Open files with the keyboard in Finder (Return renames)

Why it happens

Finder uses Return to start renaming whatever is selected, which catches out a lot of people. Opening has its own shortcut, Command-Down Arrow, and Command-O does the same. There's no setting to make Return open files, so these shortcuts are the way.

How to fix it

1. Click a file or folder once, or move to it with the arrow keys, so it's selected.

2. Press Command-Down Arrow to open it. Command-O works too, or choose File > Open.

   Finder›File›Open

3. To go back up to the folder that holds it, press Command-Up Arrow.

4. Pressed Return by mistake and the name is highlighted? Press Escape to stop renaming without changing anything.

Still not fixed?

1. Just want a quick look? Press Space to preview the file, and Space again to close the preview.

2. If Command-Down Arrow does nothing, check the item is really selected (highlighted). With nothing selected, there's nothing to open.

3. If the file opens in the wrong app, Control-click it, choose Open With and pick the app you want.

   Finder›Control-click›Open With

4. If the keys don't respond in Finder or anywhere else, try another keyboard. If that one works, your keyboard may need a hardware repair, so contact Apple Support or a repair shop.