File Extension Database

Open SWF File

SWF file extension is most commonly used by Shockwave Flash movies. SWF files are used to display vector graphic animations, and are widely used for the delivery of multimedia and interactive content on the web. Though not as widespread, SWF files can also refer to a Microsoft Sidewinder profile, which is used to store joystick settings for individual games.

The original specification of the SWF file was written by FutureWave Software, whose purpose was to create a format capable of displaying animations albeit with small file sizes. This would enable widespread use of the format by also allowing those with slower Internet connections access to the same content. FutureWave Software was later acquired by Macromedia, who were themselves acquired by Adobe in 2005.

SWF originally contained only vector graphics and images displayed in discrete frames, which allowed simple animations to be played. However, extensions to the format have allowed audio and video to be embedded within SWF files, as well as multiple forms of user interaction. This added flexibility means that SWF files are used for a wide range of purposes including multimedia content delivery, web-based applications, online games and DVD menus. SWF files are similar to File extension FLA files in that all embedded content is included or linked to. However, compression is used to minimize file sizes, and whilst some software claims to be able to extract embedded media, there is no official support for the altering of SWF files as they are designed to be the final, finished product.

You can open SWF files using the standalone Adobe Flash Player software, as well as using any web browser with the Flash plug-in. The Flash plug-in is cross-platform compatible, with versions available for Windows, Mac and x86-based Linux distributions. The SWF format is partially open, though licensing remains strict, so few third party players like Gnash exist.

Typical SWF mime types:

application/x-shockwave-flash

Frequently associated Windows objects:

ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash

How Can I Open SWF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open SWF file is to find a SWF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SWF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open SWF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as SWF file opener then try to search online for "SWF viewer", "application to open SWF file" or "open SWF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open SWF file

How Can I Open SWF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a SWF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SWF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with SWF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as SWF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open SWF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open SWF file then try to search for "SWF viewer", "application to open SWF file" or "read SWF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read SWF file

How Can I Open SWF File on Android

If you downloaded a SWF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded SWF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "SWF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "SWF viewer", "SWF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open SWF File on iPhone or iPad

To open SWF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the SWF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "SWF". This way you can find apps which can open SWF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "SWF viewer" or "SWF file" online in your favorite search engine.