Can't get Preview to open files in separate windows

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can't get Preview to open files in separate windows

When I open a file (either jpg or PDF), Preview almost always opens it in an existing window. This makes it extremely difficult to find, especially since I usually have many windows open. The pull-down "Window" menu only shows the name of the first image or file in that window—which means I have to search through every open window and check the sidebar or tabs to see if that's where Preview has mysteriously opened the file.

I have gone to the Preview Preferences menu and ensured that "Open each file in its own window" is checked, to no avail. I have closed and restarted Preview—no change.

Help!

(MacBook Air 2015, High Sierra, 10.13.6)

Posted on Jun 1, 2020 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PLTinWS Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 1, 2020 12:40 PM in response to BDAqua

Yes, boxes 1, 2, and 4:

√ Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use

√ When switching to an application, switch to a Space with open windows for the application

__ Group windows by application (not checked)

√ Displays have separate Spaces

I don't know what any of that means; I never use Mission Control.

Does any of that make a difference?

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Answer 2

PLTinWS Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 1, 2020 4:48 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks, BAqua! So far so good - I've opened two jpg's and a pdf successfully in their own windows. Looks like you've improved my working life quite a bit!

(I'm curious why this works, but if you don't have time to explain it, no problem.)

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

244,925 points

Jun 1, 2020 3:57 PM in response to PLTinWS

I'd uncheck 1 & 2 for a test.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

244,925 points

Jun 1, 2020 12:25 PM in response to PLTinWS

Just wondering, in Sys Prefs>Mission control, are any of the top 4 boxes checked?

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

244,925 points

Jun 1, 2020 4:54 PM in response to PLTinWS

Whoot. great news... I can't even explain the purpose of Mission Control, have just read enough problem posts to assume that was the problem. take care my friend. :)

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Answer 6

PLTinWS Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 2, 2020 2:53 PM in response to BDAqua

Well, just now two PDF's opened in an existing window rather than in separate windows. I'll experiment with unchecking the last box mentioned above and see if that helps...nope. Back to Square 1.

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