Google announced that Google Drive will now let you launch applications from your desktop computer in the Chrome browser. You’ll need a Chrome extension for it, but this is certainly a welcome addition to Drive users looking for increased productivity from within.

Check it out.

“Browsers are pretty amazing things,” says product manager Rachel Barton. “Before, if you wanted to do any serious computing, you’d have to install software onto your computer. But these days, most of that can be done right from within the browser. For example, you can use Google Drive to preview files directly in Gmail, create and share Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, and even edit other file types like Microsoft Office documents without installing a single thing on your hard drive.”

“But here’s the catch,” she adds. “When it comes to browsers and installed applications working well together, they aren’t quite on the same page. To change that, 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.”

The Chrome extension you’ll need is Application Launcher for Drive. It’s in the process of rolling out.

The extension will require you to sync your files.

Image via Google