How to Get Preview App on Mac

Getting the Preview app on your Mac can be a useful addition to your productivity tools. Preview is an application that comes pre-installed on all Macs and allows you to view and edit various file types, including PDFs, images, and documents. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to get the Preview app on your Mac and discuss the pros and cons of each option.

What’s Needed:

To get the Preview app on your Mac, you will need the following:

  • A Mac computer
  • An internet connection
  • Basic knowledge of downloading and installing applications

Video Tutorial:

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we dive into the methods of getting the Preview app on your Mac, it’s important to understand the following points:

  • Compatibility: Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for the Preview app.
  • Security: Always download applications from trusted sources to avoid malware or viruses.
  • Updates: Keep your Preview app updated to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.

Option 1. How to Get Preview App via the Mac App Store:

The easiest and safest way to get the Preview app on your Mac is through the Mac App Store. Here are the steps to follow:

Steps:

  1. Open the App Store on your Mac by clicking on the App Store icon in the Dock.
  2. In the search bar at the top right corner of the App Store window, type "Preview" and press Enter.
  3. From the search results, locate the Preview app and click on the "Get" or "Download" button next to it.
  4. Once the download is complete, the Preview app will appear in your Applications folder. You can access it by opening Finder, selecting "Applications" in the sidebar, and double-clicking on the Preview app.

Pros:

  • Simple and straightforward process
  • Guaranteed safety and security since the app comes from the official Mac App Store
  • Automatic updates through the App Store

Cons:

  • Requires an Apple ID to access the Mac App Store
  • Limited to the versions available on the App Store

Option 2. How to Get Preview App via System Updates:

Another way to get the Preview app on your Mac is by updating your system software. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
  2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Software Update."
  3. If there is an update for your system software that includes the Preview app, it will be listed. Click on the "Update" button to proceed with the installation.
  4. Once the update is complete, the Preview app will be available in your Applications folder.

Pros:

  • No additional downloads or installations required
  • Ensures you have the latest version of the Preview app
  • Updates other system components as well for enhanced performance and security

Cons:

  • Dependent on the availability of system updates that include the Preview app
  • Updates may take some time to download and install

Option 3. How to Get Preview App via Third-Party Websites:

Alternatively, you can also get the Preview app from third-party websites. However, it’s important to exercise caution and only download from trusted sources to ensure your Mac’s security. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps:

  1. Open your preferred web browser and search for "Download Preview app for Mac."
  2. Review the search results and choose a reputable website that offers the Preview app for download.
  3. Download the application file (usually in a .dmg format) from the website.
  4. Once the download is complete, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click on it.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Preview app on your Mac.

Pros:

  • Allows you to explore different versions or specific builds of the Preview app
  • Can be useful if the app is not available through the Mac App Store or system updates

Cons:

  • Potential risk of downloading malware or viruses if not from a trusted source
  • No automatic updates, and you’ll need to manually check for new versions

Option 4. How to Get Preview App via Mac Recovery Mode:

If you’re unable to get the Preview app through the previous options, you can try obtaining it via Mac Recovery Mode. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps:

  1. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys simultaneously during startup.
  2. Release the keys when the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
  3. After a few moments, the macOS Utilities window will appear. Select "Reinstall macOS" from the available options.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the operating system with the Preview app included.

Pros:

  • Ensures a clean installation of the Preview app by reinstalling the entire operating system
  • Useful if you’re experiencing issues with your current macOS installation

Cons:

  • Takes longer compared to other methods, as the entire operating system needs to be reinstalled
  • May result in the loss of personal data if not backed up properly

Why Can’t I Get Preview App?

If you’re unable to get the Preview app on your Mac using any of the methods mentioned above, here are three alternative solutions you can consider:

  1. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader is a popular alternative PDF reader that works on both Mac and Windows. It offers a range of features for viewing and editing PDF files.
  2. Try Online PDF Editors: There are several online tools available that allow you to view and edit PDF files without requiring any software installation. Examples include Smallpdf, PDFescape, and Sejda.
  3. Explore Other Mac Applications: Apple’s iBooks and Microsoft’s Word are additional applications that can be used to view and edit PDF files, among other formats.

Implications and Recommendations:

When getting the Preview app on your Mac, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:

  1. App Compatibility: Check if the Preview app supports the file types you frequently work with to ensure a seamless experience.
  2. File Security: Be cautious when opening files from unknown sources, as they may contain viruses or malware.
  3. Regular Updates: Keep the Preview app and your macOS updated to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

The Bottom Line:

Obtaining the Preview app on your Mac can greatly enhance your ability to view and edit various file types, such as PDFs and images. Whether you choose to get it through the Mac App Store, system updates, third-party websites, or Mac Recovery Mode, make sure to prioritize security and regularly update the app to enjoy its full potential.

5 FAQs about Getting the Preview App on Mac:

Q1: Is the Preview app completely free?

A: Yes, the Preview app is free and comes pre-installed on all Macs.

Q2: Can I install the Preview app on a Windows PC?

A: No, the Preview app is exclusive to Mac computers and is not available for Windows PCs.

Q3: Can I uninstall the Preview app if I don’t need it?

A: No, the Preview app is a system application and cannot be uninstalled. However, you can remove it from your Dock or hide it from view.

Q4: Can I use the Preview app to create PDF files?

A: Yes, the Preview app allows you to create new PDF files by combining multiple documents or images, adding annotations, and more.

Q5: Will getting the Preview app affect my existing files?

A: No, getting the Preview app will not alter or delete any of your existing files. It is simply an application for viewing and editing files.