Google Docs Windows Explorer Integration (Ask The Readers)

Martin Brinkmann
Apr 9, 2010
Updated • Oct 27, 2016
Google
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Now that I have decided to run a computer system without local pdf reader installed I had to find another comfortable way of dealing with pdf documents. I'm currently using Google Docs for the purpose which is not that big of a nuisance because I have to open pdf documents rarely, and I have the web browser open most of the time to access Google Docs in just a few clicks.

One thing however that bothers me a little bit is that there does not seem to be a way to integrate Google Docs in Windows Explorer natively. Natively meaning without a software or application running in the background that provides that functionality.

I have discovered several programs that can be used to send documents from Windows Explorer to Google Docs. These include Quick Tools for Google Apps or Google Docs Uploader but their functionality is only available for as long as the programs are running.

I'm more looking for a solution that integrates the upload into Windows Explorer without a software running in the background all the time. Much like the Virus Total Uploader is offering. The program only starts up if the user selects the option to send the selected files to Virus Total.

The question is: Is there a way to integrate Google Docs into Windows Explorer without a permanent process in the background that is providing that functionality?

Update: recent versions of the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome web browser come with a pdf reader that you can use to read pdf documents right in the browser. You can drag and drop documents into the browser or read online pdf files right away by just clicking on them.

This is more secure and also more private than using a third-party service like Google Docs. Users on Windows may also take a look at the excellent lightweight PDF reader Sumatra.

 

Summary
Article Name
Google Docs Windows Explorer Integration (Ask The Readers)
Description
Is there a way to integrate Google Docs into Windows Explorer without a permanent process in the background that is providing that functionality?
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. keynell said on October 19, 2010 at 7:52 am
    Reply

    http://docsinoffice.com/ is the closest thing i found

  2. ArpitNext said on April 10, 2010 at 4:48 am
    Reply

    Donno if Google Docs APIs support such integration, but there is something magical: Offisync.

    It simply makes MS office a desktop client for Google docs. lol :)

    http://www.offisync.com/

  3. Tech said on April 10, 2010 at 2:03 am
    Reply

    PDF reader vulnerabilities are exploited during web browsing by using the browser plugin. Simply do not install or disable the plugin(s) and then when you browse by a PDF, your browser will prompt you to open it in an external application. If a site tries to exploit a vulnerability, click Cancel and you just avoided it. Don’t let vulnerabilities make your computer annoying to use.

  4. John Fitzpatrick said on April 9, 2010 at 4:07 pm
    Reply

    Try http://www.cloudhero.com

    Works for me

  5. garbanzo said on April 9, 2010 at 3:42 pm
    Reply

    hmm if you’re worried about exploits why not just run foxit portable inside a sandbox?

  6. Stone said on April 9, 2010 at 3:34 pm
    Reply

    Oh yeah, one addon you could try would be Open IT Online

    http://www.openitonline.com/

    just the first one i ran across, I’m sure there are many others.

  7. Stone said on April 9, 2010 at 3:32 pm
    Reply

    Well, you could try something like:

    1. Grab an addon that allows you to open online pdf’s in Firefox or chrome via google reader.

    2. Set your computer settings to open pdf files with that browser by default.

    I’m using PDF-Xchange viewer and loving it. I may try this g-docs fix on my computer later today though.

    1. Anonymous said on April 9, 2010 at 7:02 pm
      Reply

      Just sandbox your pdf reader. Threat gone.

  8. DanTe said on April 9, 2010 at 3:31 pm
    Reply

    Let us know if you find out. I haven’t been able to see one.

    One thing about using Google Docs though, you have to remember to check your “Account Settings” “Dashboard” and delete the docs you had viewed. It stays on Google’s server forever until you delete it.

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