Features Of Preview For Viewing Or Editing PDFs

MacOS, the operating system that powers up Mac models, is one of the most optimized and feature-packed operating systems of all time. It packs in various native applications, each of which facilitates individuals to perform specific tasks with ease. One such powerful native utility of macOS is Preview. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Preview is and some of its most prominent features that come in handy when viewing or editing PDFs. Let us get started: 

What Is Preview? 

Preview is a native macOS utility that allows users to access, view, and edit different files, including digital images, PDF documents, and many similar items. 

Besides viewing, macOS users can make simple file modifications using the utility. For example, they can make simple modifications and tweaks to pictures by adjusting their shadows, contrast, highlights, etc. Overall, it is a highly useful app that macOS users use frequently. 

Preview Features For Viewing And Editing PDFs

The Preview application comprises numerous features that come in handy when users wish to view or edit PDF files. Here is a look at how users can utilize the native tool when dealing with PDFs: 

● Change The Thumbnails Of PDF Files 

When looking at a PDF’s thumbnail, individuals see the smaller version of its pages. This facilitates users to determine or develop a vague idea of what is inside. 

There are instances when users need to change a PDF’s thumbnail. Fortunately, one of Preview’s most prominent features is to let users alter the thumbnails of files, including PDFs. To alter the thumbnail of any PDF document or any of its aspects using Preview, users can follow multiple ways. 

For starters, they can change the dimensions, i.e., collapse or expand it by opening the PDF file using the native utility and clicking on the arrow present beside the filename in the sidebar. Besides this, users can change the size of thumbnails by opening the PDF file using Preview, navigating to the View menu, clicking on the Thumbnails option, and then dragging the sidebar’s separator in the desired direction to alter the width. 

 ● Add Bookmarks 

Most PDF files contain multiple pages of information. Sometimes, users need to access only a particular section of information. However, due to plenty of pages, it becomes hard for them to jump directly to the required section. This is where the use of bookmarks comes in. They are used to mark specific sections based on their significance so that recipients can easily access the important information. 

Besides other features, one highly-useful feature of the Preview utility is allowing users to add bookmarks to PDF files. To bookmark a specific section in a PDF file using Preview, users need to follow the given steps: 

Step 1 - Open the PDF file using the Preview Utility. 

Step 2 - Navigate to the page containing the required information you wish to bookmark. 

Step 3 - Open the Menu bar and click on the “Tools” option. 

Step 4 - Click on the option labeled “Add Bookmark” 

Doing so will bookmark the required portion of a PDF file instantly. To know more, visit https://setapp.com/how-to/add-bookmark-to-pdf. 

● Annotate A PDF 

Annotating refers to adding notes to give explanations and comments. The PDF format allows users to annotate since it facilitates the readers to understand a particular term, line, or section more clearly. Besides offering users the features to add bookmarks and change thumbnails, the Preview utility also facilitates them to annotate PDFs. 

To annotate a PDF using Preview, all users need to do is follow the given steps: 

Step 1 - Open the PDF they wish to annotate using Preview. 

Step 2 - Navigate to the “Tools” section. 

Step 3 - Select the option labeled “Annotate.” 

Using Preview’s annotation tool, users can add text, make shapes like circles, triangles, etc., and easily make customizations on forms or files. 

● Add Signatures To PDF Files 

PDF signatures are mostly used to verify the legitimacy of files and the authorship of their contents. Using the Preview app, macOS users can also add signatures to PDFs. To do so, users need to follow the given steps: 

Step 1 - Open the desired PDF file using Preview. 

Step 2 - Navigate to the “Tools” section. 

Step 3 - Click on the “Annotate” option. 

Step 4 - Click on the option labeled “Signature.” 

● Display Or Present PDFs As Slideshows 

When presenting PDF files, most macOS users prefer displaying them using Preview’s slideshow feature. To do so, users need to follow the given steps: 

Step 1 - Open the PDF in the Preview application. 

Step 2 - Click on the “View” menu, followed by the “Slideshow” option. 

Step 3 - To control the slideshow, use the navigation buttons or controls at the screen’s bottom. 

Thanks to its amazing features, the Preview app is a solid option for viewing and editing PDFs. Any Mac user who wishes to know about Preview’s PDF-related features can refer to the aforementioned points.

What To Know About iPad Forms Design

Using an Apple iPad for data collection offers enterprises many advantages. In addition to enabling enhanced accuracy and real-time submissions, the tablet provides more processing power than smartphones. iPad data collection on the field is also preferable due to better data and battery consumption. Enterprises, however, may not get all the benefits iPad forms have to offer if they’re not well-designed. To help you create the perfect fillable forms for iPad, here’s a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts from expert form designers. 

3 Do’s For Apple iPad Forms Design 

Here are the basic principles our designers follow whenever they design forms for an iPad tablet from Apple. 

1) Emphasize Logical Clarity In Your iPad Forms 

Make sure your forms instantly communicate their purpose. To achieve this, here are some quick tips to get you started. Use a meaningful name for your forms. If you are mobilizing a paper form used in your enterprise, use the same name as the paper form. Add text labels before input fields. Keep these short, succinct, and descriptive to allow users to easily scan them. Preferably keep your labels limited to two words at most to ensure higher completion rates. If you feel extra context or clarification is required, use help text instead of long labels. You can also use placeholder text to add an example. 

2) Always Keep Formatting A Top Priority

The formatting of mobile forms is important as it contributes to their accessibility. The following are important tips to make input fields easier to scan and fill. Avoid using all caps while writing labels. Uppercase text is harder to read since there is no difference in character height. Moreover, users aren’t used to reading text in all caps. Ensure the texts and fonts used in your form are legible. While we usually use 16px, you are welcome to test font sizes to see which is most suitable for you. Carefully select the colors you use in your form. Not only should they reflect your company’s branding, but they also shouldn’t be too bright or too dark. According to W3C, small texts should have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against the background. Meanwhile, larger texts (14px bold, or 18px and up) should have a ratio of 3:1. 

3) Minimize The Effort Required Of Users For Filling Out The Forms 

Users of your iPad forms shouldn’t put too much effort into entering data. With that in mind, here are some pointers to help you achieve this. Use form controls such as the Date Picker or Time Picker to allow users to enter specific details easily. Pre-populate fields with smart default values. For instance, if a user marks their country as Australia, the country code before their numbers can be pre-populated as +61. Provide real-time suggestions or completion suggestions in a dropdown menu. This ensures information is entered accurately and speeds data entry time. 

3 Don’ts Of iPad Form Design 

Now that you know what to do, here are the things to avoid while creating mobile forms for tablets. 

1) Don’t Use Multi-Column Layouts 

Form designers such as Transform Studio allow you to place controls either in vertical or horizontal orientation. However, when designing mobile forms for iPad, the horizontal orientation leads to multi-column layouts. These affect usability since: Users may skip fields where they actually have data to input. Users may mistakenly input data into the wrong fields. Time is wasted while users puzzle over how to proceed with inputting data. You may only use the multi-column design for inputs which are thought of linearly or as a coherent entity. Examples include first and last names; and zip, city, and state fields. 

2) Avoid Building Long Mobile Forms 

You may be tempted to use more input fields since users can scroll through them in portrait mode. However, long forms tend to be too complex. Moreover, you cannot assume users will only use the portrait mode. If you have a long form, consider breaking it down into several tabs. Logically group fields and spread them across several tabs. For instance, input fields in an Environmental Checklist can be divided into Chemical Management, Erosion and Sediment Control, Water Management, and Air Quality and Dust tabs. 

3) Don’t Limit Yourself To Just Text Fields 

One of the biggest advantages of creating fillable forms for iPad is the different input field types you can use. With more space available, you can use the following form controls easily: Toggle Buttons – Toggle buttons (Switch control in Transform Studio) can be used when a user has to decide between two values (e.g. Yes and No). You can use these instead of dropdown lists on your forms. Sliders – Form users will enjoy the speed and ease of data entry offered by the Slider control. By moving the slider, they can select prices, quantities, and much more. Date and Time Pickers – Allow users to select the date and time easily rather than input these values manually to make things easier. 

Apple iPad Form Design Conclusion

Keep these suggestions in mind while creating your mobile forms for tablets to get the most value. If you wish to see iPad forms in action, try out a collection of pre-designed mobile forms available online.