Preview is already set as the default for most image and PDF files on a new Mac, but you can change it back if something else has taken over

Preview is Apple's built-in app for opening images and PDFs. If you've installed other software — like Adobe Reader or a photo editor — those apps may have claimed the default role instead. To send files back to Preview, you use the "Get Info" window in Finder, which lets you pick which app opens each file type.

The process takes about 30 seconds per file type. You can set Preview as default for individual formats (like JPG or PNG) or change all image and PDF types at once using a single setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any file of the type you want to change, select "Get Info", and use the "Open with" dropdown to choose Preview.
  • Click "Change All" in the Get Info window to explore Preview as the default for all files of that same type across your Mac.
  • You can set Preview as default separately for images, PDFs, and other formats — changing one does not affect the others.
  • If Preview does not appear in the "Open with" dropdown, it is still installed; scroll down or type "Preview" to find it.

How to change the default for a single file type

Find any file on your Mac in the format you want to change — a JPG photo, a PNG image, or a PDF document. Right-click it and select "Get Info" from the menu that appears. A window will open showing details about that file.

Look for the section labeled "Open with" near the top of the Get Info window. Click the dropdown menu next to it. A list of apps will appear. Scroll down to find "Preview" and click it. If the list is long, you can type "Preview" to jump to it faster.

Once you've selected Preview, click the button labeled "Change All" below the dropdown. This tells your Mac to open all files of this type (all JPGs, all PNGs, all PDFs, etc.) with Preview from now on. Close the Get Info window — the change takes effect when ready.

What to do if Preview doesn't appear in the list

Preview comes built into every Mac, so it should always be available. If you don't see it in the "Open with" dropdown, scroll all the way to the bottom of the list. Preview may be grouped under "Other" or listed below the apps you use most often.

If scrolling doesn't find it, type the letter "P" while the dropdown is open — your Mac will jump to apps starting with P. Preview should appear. If it still doesn't show up, Preview may have been moved or deleted by accident, though this is rare. You can reinstall it by running Software Update in System Settings, which will restore any missing system apps.

Setting Preview as default for multiple file types at once

If you want Preview to open several image formats — JPG, PNG, HEIC, GIF — you can repeat the "Get Info" process for each one. There is no single button that sets Preview as default for all image types at once, so you'll need to do this separately for each format you use.

Start with the formats you open most often. JPG and PNG are the most common, so changing those two will cover most of your files. If you work with PDFs regularly, do that one separately using the same steps.

Why other apps sometimes take over as default

When you install software like Adobe Reader, Photoshop, or third-party photo editors, they often ask permission to become the default app for certain file types. If you click "Yes" or "OK" during installation without reading the prompt carefully, that app becomes the default. The next time you double-click a PDF or image, it opens in the new app instead of Preview.

This is not a problem — you can always switch back using the Get Info method. Some people prefer other apps for specific tasks. If you like using Photoshop for editing but Preview for quick viewing, you can open files with Preview by default and still right-click to "Open with" Photoshop when you need to edit.

How to open a file with Preview without changing the default

You don't have to change the default app if you only occasionally want to use Preview. Right-click any image or PDF, hover over "Open with", and select "Preview" from the submenu. The file opens in Preview this time, but your default setting stays the same.

This is useful if another app is your default but you want Preview for a specific file. You can also drag and drop files directly onto the Preview icon in your Dock or Applications folder to open them without changing any settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different defaults for different file types?

Yes. You can set Preview as default for PDFs but use a different app for JPGs, or vice versa. Each file type has its own default setting, so changing one does not affect the others. Use the Get Info method separately for each format.

What if I change my mind and want the other app back as default?

Use the same Get Info process. Right-click a file of that type, select "Get Info", choose the app you want from the "Open with" dropdown, and click "Change All". You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.

Does changing the default affect files I've already opened?

No. Changing the default only affects files you open going forward. Files you've already opened in another app stay associated with that app in your recent files list, but new files will open with Preview.

Can I set Preview as default for all file types at once?

No, macOS requires you to set defaults separately for each file type. However, you can do this quickly by opening a JPG, PNG, and PDF in succession and using Get Info on each one. It takes about two minutes total.