Have you ever double-clicked an image only to have it open confusing editing software like Photoshop? Or end up in your Photos library when you just wanted a quick peek?
Setting Preview as your default app ensures any photo you access opens a speedy preview window rather than bombarding you with complex utilities.
In this beginner‘s guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how to make Preview your default viewer for fast access to core editing tools – no learning curve required! Along the way, we‘ll cover Preview basics from cropping to how it differs from Photos.
Why Preview Should Be Your Go-To Default Image App
Before we set Preview as default, let‘s discuss why that capability matters:
Instant Access – Preview launches the moment you double click an image for lightening fast previews. No more waiting minutes for editing apps!
No Learning Curve – Preview works intuitively with only essential features visible. No complex menus or tools to confuse beginners.
Sign Documents – Add legally-binding e-signatures to PDFs right inside Preview instead of printing, signing and scanning contracts.
Annotate Easily – Highlight areas of interest in both images and PDFs seamlessly with shapes, text boxes and pen tools for collaboration.
Basic Edits – Preview allows fast tweaks like cropping, resizing, color correction and filters without needing Photoshop skills.
It‘s Free! – Preview comes included free on any Mac unlike paid alternatives that require subscriptions.
That covers the major advantages of working in Preview. Next let‘s look at how it differs from your Photos library or editing giants like Photoshop.
Preview vs. Photos vs. Photoshop
Before changing your defaults, it helps to understand the key strengths and limitations of each tool:
| Application | Primary Use Case | Key Features | Learning Curve | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preview | Individual image viewing and markup | Annotations, basic edits, signatures | None | Free |
| Photos | Central media library management | Organizing, syncing and sharing photo collection across devices | Low | Free |
| Photoshop | Advanced image manipulation and compositing | Hundreds of nondestructive filters, effects layers, masks | Very High | $10-$30/month |
As you can see, Preview targets occasional image tasks while smoothly handling PDFs across the board – all through simple menus and guidance tips. This ease-of-use makes it the ideal default viewer for casual computer users rather than flooding your workflow with intricate editing tools or cross-device libraries prematurely.
Now that we‘ve covered the Preview advantage, let‘s switch your system defaults with just a few clicks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Default App to Preview
Follow the 6 simple steps below to make Preview your default viewer that opens anytime you access images on your Mac:
Step 1: Choose Any Image
Click an image file to use for changing defaults. Common photo formats like JPG, PNG and HEIC work best.
Step 2: Right Click Image > Get Info
Right click your chosen image then select "Get Info" to open details window.
Step 3: Open With > Preview
Click dropdown menu under "Open With" and select Preview from applications list.
Step 4: Change All
Enable option to make Preview default for all similar images on your system.
Step 5: Close Window
Close Get Info window to apply your new Preview image default.
Step 6: Confirm Change
Double click previous image again – it should now automatically open in Preview to confirm settings saved!
And that‘s it! Preview will now activate instantly upon accessing any compatible image files to accelerate your photo workflows.
Next let‘s discuss best practices for leveraging Preview‘s friendly tools as we optimize our new default viewer even further…
Unlocking Preview‘s Full Potential as a Default Image Editor
By making Preview your default viewer, you also automatically enable its versatile built-in editing toolkit!
Below I‘ll cover top examples of corrections and customizations accessible anytime Preview opens your photos:
Rotate and Crop Away Excess Backgrounds
Easily slim images down to key subjects or tighten composition post-capture:
Resize and Adjust Resolution
Shrink file sizes before emailing or boost pixels for crisp prints:
Add Text and Watermarks
Include custom messages nondestructively with versatile text insertion:
Draw Attention with Shapes and Arrows
Emphasize key details or create thumbnails with annotations:
This just scratches the surface since we‘ve now unlocked these modifiers automatically each time images preview!
Up next, let‘s clarify once-and-for-all how Preview differs from the Photos app…
Preview vs. Photos on Mac Explained
Perhaps the most common misconception around Preview defaults is assuming Photos functionality overlaps. Despite similar names, each app targets completely different use cases:
| Preview | Photos |
|---|---|
| Views/edits individual files | Manages entire media library |
| Simple tools for fast tweaks | Syncs images across devices |
| Sign/annotate PDFs | Organizes photo collection |
| Defaults to fast speed | Focuses on administration |
In summary:
Preview opens any image instantly for quick edits or review without complexity.
Photos maintains your entire catalog across devices but forces you to manage infrastructure before basic tasks.
As you can see, together they perfectly complement improved photography workflows on a Mac. But forcing Photos‘ overhead as a mandatory gateway slows users down. Preview defaults restore speed and simplicity back to core image access!
Now let‘s wrap up with best practices surrounding your newfound settings…
Additional Tips for Leveraging Your New Preview Defaults
Here are final tips to ensure your updated defaults operate smoothly across your Mac experience:
Remember Change All – Neglecting this checkbox means defaults revert after closing Info panel. Ensure it sticks!
Set More File Types – Repeat for other files like PDFs. Or change them all globally from System Preferences.
Reset Errors – If files misbehave opening in Preview, reset permissions/caches and associations.
Customize Toolbar – Tailor Preview‘s visible tools to your workflow for added efficiency.
Also feel free to contact me below regarding any other questions surrounding Preview operations or customizations! Optimizing defaults is crucial to boosting Mac productivity.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for learning alongside me how to claim Preview as your go-to image viewer and editor using system-wide default changes!
We covered Preview benefits over complex alternatives before walking through a friendly step-by-step guide to updating associations. Along the way, you discovered time-saving editing tools now accessible upon every file open.
Remember to consult the additional tips section if you encounter any hiccups with your new settings. Proper defaults are key to both opening files quickly and playing to the strengths of each Mac app, whether Preview or Photos.
I hope you‘re feeling empowered to boost efficiency and ditch frustrations around image management. Don‘t hesitate to comment any other questions below or contact me directly!
