A system and method that enables editing capabilities of content accessed from a content management server using any type of locally-installed application is provided. In some embodiments, a content management server stores documents in a cache on the user's computer. Documents can thus be accessed and edited using the document in the local file system of the user. For example, users may open, reserve or lock, download, and edit documents with a single user action such as a click. Advantageously, the teachings of embodiments as described can be used in conjunction with content management systems for improving the user experiences involved in editing documents by providing an ‘instant’ and ‘seamless’ editing experience substantially equivalent to editing files on a local hard disk.