Preview default save format

Tried in Safe Mode and get exactly the same results. The default save format is the same as the last saved file regardless of what format the current file is. This happens with any file type in Preview. I've tested with jpeg, png, and pdf. Note that this applies to old documents that already have an associated format.

I tried the same thing in Word 2019 and it uses the format of the document you're trying to save as the default.

So I had a friend of mine, who just got a new M1 Mac, verify that what I see on Big Sur happens on his Mac as well. Another friend verified that this does not happen on Catalina.

I don't see the logic in the change. It's just too easy to save a PDF as an image.

I did what you suggested, created a new user, and ran the test, and the same thing happens. And I'm up to date - 11.4.

If you're running Big Sur, please try this so we can see if this is a general problem or mine alone.

Thanks

If you're using Big Sur, what happens if you try the same thing?

11.4 was released this morning, I installed it through System Preferences>Software Update. I noted that because the problem is still there.

Just to close this off, I contacted Apple Support via chat. I was told that what I see is the expected behaviour now. The agent also told me that other customers had commented on this change. He was going to submit our chat to Apple Development and suggested that I submit feedback as well, which I did.