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How to open SWF files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open SWF file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate SWF files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.

  1. 1. SWF File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) SWF file?
  3. 3. How to open SWF file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports SWF files
      1. 3.1.1 Programs that can open SWF files
    2. 3.2 Associate given software with SWF files
    3. 3.3 Check whether no other errors related to SWF files occur
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

SWF File Extension

File
  • File type Shockwave Flash Movie
  • File developer Adobe Systems
  • File category Video Files
  • File popularity rating
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Preview

What is a(n) SWF file?

The SWF file is used exclusively by Flash technology. Its main use is to provide read-only animated content in web browsers. This format allows not only to save text, graphics and sound data, but was also often used for simple computer games.

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How to open SWF file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .SWF files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports SWF files

In order to open SWF file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with SWF extension.

Programs that can open SWF files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, SWF files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

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Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on SWF files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to SWF files.

Step 2. Associate given software with SWF files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting SWF files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with SWF files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open SWF files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open SWF files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the SWF file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with SWF extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the SWF file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the SWF file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on SWF files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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