Quick Look is one of macOS’s most underrated yet powerful tools, designed to enhance productivity by providing instant file previews without opening applications. This feature saves time and streamlines workflows, making it indispensable for professionals and casual users alike.
1. Instant File Previews
Quick Look allows you to preview files instantly by pressing the Spacebar when a file is selected. This works for a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, and even PDFs. For example, you can quickly check the contents of a Word document or view a high-resolution image without launching Microsoft Word or Preview.
This feature is particularly useful when sorting through large folders, as it eliminates the need to open multiple applications. You can also use the arrow keys to navigate through files in a folder while keeping the Quick Look window open.
2. Full-Screen Mode
Quick Look supports full-screen mode, which is ideal for reviewing detailed documents or high-quality images. To activate this, press the Option + Spacebar combination. This expands the preview to fill your entire screen, providing a distraction-free environment.
For instance, if you’re reviewing a presentation or a design mockup, full-screen mode ensures you can focus on every detail without interruptions. You can exit full-screen mode by pressing the Escape (Esc) key.
3. Multi-File Previews
Quick Look isn’t limited to single files. You can select multiple files and press the Spacebar to preview them simultaneously. This is especially helpful when comparing documents or images side by side.
For example, if you’re working on a project that involves multiple versions of a design, you can quickly compare them without opening each file individually. Use the arrow keys to cycle through the selected files.
4. Markup and Annotation
Quick Look includes a built-in markup tool that allows you to annotate images and PDFs directly from the preview window. Click the Markup icon (a pencil inside a circle) to access tools like text boxes, shapes, and drawing tools.
This feature is perfect for adding quick notes or highlighting important sections in a document. For instance, you can circle a specific area in an image or add a comment to a PDF before sharing it with colleagues.
5. Media Playback
Quick Look supports media playback for audio and video files. When you preview a media file, you’ll see playback controls that allow you to play, pause, and scrub through the content.
This is particularly useful for quickly reviewing video clips or listening to audio recordings without opening a dedicated media player. For example, you can preview a video file to ensure it’s the correct clip before importing it into a project.
6. Quick Actions
Quick Look integrates with macOS’s Quick Actions feature, allowing you to perform tasks like rotating images, trimming videos, or creating PDFs directly from the preview window. These actions appear as buttons at the top of the Quick Look window.
For example, if you need to rotate an image, you can do so without opening an image editor. Similarly, you can trim a video clip to remove unwanted sections before sharing it.
7. Metadata Display
Quick Look provides detailed metadata for supported file types, such as images, videos, and documents. This includes information like file size, resolution, creation date, and camera settings for photos.
For instance, if you’re organizing a photo library, you can quickly check the resolution or exposure settings of an image without opening a separate application. This metadata is displayed at the bottom of the Quick Look window.
8. Third-Party Plugins
Quick Look supports third-party plugins that extend its functionality to additional file types. For example, you can install plugins to preview code files, 3D models, or even archive files like ZIP and RAR.
This makes Quick Look a versatile tool for professionals who work with specialized file formats. You can find these plugins on developer websites or through macOS app repositories.