Making Preview the Default PDF Reader: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Make Preview the Default PDF Reader?
Before we dive into how to make Preview the default PDF reader, let’s first understand the importance of this setting. Using Preview as your default PDF reader can have several benefits, including:
- Easy access to PDFs: With Preview as your default reader, you’ll have easy access to your PDFs whenever you want to view them.
- Faster loading times: Preview is optimized for PDFs, which means it will load your files quickly, reducing the load time and overall experience.
- Reduced clutter: If you don’t have Preview set as your default reader, you’ll be using a different app to view your PDFs, which can clutter your dashboard and make it harder to find the file you need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Preview the Default PDF Reader
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Preview the default PDF reader:
Step 1: Open Preview and Enable it as Your Default Reader
- Open the Preview app on your Mac or iOS device.
- Click on the "Preferences" icon (usually found in the top-right corner of the screen) to open the Preferences window.
- Click on the "Version" tab and select "Go To Disk" (or "Go To File System" on iOS).
- Click on the "Load" button to select the PDF file you want to preview.
- Check the box next to "Make this file available for previewing".
Step 2: Open the Preferences Window Again
- Close the Preferences window by clicking on the "X" button or pressing Command + Q.
- Open the Preferences window again by clicking on the "Preferences" icon (usually found in the top-right corner of the screen).
Step 3: Select Preview as Your Default Reader
- In the Preferences window, select "PDF" as the application type.
- Click on the "Label" dropdown menu and select "Preview".
- Click on the "OK" button to save your changes.
Step 4: Verify that Preview is Now the Default PDF Reader
- Open Preview and try to open a PDF file without making it the default reader.
- If you encounter an error or a warning message, it means that Preview is not set as the default reader.
Step 5: Test that Preview is the Default PDF Reader
- Try to open a PDF file using a different PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Reader.
- If you encounter an error or a warning message, it means that Preview is not set as the default reader.
Important Considerations
- Only change Preview as the default PDF reader for individual files: If you have multiple PDFs, you can choose the one you want to be the default reader and the others can remain as they are.
- Do not set Preview as the default reader for system PDFs: System PDFs, such as those created by macOS or iOS, are not meant to be viewed using Preview. Setting Preview as the default reader for these files can cause issues.
- Be cautious when changing the default PDF reader: Changing the default PDF reader can affect the way you interact with PDFs. Be sure to test your PDFs thoroughly after making the change.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Issue: My PDF is not opening with Preview: Check that Preview is installed and not corrupted. You can try uninstalling and reinstalling Preview.
- Issue: My PDF is not loading quickly with Preview: Check that the PDF file is not corrupted or too large to load quickly. You can try reducing the file size or using a different PDF reader.
- Issue: My PDF is not showing up in the Preview menu: Check that the "PDF" application type is selected in the Preferences window.
Conclusion
Making Preview the default PDF reader is a simple step that can make a big difference in your PDF viewing experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re using the best PDF reader for your needs and reducing clutter on your dashboard. Remember to test your PDFs thoroughly after making the change and to be cautious when changing the default PDF reader. Happy PDF-ing!