Podcast Summary: Hands-On Mac 159: macOS Preview: Edit Images

Released on November 21, 2024

Host: Micah Sargent
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Show: Hands-On Mac
Episode Title: macOS Preview: Edit Images

Overview

In episode 159 of Hands-On Mac, Micah Sargent delves deep into the capabilities of the macOS Preview application, focusing specifically on its image editing features. Throughout the episode, Micah provides a comprehensive guide on how to leverage Preview's tools to crop, resize, rotate, remove backgrounds, and adjust image colors effectively. This episode is an invaluable resource for Mac users looking to maximize the potential of the built-in Preview app without resorting to third-party software.

1. Introduction to Preview’s Image Editing Capabilities

Micah begins by setting the stage for the episode, emphasizing the versatility of Preview beyond its well-known PDF handling functions. He states:

"Preview is a jam-packed application that can really make all the difference when it comes to working with those basic files."
[00:30]

He highlights that while previous episodes covered Preview’s PDF functionalities, this installment focuses on image editing, showcasing how users can perform essential edits without additional software.

2. Cropping, Resizing, and Rotating Images

Micah takes listeners through the fundamental image editing tools available in Preview:

• Cropping Images:
  He demonstrates how to use the Markup Toolbar to access the selection tool, allowing users to select and crop specific parts of an image. Micah explains the flexibility of the tool, including the ability to make free-form or square selections by holding the shift key.

  "If you want to quickly make a square selection that can then become a square crop, then you want to hold down that shift key."
  [04:20]

  Additionally, he introduces a keyboard shortcut for cropping:

  "There is a keyboard shortcut for cropping as well. It's Command + K, K for crop, not C for Crop."
  [06:15]

• Resizing Images:
  Using the Adjust Size feature, Micah illustrates how to change image dimensions, toggle between pixels and inches, and maintain aspect ratios. He emphasizes the importance of the Scale Proportionally option to preserve the image’s original proportions.

  "What scale proportionally does is it keeps that original proportion of the image."
  [10:05]

  He also discusses resampling options and how altering image size affects file size, providing practical examples for optimizing images for online uploads.

• Rotating Images:
  Micah covers the rotation tools, both within the toolbar and via keyboard shortcuts (Command + L for left, Command + R for right). He explains additional options like flipping images horizontally or vertically to correct mirrored or upside-down images.

  "You can choose to flip horizontal... or flip vertical if the image is mirrored oddly."
  [11:30]

3. Removing Image Backgrounds

One of the standout features Micah explores is background removal, using both the Smart Lasso and Instant Alpha (Remove Background) tools:

• Smart Lasso Tool:
  He demonstrates tracing around an object within an image to isolate it from the background. However, Micah notes the limitations of this tool, especially with complex backgrounds.

  "Smart Lasso may work better or worse for you. It all depends on how well the foreground and the background contrast with the image."
  [15:30]

• Instant Alpha Tool:
  Micah provides a step-by-step guide on using Instant Alpha to remove solid or contrasting backgrounds efficiently. By selecting and deleting the unwanted background, users can achieve transparent images suitable for various applications.

  "With Instant Alpha, you are actually selecting the part of the image that you want to remove... and then you can hit delete."
  [17:45]

4. Advanced Image Adjustments

Micah delves into the more sophisticated color and exposure adjustments available in Preview:

• Adjusting Colors:
  He explains how to manipulate highlights, midtones, and shadows, as well as RGB separation, to refine an image’s appearance.

  "You can drag the highlights, the midtones, and the shadows... making the colors darker or lighter."
  [20:10]

• Auto Levels and Exposure:
  The Auto Levels feature automatically optimizes image appearance based on algorithms, while manual exposure adjustments allow for fine-tuning.

  "Auto Levels will adjust the image based on what it thinks would look best."
  [21:50]

• Contrast, Saturation, Temperature, and Tint:
  Micah covers how to enhance or mute colors, adjust image warmth, and correct tint using the eyedropper tool for white balance.

  "You can pick a neutral gray or white point in the image and adjust the tint based on that."
  [23:15]

• Sharpness Adjustments:
  The ability to blur or sharpen images provides users control over the final image clarity.

  "You can make the image much sharper, which gives it that kind of HD effect."
  [24:40]

5. Practical Applications and Tips

Micah underscores the practicality of Preview’s tools for everyday tasks:

• Optimizing Images for Web Uploads:
  By resizing images, users can reduce file sizes, making uploads smoother and faster.

  "I could easily see how much of a change that made and make it to whatever size that you need."
  [11:00]

• Quick Edits Without Third-Party Software:
  He advocates for using Preview for quick adjustments, emphasizing its efficiency and accessibility.

  "There’s not necessarily a reason to hop into Photos or a third-party tool if all you want to do is make some quick adjustments."
  [26:20]

• Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency:
  Micah highlights various shortcuts that streamline the editing process, allowing users to perform tasks swiftly without navigating through menus.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Micah reiterates the power and utility of the Preview app:

"Preview is an incredibly powerful application that is built into every modern Mac... a tool that I think everybody should use."
[27:30]

He shares a listener’s feedback, reinforcing the often-overlooked features of Preview and encouraging more users to explore its full potential.

"I got an email from one listener who said I didn't realize that it could do all of this."
[27:45]

Micah concludes by expressing his intent to rely on Preview for future PDF and image editing needs, underscoring its comprehensive capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Preview is Multifaceted: Beyond viewing PDFs and images, Preview offers robust editing tools that cater to both basic and advanced user needs.

• Efficient Editing: Users can perform essential edits—cropping, resizing, rotating, background removal, and color adjustments—without external applications.

• User-Friendly Interface: The Markup Toolbar and intuitive tools like Smart Lasso and Instant Alpha make image editing accessible to all Mac users.

• Time-Saving Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts enhance productivity, enabling faster workflow management.

• Optimizing for Various Platforms: Preview assists in preparing images for web uploads by adjusting dimensions and file sizes efficiently.

Conclusion

Episode 159 of Hands-On Mac serves as an in-depth tutorial on utilizing macOS Preview for image editing. Micah Sargent effectively demystifies the app’s capabilities, empowering listeners to harness its full potential for personal and professional projects. Whether you're a casual user looking to make quick adjustments or someone seeking more advanced editing tools, this episode highlights why Preview remains a vital component of the Mac ecosystem.