Tired of opening files only to realise they weren’t the ones you needed? Let’s change that. Previewing documents is a game-changer—whether you’re on Mac or Windows, you can quickly see file contents without the hassle.  

 

 

 

Why use this tip?

  • Speedier document review – quickly locate the right documents without opening them.
  • Enhance efficiency – minimise wasted time on unnecessary clicks.
  • Smarter organisation – easily navigate multi-page files and multiple formats.

How to get started

or Windows Users (aka the “Task Manager Masters”):

  1. File Explorer Preview:
  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select a file.
  3. Turn on the Preview Pane from the View tab. You’ll see a sneak peek on the right side of your Explorer window.

Bonus Tip:

Right-click and select Open With > Microsoft Edge to view PDFs and documents without fully opening them.

For Mac Users (aka the “Spacebar Magicians”):

  1. Quick Look (Spacebar Magic):
  1. Select the file you want to preview.
  2. Hit the Spacebar. Boom—instant preview!
  3. Use left/right arrows to scroll through multi-page documents.

Bonus Tip:

Preview multiple files by selecting them all and pressing the Spacebar. Instant efficiency!

  1. Preview App (For the Serious Types):

Right-click on a file, select Open With > Preview, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for PDFs and other file types.

 

Bonus: Cloud Methods (For the Brave)

Use Google Drive or OneDrive to preview files without downloading them. Just click on the file, and a preview will pop up.

 

Now you’re ready to preview documents like a pro and save precious time. You’re welcome!