This Chrome extensions lets you open Google Drive files in compatible Mac apps

Application Launcher for Drive (Chrome extension 001)

Google on Wednesday announced a new extension for the Chrome browser which makes it easy to open files stored in your Google Drive in compatible applications on your Mac or Windows PC.

“This includes apps like advanced image and video editing software, accounting and tax programs, or 3D animation and design tools,” wrote the search firm in a blog post.

Simply right-click on the file from Google Drive and select “Open with” to see a list of applications on your computer that can open it. The extension is called “Application Launcher for Drive” and you can download it for free in the Chrome Web Store.

You can choose to open a PDF file with Adobe Reader or Apple’s Preview, a .PSD with Photoshop and more. After making your edits and saving the file, any changes will sync across all your devices and other collaborators.

And here it is in action.

Application Launcher for Drive (Chrome extension, animated GIF)

You will need Google Chrome to install this extension.

If you don’t keep Google’s browser installed on your system, you can download Chrome at google.com/chrome. And if you want to sync your Mac with Google Drive, you’ll need to download the free Google Drive desktop client for Mac or Windows.

You must be on the new Google Drive to use this extension. To learn more, check out Google’s Help Center.

[Google Drive Blog]