---
title: "OpenFileDialog Component"
ms.date: "03/30/2017"
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "Open File dialog box"
  - "OpenFileDialog component"
ms.assetid: d2efa832-a272-42ff-aa26-c4ac13ff59ba
---
# OpenFileDialog Component (Windows Forms)
The Windows Forms <xref:System.Windows.Forms.OpenFileDialog> component is a pre-configured dialog box. It is the same **Open File** dialog box exposed by the Windows operating system. It inherits from the <xref:System.Windows.Forms.CommonDialog> class.  
  
## In This Section  
 [OpenFileDialog Component Overview](openfiledialog-component-overview-windows-forms.md)  
 Introduces the general concepts of the <xref:System.Windows.Forms.OpenFileDialog> component, which allows you to display a pre-configured dialog box that users can use to open files.  
  
 [How to: Open Files Using the OpenFileDialog Component](how-to-open-files-using-the-openfiledialog-component.md)  
 Explains how to open a file at run time via an instance of the <xref:System.Windows.Forms.OpenFileDialog> component.  
  
## Reference  
 <xref:System.Windows.Forms.OpenFileDialog>  
 Provides reference information on the <xref:System.Windows.Forms.OpenFileDialog> class and its members.  
  
## Related Sections  
 [Dialog-Box Controls and Components](dialog-box-controls-and-components-windows-forms.md)  
 Describes a set of controls and components that allow users to perform standard interactions with the application or system.  
  
 [Controls to Use on Windows Forms](controls-to-use-on-windows-forms.md)  
 Provides a complete list of Windows Forms controls, with links to information on their use.