!["[New] From Novice to Expert A Comprehensive Guide to Mac's Preview Software"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/8VYsYYrfyGRkzFtE5GDtnXvVBP4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oura-ring-2-6e4a655bf1204877b33c125fe0f2fff4.jpg)
"[New] From Novice to Expert A Comprehensive Guide to Mac's Preview Software"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
From Novice to Expert: A Comprehensive Guide to Mac’s Preview Software
How to Use Preview App on Mac
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The Preview app is a built-in program in macOS, and works as a default viewer for the image and PDF files that your Mac computer has. Because Preview is also an editing software, you don’t need to look for any other third-party tool for basic photo and PDF manipulations.
That said, the sections below explain how to use Preview on Mac for elementary picture editing like rotating, cropping, adding annotations, etc.
Part 1: How to Use Preview to Edit Images [Complete Guide]
Being the default image editor for Mac, Apple tried to make the Preview app as simple as possible. Therefore, modifying the photos in the program isn’t much complicated as compared to its competitors from different vendors.
The instructions given in the following sections explain how to edit pictures with the Preview app for Mac:
How to View and Edit Photos in Preview on Mac
As mentioned earlier, the Preview app is a default photo viewer on Mac that also has many editing tools. Therefore:
To view an image in Preview
- Double-click the photo, or
- Right-click the photo, go to Open With on the context menu, and click Preview (default) from the submenu that appears
To edit an image in Preview
- Use the tools present on the standard toolbar at the top of the interface
- Alternatively, click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred editing option from the menu
How to Show Markup Tools in Preview on Mac
Markup Tools gives easy access to the editing tools the Preview app has. By default, Markup Tools is kept hidden, but automatically becomes visible when you make some changes to the image. However, you can follow the process given below to manually show Markup Tools in Preview:
Step 1: Show Markup Tools
Click the Show Markup Toolbar icon present at the upper-right area to reveal the editing tools right under the standard toolbar.
Step 2: Hide Markup Tools
Click the Hide Markup Tools icon from the upper-right area to hide Markup Toolbar.
Note: Throughout this demonstration, the Markup Toolbar is kept visible to access the editing tools easily.
How to Crop in Preview
In order to crop a photo in the Preview app:
Step 1: Open the Image
Use the method explained earlier to open the photo you want to edit in Preview.
Step 2: Select the Area of Interest
Drag the mouse pointer over the area of the photo you want to keep. If need be, click anywhere between the marked region and drag to reposition the selection. In addition, you can use any of the available side handles to adjust the area of interest on the image.
Step 3: Crop the Photo
Keeping the area of interest on the photo selected, click Crop from the Markup Toolbar at the top to crop the image.
How to Rotate Image in Preview
Rotating an image in the Preview app is fairly simple. To do so:
Step 1: Open the Target Image
Use the method explained above to open the photo in Preview.
Step 2: Rotate the Image
Click the Rotate Left icon from the upper-right area of the standard toolbar to rotate the image anticlockwise. Alternatively, you can also click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred rotation direction or flipping orientation from the menu that comes down next.
How to Add Text to Image in Preview
The Preview app even lets you annotate the images with ease. To add text to a photo:
Step1: Insert Text Frame
Click the Text icon from the Markup Toolbar, drag the side handles to adjust the width of the text frame, and use the mouse to drag and reposition the entire frame to your preferred location on the photo.
Step 2: Add Text
Click inside the frame, delete the existing placeholder text, and type a new caption/annotation for the picture.
Step 3: Format the Text
Select the text, click the Text Style icon from the Markup Toolbar, and change font, size, color, etc. using the available options.
How to Remove Background in Preview
As it is with some of the advanced image manipulation programs, even the Preview app allows you to remove background from a photo, and that too pretty easily. To get this done:
Step 1: Select Unwanted Parts of the Image
Click the Instant Alpha icon from the left area of the Markup Toolbar, click anywhere on the unwanted background on the image, and slowly drag the mouse. Notice the red colored coating that the image starts getting covered with. This is the portion that Preview will consider background and will remove. While dragging the mouse, if any section of the image that you want to keep gets red, drag the pointer to the opposite direction to deselect the area.
Step 2: Remove the Background
Once the background portion of the image gets selected (colored in red), without releasing the mouse button, press Delete on the keyboard.
Note: Removing background requires the image to be in PNG format. If the photo you are working on is JPG, Preview prompts with a confirmation box asking your permission to convert the photo from JPG to PNG. You must allow this conversion in order to proceed with the background removal process.
Note: Usually, not entire background could be selected in a single go, especially when there are multiple objects in the photo. In such a situation, you must repeat the process multiple times to get rid of all the unwanted objects/areas.
How to Combine Images into One
This process is generally used to place an object present in one image over the background of the other photo. A good example could be to place a picture of a fish on to a second photo that has a sea or river. The Preview app lets you do this easily using the following steps:
Step 1: Open Both the Images
Drag mouse over both the images you want to participate in the process, right-click any one of the selected photos, go to Open With, and click Preview (default) from the submenu.
Step 2: Remove Background from the First Image
Ensure that Preview opens with both the images listed in the sidebar in the left. From the sidebar, select first image, and use the Instant Alpha tool as explained earlier to remove the background.
Step 3: Combine the Images
After removing the background, press Command + A to select all the remaining elements, and then press Command + C to copy them. Next, select the second photo from the sidebar, and press Command + V to paste the object to combine the pictures. Additionally, you can drag the pasted object or move its side handles to reposition or resize it respectively.
How to Save Images in Different Formats
The Preview app has a built-in image converter as well. To convert an image to a different format with Preview, you must:
Step 1: Get to the Export Box
After opening an image, click File from the menu bar at the top, and click Export from the menu that appears next.
Step 2: Choose Output Format and Export
Choose a destination folder in the Where field, select your preferred format from the Format drop-down list, and click Save to convert the image.
Part 2: FAQs About Preview App on Mac
What is the Preview App?
- Preview is a built-in program in macOS that works as a default image and PDF viewer, and is also equipped with some elementary editing tools.
Where to find the Preview App on Mac?
- Usually, when you double-click an image or a PDF document, the Preview app is automatically initialized displaying the contents of the file. If you want to manually open the program, you can find it in the Applications folder on your Mac.
What formats does Preview support?
- At the time of this writing, the Preview app supports HEIC, JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF
Can you convert images in Preview?
- Yes, you can. In addition to the process explained in Section 8 of Part 1, the Preview app for Mac also supports batch conversion. To do so, you must:
- Select all the images you want to convert
- Drag the selected photos to the Preview icon on the Dock
- Confirm that all the images you selected are present in the sidebar of the Preview app. You can drag and drop more images from your Mac to this sidebar to add them to the list
- Press Command + A on the keyboard to select all the images in the sidebar
- Click File from the menu bar at the top
- Click Export Selected Images from the menu that comes down
Note: Make sure that all the images you selected are of the same format. Preview doesn’t allow batch conversion of varied photo types.
- Pick a destination folder from the navigation bar in the left
- Click Options from the bottom
- Select your preferred output format for all the images from the Format drop-down list
- Click Choose to convert all the images in a single go
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The Preview app is a built-in program in macOS, and works as a default viewer for the image and PDF files that your Mac computer has. Because Preview is also an editing software, you don’t need to look for any other third-party tool for basic photo and PDF manipulations.
That said, the sections below explain how to use Preview on Mac for elementary picture editing like rotating, cropping, adding annotations, etc.
Part 1: How to Use Preview to Edit Images [Complete Guide]
Being the default image editor for Mac, Apple tried to make the Preview app as simple as possible. Therefore, modifying the photos in the program isn’t much complicated as compared to its competitors from different vendors.
The instructions given in the following sections explain how to edit pictures with the Preview app for Mac:
How to View and Edit Photos in Preview on Mac
As mentioned earlier, the Preview app is a default photo viewer on Mac that also has many editing tools. Therefore:
To view an image in Preview
- Double-click the photo, or
- Right-click the photo, go to Open With on the context menu, and click Preview (default) from the submenu that appears
To edit an image in Preview
- Use the tools present on the standard toolbar at the top of the interface
- Alternatively, click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred editing option from the menu
How to Show Markup Tools in Preview on Mac
Markup Tools gives easy access to the editing tools the Preview app has. By default, Markup Tools is kept hidden, but automatically becomes visible when you make some changes to the image. However, you can follow the process given below to manually show Markup Tools in Preview:
Step 1: Show Markup Tools
Click the Show Markup Toolbar icon present at the upper-right area to reveal the editing tools right under the standard toolbar.
Step 2: Hide Markup Tools
Click the Hide Markup Tools icon from the upper-right area to hide Markup Toolbar.
Note: Throughout this demonstration, the Markup Toolbar is kept visible to access the editing tools easily.
How to Crop in Preview
In order to crop a photo in the Preview app:
Step 1: Open the Image
Use the method explained earlier to open the photo you want to edit in Preview.
Step 2: Select the Area of Interest
Drag the mouse pointer over the area of the photo you want to keep. If need be, click anywhere between the marked region and drag to reposition the selection. In addition, you can use any of the available side handles to adjust the area of interest on the image.
Step 3: Crop the Photo
Keeping the area of interest on the photo selected, click Crop from the Markup Toolbar at the top to crop the image.
How to Rotate Image in Preview
Rotating an image in the Preview app is fairly simple. To do so:
Step 1: Open the Target Image
Use the method explained above to open the photo in Preview.
Step 2: Rotate the Image
Click the Rotate Left icon from the upper-right area of the standard toolbar to rotate the image anticlockwise. Alternatively, you can also click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred rotation direction or flipping orientation from the menu that comes down next.
How to Add Text to Image in Preview
The Preview app even lets you annotate the images with ease. To add text to a photo:
Step1: Insert Text Frame
Click the Text icon from the Markup Toolbar, drag the side handles to adjust the width of the text frame, and use the mouse to drag and reposition the entire frame to your preferred location on the photo.
Step 2: Add Text
Click inside the frame, delete the existing placeholder text, and type a new caption/annotation for the picture.
Step 3: Format the Text
Select the text, click the Text Style icon from the Markup Toolbar, and change font, size, color, etc. using the available options.
How to Remove Background in Preview
As it is with some of the advanced image manipulation programs, even the Preview app allows you to remove background from a photo, and that too pretty easily. To get this done:
Step 1: Select Unwanted Parts of the Image
Click the Instant Alpha icon from the left area of the Markup Toolbar, click anywhere on the unwanted background on the image, and slowly drag the mouse. Notice the red colored coating that the image starts getting covered with. This is the portion that Preview will consider background and will remove. While dragging the mouse, if any section of the image that you want to keep gets red, drag the pointer to the opposite direction to deselect the area.
Step 2: Remove the Background
Once the background portion of the image gets selected (colored in red), without releasing the mouse button, press Delete on the keyboard.
Note: Removing background requires the image to be in PNG format. If the photo you are working on is JPG, Preview prompts with a confirmation box asking your permission to convert the photo from JPG to PNG. You must allow this conversion in order to proceed with the background removal process.
Note: Usually, not entire background could be selected in a single go, especially when there are multiple objects in the photo. In such a situation, you must repeat the process multiple times to get rid of all the unwanted objects/areas.
How to Combine Images into One
This process is generally used to place an object present in one image over the background of the other photo. A good example could be to place a picture of a fish on to a second photo that has a sea or river. The Preview app lets you do this easily using the following steps:
Step 1: Open Both the Images
Drag mouse over both the images you want to participate in the process, right-click any one of the selected photos, go to Open With, and click Preview (default) from the submenu.
Step 2: Remove Background from the First Image
Ensure that Preview opens with both the images listed in the sidebar in the left. From the sidebar, select first image, and use the Instant Alpha tool as explained earlier to remove the background.
Step 3: Combine the Images
After removing the background, press Command + A to select all the remaining elements, and then press Command + C to copy them. Next, select the second photo from the sidebar, and press Command + V to paste the object to combine the pictures. Additionally, you can drag the pasted object or move its side handles to reposition or resize it respectively.
How to Save Images in Different Formats
The Preview app has a built-in image converter as well. To convert an image to a different format with Preview, you must:
Step 1: Get to the Export Box
After opening an image, click File from the menu bar at the top, and click Export from the menu that appears next.
Step 2: Choose Output Format and Export
Choose a destination folder in the Where field, select your preferred format from the Format drop-down list, and click Save to convert the image.
Part 2: FAQs About Preview App on Mac
What is the Preview App?
- Preview is a built-in program in macOS that works as a default image and PDF viewer, and is also equipped with some elementary editing tools.
Where to find the Preview App on Mac?
- Usually, when you double-click an image or a PDF document, the Preview app is automatically initialized displaying the contents of the file. If you want to manually open the program, you can find it in the Applications folder on your Mac.
What formats does Preview support?
- At the time of this writing, the Preview app supports HEIC, JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF
Can you convert images in Preview?
- Yes, you can. In addition to the process explained in Section 8 of Part 1, the Preview app for Mac also supports batch conversion. To do so, you must:
- Select all the images you want to convert
- Drag the selected photos to the Preview icon on the Dock
- Confirm that all the images you selected are present in the sidebar of the Preview app. You can drag and drop more images from your Mac to this sidebar to add them to the list
- Press Command + A on the keyboard to select all the images in the sidebar
- Click File from the menu bar at the top
- Click Export Selected Images from the menu that comes down
Note: Make sure that all the images you selected are of the same format. Preview doesn’t allow batch conversion of varied photo types.
- Pick a destination folder from the navigation bar in the left
- Click Options from the bottom
- Select your preferred output format for all the images from the Format drop-down list
- Click Choose to convert all the images in a single go
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The Preview app is a built-in program in macOS, and works as a default viewer for the image and PDF files that your Mac computer has. Because Preview is also an editing software, you don’t need to look for any other third-party tool for basic photo and PDF manipulations.
That said, the sections below explain how to use Preview on Mac for elementary picture editing like rotating, cropping, adding annotations, etc.
Part 1: How to Use Preview to Edit Images [Complete Guide]
Being the default image editor for Mac, Apple tried to make the Preview app as simple as possible. Therefore, modifying the photos in the program isn’t much complicated as compared to its competitors from different vendors.
The instructions given in the following sections explain how to edit pictures with the Preview app for Mac:
How to View and Edit Photos in Preview on Mac
As mentioned earlier, the Preview app is a default photo viewer on Mac that also has many editing tools. Therefore:
To view an image in Preview
- Double-click the photo, or
- Right-click the photo, go to Open With on the context menu, and click Preview (default) from the submenu that appears
To edit an image in Preview
- Use the tools present on the standard toolbar at the top of the interface
- Alternatively, click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred editing option from the menu
How to Show Markup Tools in Preview on Mac
Markup Tools gives easy access to the editing tools the Preview app has. By default, Markup Tools is kept hidden, but automatically becomes visible when you make some changes to the image. However, you can follow the process given below to manually show Markup Tools in Preview:
Step 1: Show Markup Tools
Click the Show Markup Toolbar icon present at the upper-right area to reveal the editing tools right under the standard toolbar.
Step 2: Hide Markup Tools
Click the Hide Markup Tools icon from the upper-right area to hide Markup Toolbar.
Note: Throughout this demonstration, the Markup Toolbar is kept visible to access the editing tools easily.
How to Crop in Preview
In order to crop a photo in the Preview app:
Step 1: Open the Image
Use the method explained earlier to open the photo you want to edit in Preview.
Step 2: Select the Area of Interest
Drag the mouse pointer over the area of the photo you want to keep. If need be, click anywhere between the marked region and drag to reposition the selection. In addition, you can use any of the available side handles to adjust the area of interest on the image.
Step 3: Crop the Photo
Keeping the area of interest on the photo selected, click Crop from the Markup Toolbar at the top to crop the image.
How to Rotate Image in Preview
Rotating an image in the Preview app is fairly simple. To do so:
Step 1: Open the Target Image
Use the method explained above to open the photo in Preview.
Step 2: Rotate the Image
Click the Rotate Left icon from the upper-right area of the standard toolbar to rotate the image anticlockwise. Alternatively, you can also click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred rotation direction or flipping orientation from the menu that comes down next.
How to Add Text to Image in Preview
The Preview app even lets you annotate the images with ease. To add text to a photo:
Step1: Insert Text Frame
Click the Text icon from the Markup Toolbar, drag the side handles to adjust the width of the text frame, and use the mouse to drag and reposition the entire frame to your preferred location on the photo.
Step 2: Add Text
Click inside the frame, delete the existing placeholder text, and type a new caption/annotation for the picture.
Step 3: Format the Text
Select the text, click the Text Style icon from the Markup Toolbar, and change font, size, color, etc. using the available options.
How to Remove Background in Preview
As it is with some of the advanced image manipulation programs, even the Preview app allows you to remove background from a photo, and that too pretty easily. To get this done:
Step 1: Select Unwanted Parts of the Image
Click the Instant Alpha icon from the left area of the Markup Toolbar, click anywhere on the unwanted background on the image, and slowly drag the mouse. Notice the red colored coating that the image starts getting covered with. This is the portion that Preview will consider background and will remove. While dragging the mouse, if any section of the image that you want to keep gets red, drag the pointer to the opposite direction to deselect the area.
Step 2: Remove the Background
Once the background portion of the image gets selected (colored in red), without releasing the mouse button, press Delete on the keyboard.
Note: Removing background requires the image to be in PNG format. If the photo you are working on is JPG, Preview prompts with a confirmation box asking your permission to convert the photo from JPG to PNG. You must allow this conversion in order to proceed with the background removal process.
Note: Usually, not entire background could be selected in a single go, especially when there are multiple objects in the photo. In such a situation, you must repeat the process multiple times to get rid of all the unwanted objects/areas.
How to Combine Images into One
This process is generally used to place an object present in one image over the background of the other photo. A good example could be to place a picture of a fish on to a second photo that has a sea or river. The Preview app lets you do this easily using the following steps:
Step 1: Open Both the Images
Drag mouse over both the images you want to participate in the process, right-click any one of the selected photos, go to Open With, and click Preview (default) from the submenu.
Step 2: Remove Background from the First Image
Ensure that Preview opens with both the images listed in the sidebar in the left. From the sidebar, select first image, and use the Instant Alpha tool as explained earlier to remove the background.
Step 3: Combine the Images
After removing the background, press Command + A to select all the remaining elements, and then press Command + C to copy them. Next, select the second photo from the sidebar, and press Command + V to paste the object to combine the pictures. Additionally, you can drag the pasted object or move its side handles to reposition or resize it respectively.
How to Save Images in Different Formats
The Preview app has a built-in image converter as well. To convert an image to a different format with Preview, you must:
Step 1: Get to the Export Box
After opening an image, click File from the menu bar at the top, and click Export from the menu that appears next.
Step 2: Choose Output Format and Export
Choose a destination folder in the Where field, select your preferred format from the Format drop-down list, and click Save to convert the image.
Part 2: FAQs About Preview App on Mac
What is the Preview App?
- Preview is a built-in program in macOS that works as a default image and PDF viewer, and is also equipped with some elementary editing tools.
Where to find the Preview App on Mac?
- Usually, when you double-click an image or a PDF document, the Preview app is automatically initialized displaying the contents of the file. If you want to manually open the program, you can find it in the Applications folder on your Mac.
What formats does Preview support?
- At the time of this writing, the Preview app supports HEIC, JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF
Can you convert images in Preview?
- Yes, you can. In addition to the process explained in Section 8 of Part 1, the Preview app for Mac also supports batch conversion. To do so, you must:
- Select all the images you want to convert
- Drag the selected photos to the Preview icon on the Dock
- Confirm that all the images you selected are present in the sidebar of the Preview app. You can drag and drop more images from your Mac to this sidebar to add them to the list
- Press Command + A on the keyboard to select all the images in the sidebar
- Click File from the menu bar at the top
- Click Export Selected Images from the menu that comes down
Note: Make sure that all the images you selected are of the same format. Preview doesn’t allow batch conversion of varied photo types.
- Pick a destination folder from the navigation bar in the left
- Click Options from the bottom
- Select your preferred output format for all the images from the Format drop-down list
- Click Choose to convert all the images in a single go
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The Preview app is a built-in program in macOS, and works as a default viewer for the image and PDF files that your Mac computer has. Because Preview is also an editing software, you don’t need to look for any other third-party tool for basic photo and PDF manipulations.
That said, the sections below explain how to use Preview on Mac for elementary picture editing like rotating, cropping, adding annotations, etc.
Part 1: How to Use Preview to Edit Images [Complete Guide]
Being the default image editor for Mac, Apple tried to make the Preview app as simple as possible. Therefore, modifying the photos in the program isn’t much complicated as compared to its competitors from different vendors.
The instructions given in the following sections explain how to edit pictures with the Preview app for Mac:
How to View and Edit Photos in Preview on Mac
As mentioned earlier, the Preview app is a default photo viewer on Mac that also has many editing tools. Therefore:
To view an image in Preview
- Double-click the photo, or
- Right-click the photo, go to Open With on the context menu, and click Preview (default) from the submenu that appears
To edit an image in Preview
- Use the tools present on the standard toolbar at the top of the interface
- Alternatively, click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred editing option from the menu
How to Show Markup Tools in Preview on Mac
Markup Tools gives easy access to the editing tools the Preview app has. By default, Markup Tools is kept hidden, but automatically becomes visible when you make some changes to the image. However, you can follow the process given below to manually show Markup Tools in Preview:
Step 1: Show Markup Tools
Click the Show Markup Toolbar icon present at the upper-right area to reveal the editing tools right under the standard toolbar.
Step 2: Hide Markup Tools
Click the Hide Markup Tools icon from the upper-right area to hide Markup Toolbar.
Note: Throughout this demonstration, the Markup Toolbar is kept visible to access the editing tools easily.
How to Crop in Preview
In order to crop a photo in the Preview app:
Step 1: Open the Image
Use the method explained earlier to open the photo you want to edit in Preview.
Step 2: Select the Area of Interest
Drag the mouse pointer over the area of the photo you want to keep. If need be, click anywhere between the marked region and drag to reposition the selection. In addition, you can use any of the available side handles to adjust the area of interest on the image.
Step 3: Crop the Photo
Keeping the area of interest on the photo selected, click Crop from the Markup Toolbar at the top to crop the image.
How to Rotate Image in Preview
Rotating an image in the Preview app is fairly simple. To do so:
Step 1: Open the Target Image
Use the method explained above to open the photo in Preview.
Step 2: Rotate the Image
Click the Rotate Left icon from the upper-right area of the standard toolbar to rotate the image anticlockwise. Alternatively, you can also click Tools from the top, and choose your preferred rotation direction or flipping orientation from the menu that comes down next.
How to Add Text to Image in Preview
The Preview app even lets you annotate the images with ease. To add text to a photo:
Step1: Insert Text Frame
Click the Text icon from the Markup Toolbar, drag the side handles to adjust the width of the text frame, and use the mouse to drag and reposition the entire frame to your preferred location on the photo.
Step 2: Add Text
Click inside the frame, delete the existing placeholder text, and type a new caption/annotation for the picture.
Step 3: Format the Text
Select the text, click the Text Style icon from the Markup Toolbar, and change font, size, color, etc. using the available options.
How to Remove Background in Preview
As it is with some of the advanced image manipulation programs, even the Preview app allows you to remove background from a photo, and that too pretty easily. To get this done:
Step 1: Select Unwanted Parts of the Image
Click the Instant Alpha icon from the left area of the Markup Toolbar, click anywhere on the unwanted background on the image, and slowly drag the mouse. Notice the red colored coating that the image starts getting covered with. This is the portion that Preview will consider background and will remove. While dragging the mouse, if any section of the image that you want to keep gets red, drag the pointer to the opposite direction to deselect the area.
Step 2: Remove the Background
Once the background portion of the image gets selected (colored in red), without releasing the mouse button, press Delete on the keyboard.
Note: Removing background requires the image to be in PNG format. If the photo you are working on is JPG, Preview prompts with a confirmation box asking your permission to convert the photo from JPG to PNG. You must allow this conversion in order to proceed with the background removal process.
Note: Usually, not entire background could be selected in a single go, especially when there are multiple objects in the photo. In such a situation, you must repeat the process multiple times to get rid of all the unwanted objects/areas.
How to Combine Images into One
This process is generally used to place an object present in one image over the background of the other photo. A good example could be to place a picture of a fish on to a second photo that has a sea or river. The Preview app lets you do this easily using the following steps:
Step 1: Open Both the Images
Drag mouse over both the images you want to participate in the process, right-click any one of the selected photos, go to Open With, and click Preview (default) from the submenu.
Step 2: Remove Background from the First Image
Ensure that Preview opens with both the images listed in the sidebar in the left. From the sidebar, select first image, and use the Instant Alpha tool as explained earlier to remove the background.
Step 3: Combine the Images
After removing the background, press Command + A to select all the remaining elements, and then press Command + C to copy them. Next, select the second photo from the sidebar, and press Command + V to paste the object to combine the pictures. Additionally, you can drag the pasted object or move its side handles to reposition or resize it respectively.
How to Save Images in Different Formats
The Preview app has a built-in image converter as well. To convert an image to a different format with Preview, you must:
Step 1: Get to the Export Box
After opening an image, click File from the menu bar at the top, and click Export from the menu that appears next.
Step 2: Choose Output Format and Export
Choose a destination folder in the Where field, select your preferred format from the Format drop-down list, and click Save to convert the image.
Part 2: FAQs About Preview App on Mac
What is the Preview App?
- Preview is a built-in program in macOS that works as a default image and PDF viewer, and is also equipped with some elementary editing tools.
Where to find the Preview App on Mac?
- Usually, when you double-click an image or a PDF document, the Preview app is automatically initialized displaying the contents of the file. If you want to manually open the program, you can find it in the Applications folder on your Mac.
What formats does Preview support?
- At the time of this writing, the Preview app supports HEIC, JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF
Can you convert images in Preview?
- Yes, you can. In addition to the process explained in Section 8 of Part 1, the Preview app for Mac also supports batch conversion. To do so, you must:
- Select all the images you want to convert
- Drag the selected photos to the Preview icon on the Dock
- Confirm that all the images you selected are present in the sidebar of the Preview app. You can drag and drop more images from your Mac to this sidebar to add them to the list
- Press Command + A on the keyboard to select all the images in the sidebar
- Click File from the menu bar at the top
- Click Export Selected Images from the menu that comes down
Note: Make sure that all the images you selected are of the same format. Preview doesn’t allow batch conversion of varied photo types.
- Pick a destination folder from the navigation bar in the left
- Click Options from the bottom
- Select your preferred output format for all the images from the Format drop-down list
- Click Choose to convert all the images in a single go
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Also read:
- [Updated] How ASMRists Can Help Your Evening Routine
- [Updated] Expert Insights Choosing the Best Platforms for Watching Cricket LIVE
- [New] How to Enable Speech-to-Text in PowerPoint A Step-by-Step Guide
- Expert Advice Enhancing Control Over Snapchat Video Speed for 2024
- From Vivid To Velvet Adobe Premiere Transitions for 2024
- In 2024, How to Create a 3D Text Art Effect in Adobe Illustrator
- In 2024, Exploring Virtual Worlds with Samsung Gear VR Games
- Eye-Catching Text Top 10 Photo Writing Tools for Smartphones for 2024
- [Updated] Ideal Narratives Distributed Among 8 Movie Segments
- How to Use LUTs to OBS Studio & Download Free LUT for 2024
- In 2024, High-Res Aerial Showdown DJi vs GoPro Capture
- [Updated] Full-Detailed Manual on MorphVOX Voice Alteration Techniques
- In 2024, Ice Warriors Battle - The Spectacular Winter Olympics Snowboard Showdown
- [New] Harnessing the Power of iPhone's Shutter Speed for Movement
- Illuminating Imagery Pro-Level Tips for Spectacular Photos for 2024
- [Updated] Future Shooting Gear Ideal Cameras Musical Videography
- [Updated] Exploring Updates to Sony's S6500 Model
- 2024 Approved Innovating with 3D Text Effects in Adobe Photoshop
- [New] Handheld Smooth Movies Maker
- [Updated] Fresh Approaches to Instagram Collages Made Simple
- In 2024, From Dull to Dynamic A Guide to Chromatic Finesse
- [New] Highest Rated Slow Mo Camera Applications, iPhones/Android
- Harnessing LUTs for Precision-Controlled Image Editing for 2024
- 2024 Approved In-Depth Look at VSCO Photo Craftsmanship
- 2024 Approved How to Navigate the Treasure Trove of Pexels' Picture Paradise
- In 2024, Grasping FCP Obtain It at No Cost
- 2024 Approved Hymn-Based Ringtone Options for Every Believer
- 2024 Approved Garmin's VIRB Ultra 30 Action Cam – In-Depth Features Analysis
- 2024 Approved FreeFrame Finder Unearthing Elite TikTok Background Art
- [Updated] Explore This Costless Voice Changer to Boost Valorant Skills
- [New] Ideal Tools for Creating Animation with Models
- Ideal Strategies for Online Video Photo Effects Implementation for 2024
- [New] How to Resolve Airdrop Hurdles on Any Apple Device
- GoPro Versus Polaroid Editing Faces Vs. Cameras That Shoot Them for 2024
- 2024 Approved From Video to Verse Ranking the Best 16 Platforms for Flawless Translation
- In 2024, Hidden Insights for Importer Mastery on Windows 10
- [New] Formulating Fascinating Film Moments
- In 2024, Expert Tips for Precise Control with Xbox Zoom
- [New] How to Harness High-Quality Artwork at No Cost
- 2024 Approved Frontiers in 3D Visualization Tech
- [Updated] Expert's Choice in 4K Capture Top Camera List
- [Updated] Essential History Series YouTube Recommendations for Learners
- New Easy Way to Create an Alternate Reality Effect for 2024
- [Updated] Quick & Simple Edits for an Edge in the TikTok World
- New 2024 Approved Unlocking FCPX Freeze Frames, Slow Motion, and Beyond
- [Updated] Dynamic IGTV Covers Design & Update Strategies for 2024
- 2024 Approved The Zenith of Zoom Background Blurring Techniques
- [New] 2024 Approved Unlocking Creative Potential A Deep Dive Into ScreenFlow for Mac
- [Updated] In 2024, From Followers to Fans A Strategic Approach to Instagram Brand Alliances
- Top 10 Animated Photo Collage Apps You Should Know
- Explore the Pinnacle of Photography Frames
- Mastery in Motion In-Depth Review of Video Editing Software
- In 2024, Process of Screen Sharing Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ to PC- Detailed Steps | Dr.fone
- [Updated] Branding Success on FB Through Immersive Cover Videos
- 2024 Approved TinyTake Screen Recorder Review and Alternative
- A Working Guide For Pachirisu Pokemon Go Map On Lava Blaze 2 5G | Dr.fone
- Methods to Change GPS Location On Itel P40 | Dr.fone
- [Updated] EyeVid FB Content Grabber
- Truth in the World of Insta Selfies
- [New] 2024 Approved How to Achieve Collaborative Efficiency Using Skype’s Screen-Share Feature
- Quick and Simple Methods for Controlling Audio Playback Speed for 2024
- [New] The Social Media Savant' Writes on Mastering Brand Promotion for 2024
- New Do You Want to Stream and Record at the Same Time but Cant Find an Easy Solution? This Guide Will Help You Get This Done Using Three Easy-to-Follow Methods for 2024
- 2024 Approved Standout 5 Dynamic Social Platform Logo Movements
- How to Fix the Soft Bricked Vivo Y27 5G? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Overview of the Best Honor X50i+ Screen Mirroring App | Dr.fone
- [Updated] Your Complete Analysis of TikTok’s PFP Code for 2024
- Fostering Fandom Creating Jujutsu Kaisen Content for TikTok
- In 2024, Hassle-Free Ways to Remove FRP Lock from Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ Phones with/without a PC
- [Updated] Mastering the Art of Influential Hashtags on IG
- Be a Social Media Wizard Best Tweeter Video Tools for 2024
- [Updated] Turning Down IGTV on Insta for 2024
- In 2024, How to Track Vivo V30 Location by Number | Dr.fone
- Title: "[New] From Novice to Expert A Comprehensive Guide to Mac's Preview Software"
- Author: Frank
- Created at : 2024-05-26 16:54:36
- Updated at : 2024-05-27 16:54:36
- Link: https://some-techniques.techidaily.com/new-from-novice-to-expert-a-comprehensive-guide-to-macs-preview-software/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.