SWF File: What is it?

Writer:   |   Revised: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

SWF File Summary

Our most recent information indicates that SWF files are associated with only a single known file type, the Shockwave Flash Movie format, and can be viewed primarily with Adobe Animate CC 2017, including eleven other known software applications (listed below). SWF files are traditionally categorized as Video Files.

Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems can be used to view SWF files. Both desktop and mobile devices enable you to view and (sometimes) edit these files, depending on the software used. The SWF File Extension carries a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning that these files are scarcely found in most user's file stores.

Please see the detailed information below to learn more about SWF files and the programs that can open them. In addition, we provide simple troubleshooting information to help you open your SWF file.

Low
Popular
2553
Ranking

/ 11690

Active

File Status

26

November

2018

Refreshed

Open SWF Files with FileViewPro

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SWF Types


Main SWF Affiliation

.SWF
Formatting:.swf
Class:Shockwave Flash Movie

An SWF file is an animation file mainly associated with Adobe Flash. It can be played by the Adobe Flash Player or a web browser as long as a Flash plugin is installed. It is designed as an efficient delivery format and not as a format for exchanging graphics between graphics editors. Web-based video games often use the SWF file format.

Developer: Adobe Systems Incorporated
File Category:Video Files
Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.swf

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SWF Popularity


OS Ranking

7 (45.73%)
10 (44.56%)
8.1 (5.41%)
XP (2.79%)
8 (0.97%)

Top Devices

Desktop (84.34%)
Mobile (14.29%)
Tablet (1.37%)


Understanding SWF Issues


Troubles Opening SWF Files

Adobe Animate CC 2017 Disappeared

If you attempt to load your SWF file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open SWF Files". When this happens, it is commonly due to Adobe Animate CC 2017 missing in %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your SWF with Adobe Animate CC 2017, so double-clicking the file won't work.


Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your SWF, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").


Wrong Version of Adobe Animate CC 2017 is Installed

It is possible that your version of Adobe Animate CC 2017 isn't able to open your Shockwave Flash Movie file due to incompatibility. Installing the latest version of Adobe Animate CC 2017 from Adobe Systems Incorporated is recommended. The primary cause of this problem is that your Shockwave Flash Movie file was created by a different (newer) version of Adobe Animate CC 2017 than what's installed.


Tip: Right-clicking on your SWF, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.


Conclusion: The majority of SWF file opening issues are due to not having the correct Adobe Animate CC 2017 version installed.


Other SWF File Opening Causes

You can still experience errors opening SWF files even with the latest version of Adobe Animate CC 2017 installed on your PC. If you're still experiencing problems opening SWF files, there could be other computer problems. These issues include:

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for SWF
  • Accidental deletion of the description of the SWF file in the Windows registry
  • Invalid installation of a SWF-associated program (eg. Adobe Animate CC 2017)
  • Something has caused file corruption of your SWF
  • The SWF is infected with a virus
  • SWF-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Shockwave Flash Movie format

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