Launch desktop applications from Google Drive in Chrome
November 5th, 2014 | Published in Google Apps
Today we’re launching a new extension for Chrome that lets you open files from Google Drive directly into a compatible application installed on your computer. This includes apps like advanced image and video editing software, accounting and tax programs, or 3D animation and design tools. So, no matter what you keep in Drive, using the web to access and manage files doesn’t mean you’re limited to using applications that only work in your browser.
To get started, install the latest version of the Drive app for Mac or PC (version 1.18) and sync your files. Then, visit Google Drive in your Chrome browser (make sure you’re on the new Google Drive). Finally, right-click on the file and select “Open with” to see a list of compatible applications on your computer that can open it. For example, you can choose to open a PDF file with Adobe Reader, or a .psd with Photoshop, make your edits and save back changes to Drive which will sync across all your devices and other collaborators.
Release track:
Rapid release and Scheduled release (gradual rollout)
For more information:
Google for Work Blog post
Help CenterNote: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted
whatsnew.googleapps.com
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