# Open a transformation

The method you use to open an existing transformation depends on if you are using PDI locally on your machine or if you are connected to a repository. If you are connected to a repository, then you are remotely accessing your file on the Pentaho Server. Optionally, you can open a transformation on a Virtual File System (VFS).

**Note:** If you get a message indicating that a plugin is missing, see the [Troubleshooting transformation steps and job entries](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-issues/troubleshooting-transformation-steps-and-job-entries.md) section 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 transformation 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 transformation appears in the canvas.

## In the Pentaho Repository

Follow these instructions to access a transformation 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 transformation.
4. Use either the search box to find your transformation, or use the left panel to navigate to a repository folder containing your transformation.
5. Perform one of the following actions:
   * Double-click on your transformation.
   * Select it and press the Enter key.
   * Select it and click **Open**.

The Open window closes when your transformation 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 transformation 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.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/work-with-transformations-cp/open-a-transformation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.