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”):
- File Explorer Preview:
- Open File Explorer.
- Select a file.
- 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”):
- Quick Look (Spacebar Magic):
- Select the file you want to preview.
- Hit the Spacebar. Boom—instant preview!
- 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!
- 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!