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Finder Quick Look Not Showing File Content

I am looking to understand why Quick Look won't show the file content in Finder sometimes.


Observations:

Files in Spotlight will nearly always show the file content.

The same file in Finder will not.

Not all files in Finder behave the same way - some will show the file content, others will not.

Opening a file, quitting the associated app, and then using Quick Look in Finder will show the file content.


MacBook Pro 2019, Big Sur 11.4


I suspect the file content in Quick Look is purged upon the Mac's reindexing, but I would like to be certain. Thank you.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 22, 2021 7:16 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jun 22, 2021 9:15 AM

You may try deleting Finder preferences and see if that helps.


Press command-shift-G, paste


~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist


drag the file out of the folder (to to trash, or park it in the Desktop for now), then logout and login.


3 replies

Finder Quick Look Not Showing File Content

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