Preview.app(11.0) can't send text to Services. Is this a bug?

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Level 1

9 points

Preview.app(11.0) can't send text to Services. Is this a bug?

Hi,

Recently I bought a new m1 mac and noticed that Preview.app(11.0) has an issue.

When I select a word on pdf in Preview.app and execute 'Services' -> 'Spotlight' in Context Menu, then nothing happens. The same problem occurs on other textual services, e. g. 'Make New Sticky Notes' within Preview.app. (Sticky opens and gets activated but doesn't receive any text.)

Opening the same pdf file and doing the same action in Safari, it works fine.

It seems that Preview.app itself can't send text to services. Is this an unreported bug?

I can't use my favourite third party dictionary app (EBMac) within the current version of Preview.app. It bothers me a lot.

I use:

macOS Big Sur(11.1)

Preview.app ver. 11.0 (1018.2)

Cheers.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 18, 2021 7:03 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

etresoft

Level 8

46,936 points

Jan 20, 2021 1:21 PM in response to matirium

Yes. The bug you describe is easy to reproduce.

Preview in Big Sur seems to have a number of new bugs. Unfortunately, Apple uses Preview and TextEdit as a way to "showcase" new developer interfaces. Since Apple releases new developer interfaces every year, they are re-writing these two apps every year.

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Answer 2

alma1090

Community Specialist

Jan 20, 2021 12:32 PM in response to matirium

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, matirium!

We understand you're having some trouble with the Preview app when opening PDF. We'd be happy to help you address this.

Try doing the same procedure you describe within safe mode: How to use safe mode on your Mac

If the issue happens there as well, check if there is an update for your dictionary app.

Let us know the results.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

Jan 20, 2021 12:53 PM in response to matirium

If you look closely at how Automator services are constructed, they are told to open specific types of data content from specific named applications. If that service were not expecting any content format from Preview, then it would do nothing, as you have observed.

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Answer 4

matirium Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 21, 2021 5:53 AM in response to etresoft

Thank you for your detailed information on Apple's developing way. They simply prefer the outward "new features" to the stability or compatibility. It's cosmetic. There are tons of issues both in the software and hardware of Apple's new products. I wondered why, but you shed a light on the truth. Thanks!

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Preview.app(11.0) can't send text to Services. Is this a bug?

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