Quick Look and Preview Your Files

Quick Look and the Preview module let you peek inside files without opening them in their full apps. This saves a lot of time when you’re browsing, searching, or comparing files.

Quick Look (Spacebar preview)

Quick Look is the fastest way to see what’s inside a file.

Use Quick Look:

1. Select a file in the Path Finder browser.

2. Press the Spacebar.

A Quick Look window appears showing a preview of the file.

You can:

• Use the arrow keys to move between files while Quick Look is open.

• Press Spacebar again (or Esc) to close Quick Look.

Quick Look supports many file types, including:

• Images (PNG, JPG, GIF, etc.)

• PDFs and many document formats

• Audio and video files

• Some text and code files

In many cases you can scroll, zoom, or play media directly in the Quick Look window.

Preview module (always-on preview)

The Preview module shows a live preview in a panel inside Path Finder, updating automatically as you change selection.

Enable the Preview module:

1. In the menu bar, go to Window > Modules > Preview.

2. The Preview module will appear attached to the window.

3. Drag it to your preferred corner or edge if needed.

Now, whenever you select a file:

• The Preview module shows its contents immediately.

• You can click through files in the browser and watch the preview update in real time.

This is ideal for:

• Browsing images, design assets, photos, or videos

• Skimming through PDFs and documents

• Quickly confirming you’ve picked the correct file

Quick Look vs Preview module – when to use which

Use Quick Look (Spacebar) when:

• You briefly want to check a file

• You don’t need a permanent preview panel

• You prefer a larger, floating preview window

Use the Preview module when:

• You are working in a folder and checking many files

• You want a preview panel always visible

• You like seeing the preview update as you move with arrow keys

You can also use both: keep the Preview module open for general browsing and still hit Spacebar when you want a larger, focused view.

Tips for faster workflows

• Select a file and press Spacebar instead of opening it in its full app.

• Use arrow keys with Quick Look open to skim through a whole folder.

• Keep the Preview module docked on one side while using dual-pane or multiple tabs for a powerful review setup.

Quick Look and Preview are simple features that, once you get used to them, can save you many clicks every day.