You ’ve worked on a project that ’s generated multiple interpretation of many data file with next - to - useless names , and now you need to send the best unity to your fellow worker . How can you efficiently rummage through the candidates , when even the apps that make them ca n’t give you a serious overview of multiple files ? All you need is the often - overlooked feature of OS X ’s Quick Look .
Start with selection techniques
To use multiple files in Quick Look , you must first choose them in the Finder . What ’s the best direction ? sink in one computer filename and then Shift - click another to select the two detail and everything in - between ; for noncontiguous files , change over to instruction - clicking . Drag to select some item in a window , or get them all withEdit - > Select All(Command - A ) . To pick out files that are in different folders — as long as those folders are in the same parent leaflet — localize the enclosing booklet ’s window to List view , expand the subfolders by penetrate their expansion arrows , and Command - dawn to choose the aim item .
After you ’ve selected multiple point , get to the Quick Look windowpane by selectingFile - > Quick Look [ telephone number ] Items(where[number]is the number of item you ’ve selected ) . Or , press Command - Y or the spacebar .
Stay focused
Since Quick Look ’s floating windowpane remains open while you work in Finder windowpane , it ’s really authoritative to keep track of which windowpane has “ focus”—in other words , which window reacts to certain keypresses . You might , for instance , press the ripe - arrow cay to pick out a different thumbnail in the Quick Look windowpane , and instead unexpectedly change the option in the Finder window if the Finder window has the focus .
There are visual clue that can help you keep racecourse of where you are , but they ’re frustratingly subtle . The Quick Look window has a big trace when it has the focus . ( Yes , that ’s all . ) When the Finder window has rivet , choose data file name are play up in color ; otherwise , they ’re highlighted in gray-headed . The Finder window ’s title ginmill does n’t blur even when the Quick Look window has the focus , because the Finder windowpane is still theactivewindow .
If you use bid like Command - W for Close , or Command - F for Find , or anything else that the Quick Look windowpane ca n’t care , your keystrokes give through to the Finder window , even if the Quick Look window has the focus .
Move through previews
Once you ’ve selected multiple single file , unfold the Quick Look window exhibit the first item . The right - pointer or left over - arrow key displays the next or previous filing cabinet , severally , cycling around to the commencement again if you keep going . you’re able to also apply a two - finger’s breadth swipe on your trackpad to move around . ( But weight-lift the up arrow or down arrow , and the primal press rent you to the Finder window , deselecting your multiple - file selection in favor of a single item . )
Steady the size
As you twitch from one data file to the next , the Quick Look windowpane changes attribute to lodge the sizing and shape of each . If you find this as disquiet as I do , resize the Quick Look windowpane a bit . Once you do , it stays there , and transfer the size of the contents to outfit .
Get an overview with the index sheet
The index sheet is the crux of Quick Look ’s handling of multiple filing cabinet , providing thumbnails of all the selected items . View it by clicking the Index Sheet push button ( the storage-battery grid - same button ) to the right hand of the Next and Previous buttons in the top - left street corner of the Quick Look window . fall into place on a thumbnail to move back to the single - item view . Press Command - Return to toggle between the two position . In the index rag , select an point by using the arrow keys ( the detail is surround by a depressed halo ) and expose it alone by press Return .
expatiate or shrink the index sheet ’s thumbnails by changing the size of the windowpane ; rather than changing the number of thumbnail displayed , this transfer their size .
See the big picture
Sometimes the Quick Look view is n’t quite enough . You might want with child reading of either the thumbnail or individual data file . If you ’re brush up images , you might prefer a black background instead of Quick Look ’s white . How about an automate slideshow to help you review the Indian file ? That ’s all usable in full - screen Quick Look .
switch over to full - screen mode by clicking on the arrow in the upper right nook of the Quick Look windowpane . They show only when an single file is exhibit , but once you ’re in full - screen style , the exponent sheet is accessible . you may use the same keyboard command as in the Quick Look window : Command - Return toggle switch between the forefinger mainsheet and a exclusive item , Left- and correct - pointer key or two - finger’s breadth swipes check the parade of private detail , arrow keys take an item in the index number sheet , and Return bear witness the selected item by itself .
Keep things true to size
To expose items “ full screen , ” icon are enlarged ( keeping the original proportions ) to fill the screen ; this also happen in a large Quick Look window in the Finder . To avoid the distortion that results in either case , insistence selection to make the image recoil to its true size . you may keep the alternative keystone pressed as you abstract or use the arrow key to move from one figure to another to see each one at its original size .
Take advantage of on-screen controls
You ’ll see a float toolbar when you view an individual file in Quick Look ’s full - screen mood ; it appears as soon as you move the arrow pointer , and fades out of the way after a few minute . Press the Play button to start a slideshow so that you’re able to at leisure peruse the declamatory - scale variant of each particular . chatter the Index Sheet button to go to that view , or the Add To iPhoto button to add compatible data file to your program library . habituate the passing Full Screen push button ( or the Esc key ) to leave full - screen mode . The Close button not only exit full - screen mode but also come together the Quick Look window .
