Files with the .SWF extension contain animations, which can be interactive, stored in a proprietary format, originally created by FutureWaves Software in the year 1993. The assumption of the SWF format was to create Small Web Format files – in order to support internet animation.
Current format, obtained by Macromedia, and then by Adobe, is used to create and store:
Applications used to create SWF files are the popular Flash, Adobe Animate, which substituted Adobe Flash, and also couple open-source applications. In the year 2008, Adobe has partially opened the format, enabling also Google and Yahoo to index code of animations. Format was developed through many years, its first versions enabled to animate only vector graphic, and currently, its possibilities are much broader and include also basic 3D animation. In order to open a Flash animation within a browser, a proper plugin is necessary.
Files with SWF extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.
Updated: 07/20/2022
Being unable to open files with SWF extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with SWF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.
Problems with opening and working with SWF files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SWF files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Dreamweaver or different compatible program, such as SWF & FLV Toolbox, SWF & FLV Player, Flash Decompiler Trillix. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Adobe Dreamweaver installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.
If you already have Adobe Dreamweaver installed on your systems and SWF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Adobe Dreamweaver installed, it may not support SWF format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Dreamweaver.
If you have the latest version of Adobe Dreamweaver installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SWF on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.
Change the default application in Windows
Change the default application in Mac OS
You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper SWF file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
If the SWF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the SWF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
If the SWF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the SWF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.
Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
If the systems has insufficient resources to open SWF files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.
Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Shockwave Flash Movie file. It may be the case that the SWF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
If you have additional information about the SWF file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on SWF file.