# Open a job

The method you use to open an existing job depends on if you are using PDI locally on your machine or if you are [connected to a repository](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/use-a-pentaho-repository-in-pdi.md). If you are connected to a repository, you are remotely accessing your file on the Pentaho Server. Optionally, you can open a job on a Virtual File System (VFS).

**Note:** If you get a message indicating that a plugin is missing, see [Troubleshooting Transformation Steps and Job Entries](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-issues/troubleshooting-transformation-steps-and-job-entries.md) for more details.

If you recently had a file open, you can also use **File** > **Open Recent**.

## On your local machine

Follow these instructions to open a job on your local machine.

1. In the PDI client, perform one of the following actions:
   * Select **File** > **Open**.
   * Click the **Open file** icon in the toolbar.
   * Hold down the CTRL O keys.
2. Select the file from the Open window, then click **Open**.

The Open window closes when your job appears in the canvas.

## In the Pentaho Repository

Follow these instructions to access a job in the Pentaho Repository.

1. Verify that you are [connected to a repository](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/use-a-pentaho-repository-in-pdi.md), which establishes remote access to the Pentaho Server.
2. In the PDI client, perform one of the following actions to access the Open repository browser window:
   * Select **File** > **Open**
   * Click the **Open file** icon in the toolbar.
   * Hold down the CTRL O keys.
3. If you recently opened a file, use **Recents** to navigate to your job.
4. Use either the search box to find your job, or use the left panel to navigate to a repository folder containing your job.
5. Perform one of the following actions:
   * Double-click on your job.
   * Select it and press the **Enter** key.
   * Select it and click **Open**.

The Open window closes when your job appears in the canvas.

**Note:** If you select a folder or file in the Open window, you can click on it again to rename it.

## On Virtual File Systems

From the menu bar in the PDI client, select **File** > **Open URL** to open a PDI job on a Virtual File System (VFS). See [Connecting to Virtual File Systems](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/virtual-file-system-browser.md) for details.

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