How to Use Quick Actions in Finder on Mac to Convert Files and Create PDFs

Performing common file operations on Mac—such as rotating sideways smartphone photos, converting heavy HEIC camera images to standard JPEGs, trimming quick video clips, or merging scattered scans into a single PDF—traditionally meant launching heavy dedicated applications like Preview, Photoshop, or QuickTime. In macOS, Quick Actions allows you to execute these frequent workflow tasks directly inside the Finder window with a single click, saving substantial time and system memory.

Where to Access Quick Actions in Finder

Quick Actions are available throughout macOS in two convenient locations:

• Context Menu: Right-click (or Control-click) any file or selection of files in Finder, hover over Quick Actions, and choose your desired operation.
• Finder Preview Pane: Press Cmd + Shift + P to toggle the Preview sidebar in any Finder window. Action buttons appear directly beneath the file thumbnail.

Converting Images to JPEG, PNG, or HEIF Instantly

To convert image formats without opening photo editors:

1. Select one or more images in Finder (supports HEIC, TIFF, PNG, and JPEG).
2. Right-click and select Quick Actions > Convert Image.
3. In the popup dialogue, select your target format (JPEG, PNG, or HEIF).
4. Choose your desired image resolution (Small, Medium, Large, or Actual Size).
5. Optionally check Preserve Metadata to keep EXIF camera records.
6. Click Convert to [Format]. Finder generates fresh converted files alongside the originals in seconds.

Combining Multiple Scans and Images into a Single PDF

Creating a multi-page document from loose image files or receipts takes seconds:

1. Hold Cmd and click to select multiple images or documents in the order you want them arranged.
2. Right-click the selection.
3. Select Quick Actions > Create PDF.
4. Finder instantly merges all selected pages into a single, clean PDF file placed in the same directory.

Trimming Audio and Video Clips in Finder

To cut the beginning or end off a screen recording or smartphone video:

1. Select the video file in Finder.
2. In the Preview pane (or context menu), click Trim.
3. A yellow scrubbing bar will appear across the bottom of the video preview.
4. Drag the left and right yellow handles to set your start and end points.
5. Click Done, then choose Save New Clip (to keep the original video intact) or Replace.

Customising Your Quick Actions Menu

To add or rearrange actions, navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Services to enable custom Automator and Shortcuts workflows directly in Finder.