Viewing pdfs in Preview - Pages are blank

Question

Level 1

6 points

Viewing pdfs in Preview - Pages are blank

Dear all,

sometimes, when I open a pdf with Preview, it (only( displays blank pages (see attached fig - the left half). This also happens if I leave the pdfs open (they are ok at this point), put the Mac to sleep, and turn it on again... It does not happen always, but frequently!

Now, this is not a problem of the pdf itself since, if I close an open again, or if I move it elsewhere, it (most of the time) displays correctly (see attached fig - the right half).

==> Also, it is not a problem of the MacOS version, since, while I am now using Ventura, I had this problem also in previous versions.

==> Additionally, it is also not a problem of the "machine" itself since this happens on different computers (this one being only a couple of weeks old!).

While I now I can use Adobe (and I do this) or I can just simply open/close/open/close... the files again, this is really annoying. Besides, I like Preview because, usually it is much faster than Adobe (I deal with a lot of pdf files at the same time...)

Any fix for this?

Thank you in advance.

MacBook Air, macOS 13.1

Posted on Dec 16, 2022 6:54 AM

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Answer 1

etresoft

Level 9

56,088 points

Dec 16, 2022 8:21 AM in response to Pantomath

Where are these files located? I see at least a couple of 3rd party "sync" tools in your menubar. There is quite a bit involved in those sync tools that can temporarily block access to files.

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Answer 2

Dec 16, 2022 7:39 AM in response to Pantomath

Pantomath wrote:

Dear all,

sometimes, when I open a pdf with Preview, it (only( displays blank pages (see attached fig - the left half). This also happens if I leave the pdfs open (they are ok at this point), put the Mac to sleep, and turn it on again... It does not happen always, but frequently!

Now, this is not a problem of the pdf itself since, if I close an open again, or if I move it elsewhere, it (most of the time) displays correctly (see attached fig - the right half).

==> Also, it is not a problem of the MacOS version, since, while I am now using Ventura, I had this problem also in previous versions.

==> Additionally, it is also not a problem of the "machine" itself since this happens on different computers (this one being only a couple of weeks old!).

While I now I can use Adobe (and I do this) or I can just simply open/close/open/close... the files again, this is really annoying. Besides, I like Preview because, usually it is much faster than Adobe (I deal with a lot of pdf files at the same time...)

Any fix for this?

Thank you in advance.

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/35411c21-2c61-47c7-855a-1a32da6990d0

If you have an issue with one particular Preview.app of a PDF, use a true PDFeditor (Adobe in this case)

I would use what works...

Create a new PDF (not authored by Adobe) and compare your results with Preview.app in an effort to drill down on what exactly is the issue.

you can file a bug report /submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

Do you ever specify what exact macOS is this...(?)

The current stable release of Ventura including bug fixes, security updates is macOS Ventura 13.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Pantomath Author

Level 1

6 points

Dec 16, 2022 7:50 AM in response to leroydouglas

As I said, I do use Adobe! The problem is only that it is much slower than Preview, particularly when working with many pdfs. I do not think the answer for this should be "use another app" :p

Also as I said, I do have the most recent release (my MacBook Air M2 is only 2 week old and updated); but I had this issue in my other Mac (MacBook pro) throughout different OS releases...

As for creating a new pdf, I do this very often. Sometimes I have this problem, others I don't... I cannot find any possible reason (or logic) for this!

Thank you anyways ;) I'll submit a product feedback to Apple...

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Answer 4

Pantomath Author

Level 1

6 points

Dec 18, 2022 1:52 PM in response to etresoft

That is a good guess. Indeed these files (as almost all my files) are either in Dropbox or Google Drive.

In fact, this is also something I considered before. Still, I don't think it is the reason behind the problem from three reasons:

i) although the files are in cloud folders, they are also physically in my computer (I have to do this because some apps do not read online files);

ii) same also happened in my other computer where I had the files in a folder in my desktop;

iii) if I just copy & paste a give "problematic" file in the same place and open it, it loads properly. Also, said "problematic" file will load properly if I just close Preview and open again (most of the times).

Thank you anyway ;)

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

215,094 points

Dec 16, 2022 8:03 AM in response to Pantomath

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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