Mac will create a new PLIST file.
F. Start up your Mac in Safe Mode
Another solution to the Preview problem is to restart your Mac in Safe Mode. There are times when macOS Login Items can interfere with Preview. For Safe Mode on a Mac to function, only virtual extensions are loaded. For Macs with Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs, the safe mode approach will be different (M1).
A Mac with Intel:
1. Completely shut down your Mac.
2. Next, you must turn on your Mac by simultaneously pressing the Power button and holding down the Shift key.
3. You should see the login window. After that, log in by letting go of the Shift key.
4. The top-right corner of the window needs to say “Safe mode.”
Apple silicon in a Mac:
1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Hold down the Power button. Wait until the Startup Options menu appears. Release the Power key once Startup Options appear on the screen. Select options.
3. Select Continue in Safe Mode while holding down the Shift key and selecting your startup disc.
4. Let go of the Shift key, then sign in.
Try running Preview and opening many files at once after starting Safe mode. You must eliminate all of the login elements if Preview functions properly to determine the source of the issue.
To remove Login Items on a Mac, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Apple icon, then choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups.
3. Tap on your username and choose Login Items from the menu.
4. Click “-“ after selecting each item in the list (you may see the lock icon; you need to click on it and input your admin password to have permission to make changes).
5. Start your Mac again.
G. Make Use of Another Image Viewing App
It’s possible that you require a different approach. You have the choice of using a different picture viewer application on your Mac. You can try each one and then pick the one you like most. You won’t even need to deal with the Preview problem this way!
Wrapping Up
Preview is a useful built-in macOS function that lets you open photos and PDF files and performs quick edits. However, it does occasionally stop working. You have seven options from which to choose. Always keep in mind that you have options for tools.
