Mac OS X Lion Gets Ability to Open Microsoft Office Files in Preview

Mac OS X Lion features an updated Preview application that can open Microsoft Office files and perform new PDF annotations, according to an AppleInsider report.

Preview 5.5 has received a facelift in Lion becoming a Full Screen app and getting the new iPad-like buttons. It can easily open and preview Microsoft Office documents sparing users from having to install Office just to view or print a document. Quick Look also offers a new button to open documents in Preview.

AppleInsider also notes that a new Magnifier tool in Preview works similar the loupe in Aperture letting you blow up an area of a document or graphic file for closer examination.


Preview 5.5 also adds new annotations in addition to simple text, colored lines, arrows and rectangles or circle outlines. You can now annotate with filled shapes, outlined text, and cartoon-like speech or thought bubbles.

As we reported previously, Preview is also getting a new feature to capture your handwritten signature for insertion into documents.

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