Preview not working
When I click on a photo or PDF to open in Preview, Preview loads at the bottom dock, but will not open to show the image or document. How can I fix this?
Running macOS Sierra 10.12.3
MacBook Pro
User profile for user:
jeremy_v
User level:
Community Specialist
Hi, comtheo!
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. From your post, I understand that the Preview app is not working as expected. If you try to open a file, you'll see Preview open in the Dock but your file does not actually open. This happens with PDF and picture files. I'd be happy to help!
Give the following steps a try, in order, testing after each.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. From your post, I understand that the Preview app is not working as expected. If you try to open a file, you'll see Preview open in the Dock but your file does not actually open. This happens with PDF and picture files. I'd be happy to help!
Give the following steps a try, in order, testing after each.
- Quit the Preview app, then hold the Shift key on your keyboard while opening it again.
- Restart your MacBook Pro by clicking the Apple () menu in the upper left of the screen and selecting "Restart..." from the drop down.
- Try opening your files with Preview in safe mode. You can get information on what safe mode does, how it can help, and how to boot to it here: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac
- Test how Preview functions in a new user account. The following article details what a new user can do to help, and how to create a new account: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac