The Universal File Opener (UFO) is a Google Chrome extension. It enhances the Google Drive and AODocs experience by allowing you to:
- open non-Google files locally on your computer using the corresponding software
- save the changes you made locally back to Google Drive or AODocs
The UFO extension is composed of a Google Chrome extension and a local Sync Client. They both must be installed on your computer (Windows or macOS).
Install the UFO extension for the first time
If you already have the UFO extension installed on your Google Chrome profile, go directly to the installation of the Sync Client section related to your OS:
- Install the Sync Client on Windows
- Install the Sync Client on macOS
- Install the Sync Client on macOS Sierra
1. Open the Universal Files Opener - Chrome Extension link.
The Google Chrome extension pop-up opens.
2. Press Add to Chrome.
3. A pop-up opens to request confirmation that you want to install UFO. Press Add extension.
A pop-up opens to confirm that UFO has been added to Chrome.
Install the Sync Client on Windows
1. To install the Sync Client on Windows, choose one of these options:
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Use this link: |
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Use this link:
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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.
5. Press the Finish button.
A message confirms that the Sync Client is installed.
6. Open Google Drive or AODocs and start opening and editing non-Google files.
Install the Sync Client 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 is active on your Google Chrome Profile.
- Press the link available in the extension pop-up.
- Use this link: UFO Sync Client - macOS.
2. When the download is complete, double-click the .dmg file to open it.
3. Double-click the UFO button.
4. Press the Open button to finish the installation.
5. Open Google Drive or AODocs and start opening and editing non-Google files.
Install the Sync Client 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. Open Google Drive or AODocs and start opening and editing non-Google files.
Authorizations for standalone UFO
Note: If you already have the Smartbar installed or if you're using UFO with AODocs or Awesome Drive, UFO is automatically authorized after installing it. You won't be prompted to grant authorizations for UFO.
If you're using UFO without the Smartbar, AODocs or Awesome Drive, you're prompted to give permissions when you use UFO for the first time.
Press Allow to grant permissions to use UFO.
Learn more: Permissions required by the Universal File Opener (UFO).
If you’re using several Google Accounts in the same Chrome session and you don’t want to give permissions to UFO for the current account, press Never for this account.
Note: If you subsequently install the Smartbar for this account, UFO will automatically be authorized. You won't see the authorization prompt, but UFO will be active and authorized for this account.
Note about using both the Smartbar and Awesome Drive
If you have both the Smartbar and Awesome Drive installed and active, UFO can't be initialized. This error message appears.
It doesn't make sense to have both the Smartbar and Awesome Drive installed. The Smartbar has all the features of Awesome Drive, and more. You are therefore recommended to disable the Awesome Drive extension on the page: chrome://extensions.