Wish Adobe Acrobat, Edge or Safari didn't hijack your PDFs every time you’re just trying to take a quick look? It’s frustrating if unwanted apps take over and slow your flow. Find out here how to make Preview the default app for opening PDF ⤓ documents on a Mac.
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How to Make Preview the Default App for PDF on a Mac
Time needed: 3 minutes
To make sure PDF files open in Preview by default on a Mac:
- Locate a PDF file in Mac Finder.
It’s the extension: Look for files ending in “.PDF”.
Search: If you type PDF in the Finder search field, Finder will offer PDF Document as an auto-completion choice.
No PDF at hand: Download a sample PDF file. - Click on the PDF document with the right moue button.
- Select Get Info from the context menu that has opened.
Mac keyboard shortcut: Press Command I with the file highlighted in Finder to open the info sheet.
- Expand Open with: in the document info sheet that has appeared.
- Select Preview from the list of application choices under Open with:.
- Now click Change All….
“Change All…” grayed out: If you cannot click Change All… while Preview is selected under Open with:, it is already the default PDF application.
- Click Continue to make Preview the default application for PDF files.
Their word: Apple include information on picking apps to open a file in the Mac User Guide.
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How to Make Preview the Default App for PDF on a Mac: FAQ
Can I open a PDF file in Preview without changing the default app?
Yes.
To open one PDF file in Preview while keeping the default app for PDFs:
- Click on the PDF file in Finder with the right mouse button.
- Select Open With | Preview from the context menu that has appeared.
Can I change the default just for one PDF file?
Yes.
Finder will remember the application you picked on the Info sheet for an individual document. You need not change the default app for the file extension.
To make a particular PDF file open in Preview by default:
- Open the file’s information sheet; see above.
- Select Preview under Open with:.
- Close the info sheet window.
What if another app (such as Adobe Acrobat) has taken over PDF files?
Updates to app like Adobe Acrobat can reset the app as the PDF default handler. Do repeat the steps above to change back to Preview.
Now that Preview is the default:
How to Add a Note to a PDF File in Mac Preview
How to Redact Text in a PDF with Mac Preview
How to Rearrange Pages in a PDF Document on a Mac
(Tested with macOS Tahoe 26 Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, Ventura 13 and Monterey 12; first published May 2023, last updated August 2026)