Previewing Images

You can preview image, audio, and video files in the Preview pane. By default, the Preview pane displays the highlights of the image's EXIF information for quick reference. You can set the Preview pane to display a thumbnail of the currently selected image or media file. You can resize the pane to adjust the thumbnail dimensions, and reposition the pane anywhere on your screen.

You can also use the Preview pane to view a histogram of the selected image.

To Open or Close the Preview Pane:

Do one of the following:

• Click View | Preview.
• Press CTRL + Shift + P.

To Show or Hide What Displays in the Preview Pane:

Right-click the Preview pane's title bar, select Image and Information, and then select one of the following:

• Show Image: Displays only a preview of the image.
• Show Information: Displays EXIF information about the image. This is called the Information palette.
• Show Histogram: Displays the image's histogram.

The Information Palette

The Information palette provides immediate access to the most useful elements of an image's EXIF information. It includes:

• Camera Name and Lens Model
• Dimensions
• File Size
• Exposure Program
• White Balance
• Metering Mode
• Flash
• RAW (will be blank for files that are not RAW)
• ISO
• F-Stop
• Shutter Speed
• Exposure Compensation
• Focal Length

If you are unsure what a certain symbol means, you can hover your mouse over it for a pop-up explanation.

To Customize the Preview Info:

You can customize what information displays at the bottom of the Information palette section of the Preview pane. The date and time that the image was taken is selected by default.

1. Right-click the date and time at the bottom of the Information palette in the Preview pane.
2. Click Choose Preview Info...
3. In the Choose Details dialog box, select the item listed under Currently Displayed Details and press the Remove button.
4. From the Available Details column, choose an item by checking the checkbox next to it and pressing the Add button.
5. Click OK.

To Preview Audio or Video Files:

1. Click Tools | Options | Preview.
2. Check the Preview audio and video clips checkbox.
3. Click OK.

The Information palette also displays in View, Develop, and Edit mode. To turn off the Information palette, deselect Info Palette under the View menu.

See Also:

• Setting the Preview Pane Options