.swf (Small Web Format) files are associated with Flash by Adobe Systems Incorporated. These .swf file types fall under the video files category and the Mime type is application/x-shockwave-flash.
.swf file extension ? A brief history
It is interesting to know that it was not Adobe who created the .swf file extension. The original specification of this file type was created by FutureWave Software, who were acquired by Macromedia, which itself was later acquired by Adobe in 2005.
.swf file extension ? Its purpose
The .swf file type was created to deliver graphics and animations over the Internet. A file with the .swf file extension may contain text along with raster and vector graphics. Though the .swf file type was created to present vector-based images sequentially, the later versions of this file type allow audio and video interaction with the end-user.
How to open .swf files
If you use Windows, you can use any of the following programs to open a .swf file:
- Adobe Flash CS4
- Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Dreamweaver CS4
- Adobe InDesign CS4
- Adobe Illustrator CS4
- GlobFX Swiff Player
- Eltima SWF & FLV Player
- Any Web browser with the Adobe Flash CS4 plugin
If you use a Mac operating system, you can use any of the following programs to open a .swf file:
- Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Flash CS4
- Adobe InDesign CS4
- Adobe Dreamweaver CS4
- Adobe Illustrator CS4
- Eltima SWF & FLV Player
- Echo One iSwiff
- Any Web browser with the Adobe Flash CS4 plugin
If you use Linux, you can use any of the following programs to open a .swf file:
- Adobe Flash Player
- Any Web browser with the Adobe Flash CS4 plugin
- Swfdec Flash Player
How to convert .swf file types into any other video formats
To convert a .swf file into another video format or vice versa, you will need use a file converter. There are various file converters available on the Internet that you can download.
If you are unable to open a .swf file with any of the program(s) listed above, then you can use the FileCure software to access/open/save the .swf file.