A server in a cloud-based environment interfaces with storage devices that store shared content. A user retrieves a document editing application from the server. The document editing application comprises a set of native operating system application code, a web content viewer, and a native operating system interface, which are configured to facilitate a transfer of one or more objects between the native operating system application code and the web content viewer. In response to a user upload request, the server generates an object placeholder in an editable document. Using the native operating system application code, objects can be selected for incorporation into the editable document. Shared access to the editable document and shared access to uploaded objects are provided by the server by posting links to locations in the storage devices. The document editing application replaces the object placeholder with a link to the object as stored by the server.