In the realm of digital image editing, Preview, the built-in macOS application, is a powerful tool that allows users to manipulate images with ease. While Preview offers a multitude of features, one particular aspect that often causes frustration is the default selection tool. By default, Preview utilizes the "Text Selection" tool, which can be inconvenient when working with images that require precise rectangular selections. This article will guide you through the process of changing the default selection tool from "Text Selection" to "Rectangular Selection" in Preview, empowering you to work more efficiently and effectively.
Understanding the Different Selection Tools in Preview
Preview provides two primary selection tools:
1. Text Selection: This tool, selected by default, is designed for selecting text within images. It automatically detects text areas and allows for easy selection and editing.
2. Rectangular Selection: This tool allows you to manually select a rectangular area within an image. It is ideal for precise image cropping, resizing, or other operations that require a defined rectangular area.
How to Set 'Rectangular Selection' as the Default in Preview
While Preview lacks a direct option to set "Rectangular Selection" as the default, there are a couple of workarounds you can employ to achieve this desired outcome.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
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Open Preview: Launch Preview from your applications folder or by double-clicking an image file.
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Select the 'Rectangular Selection' tool: Click on the "Rectangular Selection" tool icon in the toolbar.
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Use the keyboard shortcut: Press and hold the Option key (or Alt key on Windows) and then click the "Rectangular Selection" tool icon again.
By holding the Option key and clicking the tool icon, you are essentially "locking" the "Rectangular Selection" tool as the active one. This means that the next time you open Preview, the "Rectangular Selection" tool will be selected by default.
Method 2: Using Automator (macOS)
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Open Automator: Launch Automator from your applications folder.
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Create a New Workflow: Select "Quick Action" as the workflow type.
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Search for 'Preview' action: In the search bar, type "Preview" and select the "Preview" action from the results.
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Configure the Preview action: Under the "Preview" action, choose the desired "Tool" (in this case, "Rectangular Selection").
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Save the Workflow: Name the workflow and save it.
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Assign the Workflow: In the System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts tab, select "Services." Click the "+" button and add the workflow you saved. Assign a keyboard shortcut to the workflow.
Now, every time you use the assigned shortcut, the workflow will execute, effectively setting the "Rectangular Selection" tool as the default in Preview.
Conclusion
By leveraging either of the outlined methods, you can successfully change the default selection tool in Preview from "Text Selection" to "Rectangular Selection." This simple adjustment can dramatically streamline your workflow, allowing you to perform precise image manipulations with greater ease and efficiency. Remember, these workarounds may vary slightly depending on your macOS version and operating system. However, the core concepts remain the same, empowering you to customize Preview according to your individual preferences and optimize your image editing experience.
