How to automatically open new PDFs in Preview on Mac

What this does

If you’re waiting on a specific PDF, a boarding pass, a signed contract, a scan, it’s often faster to have it open itself the second it arrives than to go looking for it. This rule watches a folder and opens every new PDF straight into Preview, no click required.

What you’ll build

A rule that matches every PDF, then opens it with Preview.

Open the rule editor

This walkthrough happens inside FilesAutomator itself, so install it from the Mac App Store first if you have not already, then open it. In its toolbar, choose Add, then New Automation Rule.

Name the rule and choose a folder

Name it something like “Open my new PDFs automatically” and use Add Folder to choose the folder you’re expecting these PDFs in.

Build the condition

Add a single condition: Extension is pdf.

FilesAutomator

Add the action steps

Step 1: Open with app

Choose Add Step, then Open with app. Select Choose and pick Preview, normally found inside Applications, then System.

FilesAutomator

Turn it on

Select Create Automation Rule, then switch the rule on. Every PDF that lands here now opens in Preview automatically.

A faster way

The template gallery inside FilesAutomator already has this rule ready to install, named Open new PDFs automatically.