A method and system are provided for downloading software components from a remote source to a software application for providing updates or additions to the application's functionality. All components and files that may be utilized to update or add to functionality available to the application are identified and are assembled on a manifest that may be located on a remote web server accessible by the application. If components of the application should be updated, or corrections or improvements to existing components are available, or new functionality is available that will transform the user's existing application and document into a "smart" application and "smart" document, the application may connect to the web server to download the required components.