---
tags:
  - macOS
  - Tahoe
  - quick-look
  - finder
  - preview
  - productivity
title: Quick Look: Previewing Files Instantly on macOS Tahoe
---

# Quick Look: Previewing Files Instantly on macOS Tahoe

Quick Look is one of the most beloved features of macOS. It allows you to peek inside almost any file without waiting for an application to open. It is fast, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful.

## Basic Usage

1.  **Select** a file in Finder (or on your Desktop).
2.  Press the **Spacebar**.
3.  A window pops up instantly showing the file's contents.
4.  Press **Spacebar** again (or **Esc**) to close it.

## Navigating with Quick Look

You don't have to close the preview to look at the next file.

*   **Arrow Keys**: While the Quick Look window is open, press the **Up/Down** or **Left/Right** arrow keys to select a different file. The preview window will update instantly.
*   **Grid View**: If you select multiple files and press Spacebar, you can click the **Grid** icon (four squares) inside the preview window to see them all at once.

## Supported Formats

Quick Look supports a vast array of file types out of the box:

*   **Images**: JPEG, PNG, HEIC, RAW, PSD (Photoshop), AI (Illustrator).
*   **Documents**: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Text files, Markdown.
*   **Media**: MP3, AAC, MP4, MOV (you can scrub through video and audio).
*   **Archives**: ZIP files (shows a list of contents).
*   **Folders**: Shows the folder size and number of items.
*   **3D Models**: USDZ files (interactive 3D view).

## Instant Editing (Markup)

You can perform basic edits directly within Quick Look without opening an app like Preview or Photoshop.

1.  Open an image or PDF in Quick Look.
2.  Click the **Markup** icon (a pencil tip in a circle) in the top right corner.
3.  **Images**: You can crop, rotate, and draw on the image.
4.  **PDFs**: You can sign documents, highlight text, and add shapes.
5.  **Video/Audio**: Click the **Trim** icon to shorten the clip.

## Slideshow Mode

To view files in a full-screen slideshow (great for showing photos):

1.  Select multiple images.
2.  Hold **Option (Alt)** and press **Spacebar**.
3.  The images will play in full screen.

## Related Guides
*   [Getting Started with Finder on macOS Tahoe](finder-basics.md)
*   [Mastering Screenshots and Screen Recording on macOS Tahoe](screenshots.md)