
Preview
Discover Apple's Preview app for macOS - a built-in tool for PDF editing, image conversion, and document management. Learn to fill forms, remove backgrounds, protect files, and convert formats.
Overview of Preview
Preview is Apple's built-in document and image viewer for macOS that provides essential file management capabilities without requiring additional software. This versatile application serves as the default handler for PDFs, images, and various document formats across Apple devices, offering users a streamlined way to view, edit, and manage their digital files. Preview eliminates the need for third-party applications by providing robust functionality for document annotation, image editing, and file conversion directly within the macOS ecosystem.
As a core component of macOS, Preview appeals to students, professionals, and casual users who need reliable document handling tools. The application integrates seamlessly with other Apple services and supports multiple file formats including HEIC, JPEG, PDF, PNG, and TIFF. Users can access Preview through categories like PDF Viewer and Image Converter for specialized functionality.
How to Use Preview
Getting started with Preview is straightforward since it comes pre-installed on all Mac computers. Simply double-click any supported file type to open it automatically in Preview, or launch the application from your Applications folder. The intuitive interface allows users to navigate documents using thumbnail views, zoom functionality, and page navigation tools. For editing tasks, access the markup toolbar to add annotations, signatures, or text boxes to your documents and images.
Core Features of Preview
- PDF Form Filling – Complete digital forms with AutoFill technology for efficient data entry
- Background Removal – Instantly remove image backgrounds to isolate subjects and objects
- Document Security – Protect sensitive PDFs with password encryption and access controls
- File Conversion – Convert between multiple image formats including HEIC, JPEG, and PNG
- Digital Signatures – Add electronic signatures to documents without printing requirements
Use Cases for Preview
- Filling out digital forms and applications for business or personal use
- Signing contracts and agreements electronically to streamline workflows
- Converting HEIC images from iPhones to more compatible JPEG format
- Removing backgrounds from product photos for e-commerce listings
- Protecting confidential documents with password-based security
- Annotating PDFs with notes, highlights, and comments for collaboration
- Viewing and organizing image collections with built-in gallery features
Support and Contact
For technical support and user assistance, visit the official Apple Preview support page or email contact@apple.com. Since Preview is integrated into macOS, general Apple support channels handle inquiries.
Company Info
Preview is developed by Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, California. As part of macOS, it offers integrated document and image handling capabilities.
Login and Signup
No separate login or signup is required for Preview as it is included with macOS. The application is available immediately upon setting up any Mac computer.
Preview FAQ
How do I remove backgrounds from images using Preview?
Select the image in Preview, click the Instant Alpha tool, and drag over background areas to remove them automatically.
Can Preview convert HEIC files to JPEG format?
Yes, open HEIC files in Preview and use Export to convert them to JPEG, PNG, or other supported formats.
How do I password protect PDF documents in Preview?
Go to File > Export, select PDF format, then enable encryption and set a password before saving the document.
How does AutoFill work in Preview?
AutoFill in Preview automatically populates form fields in PDFs using saved information for efficient data entry.
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