The Universal File Opener (UFO) and the AODocs File Opener (AFO) are Google Chrome extensions.
- UFO is used in AODocs libraries using Google Drive
- AFO is used in AODocs libraries using Google Cloud Storage or Azure Blob storage
Learn more:
What are the components of the UFO/AFO extension?
The UFO/AFO extension has the following components.
1. UFO/AFO Google Chrome extension
The extension can be:
- installed by individual users through the Chrome web store
- deployed to all users on your domain by administrators
2. Installer package and local Sync Client
The installer package installs the local Sync Client. It can be:
- installed by individual users on Windows, MacOS or MacOS Sierra – this doesn't require administrator rights on your computer
- deployed to all users on your domain by administrators using Windows or MacOS deployment tools – this requires administrator rights
Note: The installer package is fully forward compatible: all versions of UFO/AFO work with previous versions of the installer package.
The local Sync Client is installed automatically by the installer package.
Note: You can upgrade the local Sync Client whenever needed, but it doesn't need to be in sync with the UFO/AFO extension or the installer package.
This article describes how to install UFO/AFO as an individual user.
Install the UFO/AFO extension
1. You can:
- open the Universal File Opener - Chrome Extension link
- open the AODocs File Opener - Chrome Extension link
Alternatively, in AODocs, access a feature that requires the UFO/AFO extension.
Opening a PDF attachment in an AODocs library using Google Drive: UFO installation pop-up
The Google Chrome extension pop-up opens.
2. Press Add to Chrome.
UFO Google Chrome extension pop-up
3. A pop-up opens to request confirmation that you want to install UFO/AFO. Press Add extension.
UFO confirmation request
A pop-up opens to confirm that UFO has been added to Chrome.
Download the installer package and install the Sync Client
On Windows
1. To install the Sync Client on Windows, use one of these options:
- Press Click here to download the synchronization client in the pop-up displayed when the UFO/AFO extension is active on your Google Chrome Profile.
- Press the link available in the UFO/AFO extension pop-up.
- Use this link for UFO: UFO Sync Client - Windows (single user installer).
- Use this link for AFO: AFO Sync Client - Windows (single user installer).
Learn about how to install UFO/AFO for all users on your domain as an administrator.
2. When the download is complete, double-click the .msi file to open it.
3. Press the Execute button.
4. Read the license agreement and select the checkbox to accept the agreement, then press the Install button.
License agreement pop-up for UFO installer package and Sync Client
5. Press the Finish button. A message confirms that the installer package and Sync Client are installed.
Confirmation messages for UFO
6. You can now open and edit non-Google files in:
- Google Drive – in the case of UFO
- AODocs – in the case of UFO or AFO
On macOS
1. To install the Sync Client on macOS, choose one of these options:
- Press Click here to download the synchronization client in the pop-up displayed when UFO/AFO is active on your Google Chrome Profile.
- Press the link available in the UFO/AFO extension pop-up.
- Use this link for UFO: UFO Sync Client - macOS
- Use this link for AFO: AFO Sync Client - macOS
Learn about how to install UFO/AFO for all users on your domain as an administrator.
2. When the download is complete, double-click the .dmg file to open it.
3. Double-click the UFO button.
UFO installation launcher
4. Press the Open button to finish the installation.
Pop-up to confirm request to install UFO
5. You can now open and edit non-Google files in:
- Google Drive – in the case of UFO
- AODocs – in the case of UFO or AFO
On macOS Sierra
Important: As a macOS Sierra user, if your security preferences allow only the installation of applications from the App Store, you will get the following error message when opening the Sync Client .dmg file.
If you have this error message, you must authorize the UFO extension installation:
1. Press the drop-down arrow of the .dmg file and select the Show in Finder option.
2. Right-click the .dmg file and select the Open with option.
3. Select the DiskImageMounter (default) option.
4. Press the Open button to finish the installation.
5. You can now open and edit non-Google files in:
- Google Drive – in the case of UFO
- AODocs – in the case of UFO or AFO
Refresh the UFO/AFO connection with the Sync Client
1. In Chrome, press the UFO/AFO extension button next to the URL bar. The UFO/AFO extension pop-up opens.
2. Press the Refresh connection button.
3. Press Refresh. This refreshes the UFO/AFO connection with the Sync Client and the page is reloaded.
AFO extension pop-up showing the Refresh connection button