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ngtrdangkhoa
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Cannot open sticky notes in PDF in Preview app

I CAN'T OPEN THE YELLOW NOTE IN PREVIEW APP


I am experiencing an issue with the Preview app on macOS. After closing and reopening the app, I can no longer open the sticky notes in my PDF file. When I hover over them, the cursor turns into a hand icon, allowing me to move the notes around, but I cannot double-click to open them.


Control-clicking only shows the "Remove Note" option, with no "Open Note" available.


I have checked the Encryption settings and confirmed the file is unlocked.


I also tried exporting it as a new PDF, but the notes still won't open.


I can still see the content in my note by using the View feature in the sidebar, but i just can't open them.

Posted on Sep 29, 2026 10:29 AM

1 reply

VikingOSX
User level: Level 10 (131,878 points)

Sep 29, 2026 11:21 AM in response to ngtrdangkhoa

Apparently, this is a bug in Preview on macOS 27.0.1. I can reproduce it here and there appears to be no means to click on the note and have it display its contents short of choosing the Inspector > Annotations Inspector and selecting the Note entry there.


Send direct feedback to the macOS Product team about this issue. The only way they will learn about it.


Opening the same PDF in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and just hovering over the note displays its content.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256367373