User profile for user: mircin
mircin Author
User level: Level 1
23 points

CR3 Previews Not Working in Finder After macOS 15.4 and 15.4.1 Updates

Hello,


After updating to macOS 15.4 (Sequoia), I’ve encountered an issue where RAW files in the CR3 format from my Canon camera no longer display previews in Finder. Both the thumbnail previews and the Quick Look feature (activated by pressing the spacebar) show a black rectangle instead of the image.


I hoped that updating to version 15.4.1 would resolve this problem, but unfortunately, the previews remain non-functional. This issue significantly hampers my workflow as a creative professional, making it challenging to sort and select photos efficiently.


I’ve attempted restarting my Mac, checking for system updates, and verifying security settings, but the problem persists.


I’ve noticed that other users are experiencing similar issues. For instance, on the TidBITS Talk forum, users report that Finder’s Quick Look displays a black rectangle for CR3 files, although the Preview app and Adobe applications can open them without issues. 


Similarly, a discussion on Reddit highlights that Canon RAW files appear blacked out in Preview or Quick Look on macOS Sequoia 15.4, affecting users’ workflows. 


On the Canon Community forum, users have reported that Preview is unable to open CR3 RAW files from the Canon R6 Mark II on macOS, indicating a broader compatibility issue. 


Has anyone else encountered this problem? Are there any known solutions or workarounds?



Thank you in advance for your assistance.


  • Model: MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021)
  • Chip: Apple M1 Max
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • Storage: 2 TB
  • macOS: 15.4.1 (Sequoia)



MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Apr 17, 2025 1:41 AM

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User profile for user: SHAFUIIKU
SHAFUIIKU
User level: Level 1
20 points

Posted on Apr 26, 2025 3:21 PM

Hello,


I hope this response helps you resolve your issue. I am experiencing the same difficulty in QuickLooking my .cr3 files. Currently, I am compelled to manually open each .cr3 file using Lightroom.


The only solution I have discovered is to zoom in slightly while using QuickLook, and the image will be displayed. I trust this information is timely and helpful.

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User profile for user: carlyle_25
carlyle_25
User level: Level 1
12 points

Apr 23, 2025 11:12 PM in response to Christopher Ruedy

Sorry, CR2 does not work either (tested with 6D, 5D I and II): icons are generated, gallery view works, only column view - the most important - does not. Sure there are workarounds like using bigger icons or your raw converter.

And yes I don't have "an understanding of software development and testing" and don't have to understand: as a photographer and canon-/ apple user, I would just expect it to work (and still wonder why specifically canon raws don't work. Okay: I wish, it would work.

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User profile for user: menick
menick
User level: Level 1
32 points

May 2, 2025 4:42 AM in response to Ggroen

What is not working? Quicklook or preview being black on column mode in finder? This solution/workaround is for quicklook showing a black image, not the preview....

If your issue is with quicklook, here are some things to check...


  1. Are you on 15.4.1 or 15.4? (This works on 1.5.4.1 - don't have 15.4 to check)
  2. Did you switch to Photography profile specifically?
  3. After switching to Photography sometimes a restart is needed.


I have an M2 Max macbook pro, but this worked both on mine and my friend's M1 Pro Macbook Pro. Let me know if it works for you.



[Edited by Moderator]

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CR3 Previews Not Working in Finder After macOS 15.4 and 15.4.1 Updates

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