On any Mac, Preview is the built-in app you use to view and annotate PDFs, images, and certain documents. It is installed by Apple and available on every Mac running macOS. If you are not sure where to find it or how to open it, Preview is located in your Applications folder and can be launched several ways.
Where Is Preview Located on Mac
Preview is stored in the Applications folder, which is itself inside the main system drive named after your startup disk, typically Macintosh HD. The direct path is /Applications/Preview.app. You can reach it through the Finder by opening the Applications folder at the top of the sidebar or by selecting Go > Applications from the menu bar. On modern macOS versions, Preview is also found in the Dock if you have previously pinned it, and you may see its icon in the right Dock section labeled "Favorites."
How to Open Preview on Mac
Once you locate Preview in the Applications folder, you have several ways to open it quickly:
- Double-click the Preview icon in the Applications folder.
- Select the Preview app in the Applications folder and press Command + O.
- Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Space, type Preview, then press Return to launch.
- Right-click (or Control-click) a PDF or image file and choose Open With > Preview.
- If pinned to the Dock, click the Preview icon in the Dock to launch or bring an existing Preview window to the foreground.
Set Preview as Your Default App for PDFs and Images
To make Preview your default application for opening PDFs and image files so files automatically open there, change the default app in the Get Info window. This ensures files you double-click open consistently in Preview without needing to choose an app each time.
Steps to Change the Default App
- Locate a PDF or image file in the Finder.
- Press Command + I to open Get Info, or right-click the file and choose Get Info.
- Expand the Open with section, then choose Preview from the nearby dropdown.
- Click the Change All button to apply Preview as the default for all similar file types.
How to Ensure Preview Is Installed and Updated
Preview comes preinstalled on all Macs and cannot be removed because it is part of macOS. It receives updates through macOS system updates. To verify you are on the latest version that includes security and compatibility improvements, update your Mac software when prompted or check in System Settings > General > Software Update. Even on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, Preview remains consistent in purpose and location.
Quick Comparison of Opening Methods
| Method | Steps | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Folder | Open Finder > Applications > Preview.app | First-time users or verification |
| Spotlight Search | Press Command + Space, type Preview, Return | Fastest launch without Dock or Finder |
| Dock | Click Preview icon if pinned | Frequent users who prefer one-click access |
| Open With Context Menu | Right-click file > Open With > Preview | Opening a specific file in Preview directly |
Troubleshooting Issues with Preview on Mac
If Preview does not open or seems missing, it is often due to an app hidden in the Dock, an issue with the user account, or an interrupted update rather than deletion. Restarting the Mac, checking Software Update, or creating a new user account can resolve many odd behaviors. Because Preview is part of the operating system, reinstalling the entire macOS is usually unnecessary, though you can reinstall macOS to restore system apps if required.
Final Thoughts on Using Preview on Mac
Preview is a stable, built-in tool on Mac that remains the default choice for many PDF and image tasks. Its location in the Applications folder and availability through Spotlight, the Dock, and right-click menus make it easy to access. By setting Preview as your default app for compatible files, you streamline your workflow and ensure predictable behavior across the system.