Summary
- This guide will walk you through different methods on how to quit Preview on your Mac, ensuring you can efficiently exit the app and reclaim control of your workflow.
- This is useful if you have multiple images or documents open in Preview and want to focus on a particular one.
- Whether you’re using the classic menu bar method, keyboard shortcuts, or the more advanced options like the Dock or Activity Monitor, you can ensure Preview behaves as expected and doesn’t hinder your productivity.
Preview is a handy tool for viewing and editing images and PDFs on your Mac. However, there are times when you might want to close it, whether it’s because you’re done using it or because it’s acting up. This guide will walk you through different methods on how to quit Preview on your Mac, ensuring you can efficiently exit the app and reclaim control of your workflow.
The Classic Way: Using the Menu Bar
The most straightforward way to quit Preview is through the menu bar:
1. Locate the Menu Bar: At the top of your screen, you’ll see the menu bar with the Apple logo and various application menus.
2. Navigate to the “Preview” Menu: Click on the “Preview” menu, which will display a list of options.
3. Select “Quit Preview“: Choose the “Quit Preview” option from the list. This will close all open Preview windows and exit the application.
Keyboard Shortcuts for a Quicker Exit
If you prefer a faster way to quit Preview, keyboard shortcuts come in handy:
1. Command + Q: This universal keyboard shortcut, often referred to as “Command Q,” is the standard way to quit most applications on a Mac. Press these keys simultaneously to close Preview.
2. Option + Command + Esc: This shortcut opens the “Force Quit Applications” window, which allows you to force quit any unresponsive application, including Preview. This is helpful if Preview is frozen or not responding to other commands.
Quitting Individual Preview Windows
Sometimes you may want to close only a specific Preview window while keeping the application open. This is useful if you have multiple images or documents open in Preview and want to focus on a particular one.
1. Click the Red “Close” Button: Each Preview window has a red “Close” button in the top-left corner. Click this button to close the specific window.
Dealing with Unresponsive Preview: Force Quitting
If Preview is frozen or not responding, you can force quit the application to close it:
1. Open the “Force Quit Applications” Window: Press the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + Esc.
2. Select “Preview”: In the “Force Quit Applications” window, select “Preview” from the list of applications.
3. Click “Force Quit“: Click the “Force Quit” button to close the application forcefully.
Quitting Preview from the Dock
The Dock is a convenient place to access and manage applications. You can quit Preview from the Dock:
1. Locate the Preview Icon: Find the Preview icon in your Dock. It typically looks like a magnifying glass with a white background.
2. Right-Click the Icon: Right-click (or Control-click) on the Preview icon.
3. Select “Quit”: From the context menu that appears, select the “Quit” option.
Closing Preview from the “Activity Monitor”
The Activity Monitor is a powerful tool that provides insights into your Mac’s performance and running processes. You can use it to quit Preview:
1. Open the “Activity Monitor“: Search for “Activity Monitor” in Spotlight (Command + Spacebar) and open the application.
2. Find the “Preview” Process: Look for the “Preview” process in the list of running applications.
3. Select and Quit: Select the “Preview” process and click the “Quit Process” button in the top-left corner of the Activity Monitor window.
Taking Control: Quitting Preview and Beyond
Mastering how to quit Preview on your Mac empowers you to manage your workflow efficiently. Whether you’re using the classic menu bar method, keyboard shortcuts, or the more advanced options like the Dock or Activity Monitor, you can ensure Preview behaves as expected and doesn’t hinder your productivity.
What You Need to Know
Q1: What if Preview is not responding to any commands?
A: If Preview is completely frozen and unresponsive, you’ll need to force quit the application using the “Force Quit Applications” window (Option + Command + Esc).
Q2: How do I prevent Preview from opening automatically when I open an image file?
A: You can change the default application for opening image files in your Mac’s settings. Go to “System Settings” > “General” > “Default Apps” and choose the application you prefer for opening images.
Q3: What are some alternatives to Preview for image editing on Mac?
A: Several excellent image editing alternatives exist for Mac, such as:
- Adobe Photoshop: A professional-grade image editor with extensive features.
- Affinity Photo: A powerful and affordable alternative to Photoshop.
- GIMP: A free and open-source image editor with a wide range of capabilities.
Q4: How do I prevent Preview from opening automatically when I open a PDF file?
A: You can change the default application for opening PDF files in your Mac’s settings. Go to “System Settings” > “General” > “Default Apps” and choose the application you prefer for opening PDFs.
Q5: What is the best way to quit Preview if I am using it for a large image or document?
A: If you’re working with a large image or document in Preview, it’s best to use the “Quit Preview” option from the menu bar or the keyboard shortcut Command + Q. This ensures that the application closes gracefully and doesn’t leave any processes running in the background.