How to preview file in file explorer is a common question among users who frequently navigate through their computer’s files and folders. Previewing files before opening them can save time and enhance productivity. In this article, we will discuss various methods to preview files in different file explorers, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
For Windows users, the File Explorer comes with a built-in preview feature that allows you to view the contents of a file without opening it. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the file you want to preview.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Preview” from the context menu. This will open a preview pane on the right side of the window, displaying the file’s content.
3. If you want to disable the preview feature, right-click on the file and select “Properties.” Under the “General” tab, uncheck the “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option.
macOS users can also preview files using Finder. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Finder and navigate to the folder containing the file you want to preview.
2. Click on the “View” menu at the top of the screen and select “Show Preview.”
3. A preview pane will appear on the right side of the window, displaying the file’s content.
4. To disable the preview feature, click on the “View” menu again and select “Hide Preview.”
Linux users can preview files using Nautilus, the default file explorer in Ubuntu and other GNOME-based distributions. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Nautilus and navigate to the folder containing the file you want to preview.
2. Click on the “View” menu at the top of the window and select “Preview.”
3. A preview pane will appear on the right side of the window, displaying the file’s content.
4. To disable the preview feature, click on the “View” menu again and select “Hide Preview.”
These methods provide a quick and easy way to preview files in your file explorer. However, there are also third-party applications available that offer more advanced preview features, such as built-in PDF readers, image viewers, and document editors. You can install these applications from your distribution’s software repository or by downloading them from the developer’s website.
In conclusion, previewing files in your file explorer can help you make informed decisions about which files to open and save time. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable and disable the preview feature in Windows, macOS, and Linux file explorers.
