Patent ID: 8732600

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, comprising: performing, by a computing device, a search using a search query, wherein the search is through indexed content and metadata of a plurality of files in a hierarchical file system; generating search results including two or more files of the plurality of files; determining associated file types for the two or more files; using the file type for a file to identify a plug-in capable of processing content of the file, wherein the file type has an associated file format; using the plug-in to dynamically generate a preview view entry for the file, wherein dynamically generating the preview view entry includes processing the content of the file, wherein processing the content includes using the plug-in to translate the file from the file format to a new file format, wherein the preview view entry includes a display of the content of the file in the new file format, and wherein the new file format is different from the file format; generating a preview view including the preview view entry in a preview view area, wherein the preview view area further includes another preview view entry for at least one additional file having a different file type; generating a list view including a list view entry for the file in a list view area; concurrently displaying the preview view area and the list view area; linking the list view and preview view, wherein linking includes displaying an indication of a selection of the preview view entry for the file when an input corresponding to a selection of the list view entry is received; receiving an input corresponding to a selection of the preview view entry or the list view entry for the file; identifying an application associated with the file format; and opening the file using the identified application.