Alternatively called Control+O, ^o, and C-o, Ctrl+O is a keyboard shortcut often used to open a URL, document, image, or other file types.

How to use the Ctrl+O keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold the left or right Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press O.

This page covers the Ctrl+O (letter ‘O’) shortcut and not the Ctrl+0 (zero) shortcut.

On Apple computers, the keyboard shortcut to open is Command+O.

  • How to use the Ctrl+O keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+O in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+O in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+O in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+O in Word and other word processors.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+O in an Internet browser

In all Internet browsers, pressing Ctrl+O brings up the Open window, which lets you open a file from your computer.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+O in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and all other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+O brings up the Open window, allowing you to load an existing spreadsheet stored on your computer.

  • Full list of Excel shortcuts.
  • Google Sheets shortcuts.

Ctrl+O in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+O brings up the Open window, allowing you to load an existing presentation stored on your computer.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+O in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+O brings up the Open window, allowing you to load an existing document stored on your computer.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

  • Alt+O
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, O, Open, URL

  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.