How to Show Preview of PDF in File Explorer
In today’s digital age, PDF files have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for academic purposes, professional work, or personal entertainment, we often come across PDF files that we need to view quickly. However, many file explorers do not have a built-in PDF preview feature, making it difficult to glance through the contents of a PDF file without opening it in a separate application. In this article, we will discuss various methods on how to show preview of PDF in file explorer, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.
Using the built-in PDF viewer in Windows File Explorer
If you are using Windows File Explorer, you can enable the built-in PDF viewer to preview PDF files directly within the file explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows File Explorer.
2. Go to the “View” tab on the ribbon.
3. In the “Layout” group, check the “File Preview” option.
4. Now, when you open a PDF file in File Explorer, it will automatically display a preview on the right side of the window.
Enabling PDF preview in macOS Finder
macOS Finder also offers a built-in PDF preview feature that allows you to view PDF files without opening them in a separate application. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. Go to “Finder” in the menu bar and select “Preferences.”
3. Click on the “Sidebar” tab.
4. Check the “Preview” option under the “Show these items in the sidebar” section.
5. Close the preferences window and navigate to a PDF file in Finder. The file preview will now be displayed in the sidebar.
Using third-party file explorers with PDF preview support
If the built-in PDF preview feature in your file explorer is not satisfactory, you can consider using third-party file explorers that offer more advanced PDF preview capabilities. Some popular options include:
1. Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive provides a seamless PDF preview experience within its file explorer. Simply install OneDrive on your computer and sign in to access your files with the built-in preview feature.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: The Adobe Acrobat Reader DC app not only allows you to open and read PDF files but also offers a convenient preview feature within the file explorer.
3. qPDF Viewer: qPDF Viewer is a lightweight and free PDF viewer that integrates well with various file explorers, providing a quick and easy way to preview PDF files.
Conclusion
In conclusion, showing the preview of PDF files in your file explorer can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. By enabling the built-in PDF viewer in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder, or by using third-party file explorers with PDF preview support, you can easily view PDF files without the need for additional software. Take advantage of these methods to streamline your workflow and enjoy a more seamless experience when working with PDF files.
