Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for inserting content into an application from an online synchronized content management system are disclosed. The system can receive text input into an application at a client device associated with the content management system. The text input can be, for example, keystrokes performed at the client device by a user, and the application can be, for example, an email client. The system can identify, within the text input, a predefined text string, such as an escape sequence, that is followed by a partial or full string that represents an identifier. The identifier may be associated with a content item that is stored in the online synchronized content management system. The system can then insert inside the application a link that points to the content item. The system can also insert code that is designed to render the content item as a dynamically updated preview.