How to fix Preview not working on Mac

So, is Preview not working on your Mac? Whether it crashes, fails to open files, or displays corrupted content, these hiccups can interrupt your workflow and cause frustration. 

Don't worry if you're experiencing Preview issues on your Mac; in this blog post, we'll explore possible causes of the problem and offer practical solutions to get Preview up and running smoothly again. Let's get started.

What is Preview on Mac?

Preview is a practical, built-in app on macOS that allows users to view and manage an array of file types, including images and PDFs.

You can easily open, read, and even annotate files without the need for additional software. It also provides basic editing features like cropping images, filling out PDF forms, and signing documents electronically, making it one of those go-to apps we can't live without. But why does it stop functioning correctly?

Why is Preview not working on my Mac?

There's more than one reason why you might experience issues with Preview, from outdated software to malware. Here's a list of the most common reasons:

• File corruption

• Outdated software

• System bugs

• Outdated application preferences

• Frozen background processes

• Malware

Diagnosing or pinpointing the exact cause can be challenging, but our tips will help you troubleshoot and solve Preview problems quickly.

How to open Preview on Mac 

Before we get busy with the troubleshooting tips, here's a quick reminder of how to open Preview on your MacBook: from the Applications folder, via the Dock, using the Open With menu, or double-clicking a photo. 

Keep on reading for more detail.

• Open any photo. Preview is the default viewer for PDFs and images on your Mac, so when you double-click a photo, Preview should automatically open.
• Applications folder. Like with any other app, you can also find Preview here: Finder > Applications > Preview.

• Use the Open With menu. Another way to open with Preview is to right-click the image you'd like to open, choose Open With from the menu, and then click Preview.

• The Dock. If Preview icon is in the Dock, you can simply right-click it, and it will show you the list of recently opened files. Choose any of them, and Preview should open.

If Preview isn't your default viewer, here's how to make it:

1. Right-click an image you want to open, and in the menu, choose Get Info.

2. Scroll down to the Open With section.

3. In the dropdown, choose Preview and click Change All.

4. Exit the menu.

Ok, now to the fixes for MacBook Preview not working.

Fixes: Preview on Mac not working

Here are quick ways to resolve your Preview issues: force quit Preview, restart your Mac, update your macOS, scan your MacBook for malware with CleanMyMac or malware cleaning software of your choice, and reset Preview preferences. We'll cover them all in detail in the next steps. Let's dive in!

1. Force Quit the Preview app

When an app becomes frozen or stuck, a quick way to jump-start it is to perform a Force Quit, which completely shuts the app down.

Here's a reminder of how to Force Quit Preview on Mac:

1. From the main Apple menu, choose Force Quit.

2. Find Preview in the list and click Force Quit.

3. Reopen the app to see if that has solved your issue.

2. Restart your Mac

Most MacBook troubleshooting lists include the restart trick, and although obvious, many people ignore this step. However, it can actually fix lots of issues, including Finder Preview not working. So, choose Restart from the Apple menu and give it a try.

3. Update your system software

When issues arise with native Apple applications, it's a good idea to check what software you're running, including macOS. If you haven't updated in a while, you might be missing out on security enhancements and, of course, known bug fixes, like issues with Preview not working correctly.

Take a moment to check:

• Go to the main Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Install any waiting updates and once your Mac restarts, test the Preview app once again.

4. Scan for malware

If you start noticing unusual or abrupt glitches on your Mac, running your antivirus software is wise. Certain viruses and sophisticated malware cause apps to stall, freeze, and crash suddenly. 

Take a moment to conduct a thorough scan of your device for peace of mind. While Apple's built-in XProtect offers some protection, relying solely on it can be risky. It's better to invest in additional antivirus software for a more comprehensive defense.

Check for recent macOS threats

Stay updated on the latest macOS threats with CleanMyMac. Its Protection feature frequently uncovers new macOS-specific vulnerabilities and can help protect your device.

You can test the app first —get your free trial here — and the free version does come with the full Protection feature. Once installed on your device, simply select it and run a scan to check for:

• Keyloggers

• Cryptocurrency miners

• Browser infections

If your MacBook is virus- and malware-free, head down to the last tip.

The benefits of using CleanMyMac

• The Protection feature is powered by the Moonlock Engine, which is AV-Test certified, meaning that it can accurately detect malware 
• Based on internal reports, on average, users find and remove 1 malware after the first scan 
• Comes with 25+ other tools to keep your Mac clutter-free, protected, and optimized (including background malware monitor)

Try CleanMyMac for free — test all of its tools for 7 days at no cost.

5. Reset Preview preferences

Application preferences can become corrupt over time; luckily, you can easily reset plist files, which often fix issues with crashing and stalling. Here's how:

1. Open a Finder window.

2. Click Go at the top and scroll down to Go To Folder.

3. Enter the following:
   ~/Library/Preferences/

• Search for this file and delete it:
  com.apple.Preview.plist 

• Empty your Trash and reopen the Preview app.

Hopefully, one of the above tips has helped you solve issues with Preview. If you're still experiencing issues, you could try restarting your MacBook in safe mode to see if the issue persists. You can find full instructions here from Apple on how to do this correctly.

Now you know what to do when Preview is not working on Mac.

Frequently asked questions

Is Preview the only image viewer on a Mac?

There are tons of third-party image and PDF viewer apps. Simply head to the App Store and make your choice. Be sure to read reviews and ratings.

Should I reinstall my macOS when nothing fixes Preview?

Reinstalling your macOS is, of course, an extreme measure and should only be considered as an absolute last step when nothing else helps. You'll need to make sure you have a backup of all your data and important files, too. Time Machine can help with this.