Tips to open SWF file
Can't open the SWF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SWF files as well as a list of programs that support SWF files.
SWF file extension
| File Name |
Shockwave Flash Movie |
| File Developer |
Adobe Systems |
| File Category |
Video Files |
The SWF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SWF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SWF file on each system platform.
What is SWF file?
The .SWF file is an animation made in Adobe Flash technology. You need Adobe Flash Player to open it. The program can be in the application version or as a browser extension. The animation is performed with Action Script. You can attach captions, vector and raster graphics, and navigation elements to the content. The file in this version cannot be edited. Flash technology is currently being phased out and support for it is expected to end in 2020. This is considered the end of the still popular Flash games.
How to open SWF file?
An often recurring problem with Shockwave Flash Movie is that SWF is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file SWF to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SWF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Adobe Flash
In this case, you should first verify that the Adobe Flash application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Adobe Flash into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file SWF with Adobe Flash. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open SWF files.
Programs to open SWF file
Remember to download programs supporting SWF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Adobe Flash with SWF files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SWF file to open in the Adobe Flash application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the SWF file with the Adobe Flash application.
Step 3. Update Adobe Flash to the latest version
If, despite the association of the Adobe Flash program with the Shockwave Flash Movie file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Adobe Systems Incorporated page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SWF file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to SWF files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our SWF file. Sometimes virus-infected SWF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the SWF file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular SWF file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Adobe Systems, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted SWF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move SWF to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the SWF file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the SWF file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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