Apple’s Preview is a surprisingly capable graphics editor for making quick changes to screenshots and other illustrations, but it lacks a built-in way to delete content while leaving the background. Here’s the workaround—select a rectangle of the background color, copy it, paste it, and then move it over the undesirable content—as shown in the After screenshot below, where blue selection dots denote the pasted box. As you resize the box, press Shift to prevent it from resizing proportionally, which helps you make it the shape you want. If you need a second box of the same color, Option-drag the first box to copy it. When you save and close, your boxes will be merged into the image, permanently removing the content underneath, so make sure they’re in the right spot before moving on.
(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/Seetwo)
Maximize your Mac experience with "The Fix," our Mac Tips and Tricks newsletter. Sign up today and become a power user!
Have questions? Contact The MacGuys+ at 763-331-6227 or schedule an on-site visit.
Expert IT support. Serving Mac-based business owners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities Metro, Western WI, and beyond.
Nationwide, co-managed Mac IT support for a seamless work-anywhere Mac experience.
