1. A computer-implemented method comprising: detecting input to relocate a content item exposed within a graphical user interface for a multi-application environment to associate the content item with a target element configured to initiate one or more designated actions with respect to the content item by invoking a corresponding application currently in a non-running state; the input to relocate the content item including: input to place the content item at an intermediate holding place; navigation to arrange the target element within the graphical user interface; input to move the content item from the intermediate holding place to the target element as arranged in the graphical user interface; and responsive to the input: associating the content item with the target element; and launching the corresponding application to cause a switch from the non-running state to an active state in which the one or more designated actions are performed.