Preview loads pdf file, which then turns black

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Level 1

5 points

Preview loads pdf file, which then turns black

When I double-click on a pdf file in the Finder window, it loads into Preview and shows momentarily. Then the screen for that file in Preview turns entirely black. It doesn't matter whether open the pdf file this way or by using the "open" feature in Preview. The same result occurs.

I have the latest OS update: Version 10.13.2 (17C205). The pdf files were created in July 2017 and show correctly (black letters on white background) in the Finder preview window, but they are too small to read there.

Playing around with the background and type features in Preview does nothing. This looks like a bug and has been reported previously without solution. Is there a fix or workaround?

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2), Airport Utility Wireless Access Con

Posted on Jan 16, 2018 9:18 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

CarlAVII

Community Specialist

Jan 17, 2018 2:25 PM in response to cyberlawprof

Hi, cyberlawprof,

Thanks for stopping by the Apple Support Communities. From your post, I understand that you are unable to open PDF files in Preview. While they look OK in the Finder preview, they will open briefly in the Preview app, then turn completely black. I'm happy to help.

First, close the Preview app. You can do this within Preview by pressing Command+Q on the keyboard or by selecting Preview > Quit Preview from the menu bar. After the app is closed, restart your computer by selecting the Apple  menu > Restart. Once the computer restarts, open Preview while holding shift on your keyboard, then attempt to open a PDF.

If the issue continues, try opening the PDF file while booted to safe mode: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support . Booting to safe mode by itself may help solve the issue, as a set of checks and repairs are made (when necessary and able). Test how it works in safe mode, then reboot and try in your user account normally.

Should Preview still not open the PDF, try in a new user next: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support .

I would also recommend trying to open the PDF in another app, (like Adobe Acrobat or Safari). Don't hesitate to respond back if you need more help after that. If you do, please include whether the PDF worked in the other app, or if the same thing occurred, as well as any information about what happened in safe mode and a new user.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

jano54

Level 1

12 points

Jan 23, 2018 7:05 PM in response to CarlAVII

Good evening. I am not replying to the precedent post, but I am saying that I have a serious, annoying and harmful similar problem. I have a Macbook air 13", 2015 with Sierra and i am using Safari. Indeed, I have filled a bank agreement online with my branch in Canada while I am outside of the country. However, I have to print the contract, sign it and mail it asap. Then, I saved the pdf file on my desktop and in download. What a surprise ! All the saved downloads I have tried to open with preview (default app.) were not readable. They are just...black or blank pdf. I can't see nothing. I had numerous other problems with this device since December 2017( i.e , less than a year after buying it), but this one just stunned me. Although I am always reluctant to install apps or softwares non-Apple compatible, I installed Adobe pdf. Same result, i cant see nothing. I will be happy to know what happened suddenly with these pdf files and even happier to be able to print them since I have to send these papers before February 8 and moreover I can't file them online again !

Thank you

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Answer 3