Is the file name extension .tax2023 or .pdf? You can't open a PDF in TurboTax.
Don't open a .tax2023 tax return file by clicking on the file in Windows. Start the TurboTax program first, then open the tax return from within TurboTax.
If you need further help, please tell us whether you are using TurboTax in Windows or on a Mac. Also explain what you mean by "show me a turbo tax file." When you open a tax return in TurboTax it takes you to a screen in the Step-by-Step interview.
I for some reason only have a pdf copy of 2023 tax file. is there someway I can change it to a .tax2023 file?
No, there's no way to create a .tax2023 file from a PDF. If you used TurboTax Online for your 2023 tax return you should be able to download the .tax2023 file. If you used the desktop software for 2023, search your entire hard drive for *.tax2023. It might have gotten moved somewhere. And check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). The search does not look there.