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SWF files are small graphics or animations that are embedded in websites, and deliver video, text and sound over the Internet. They are often interactive, i.e., you can click on them or manipulate them, as in a game. The extension used to denote a file that contains graphics or an applet displayed by Flash programs is .swf and is primarily used in Adobe Flash Player.
Function
SWF files are the dominant format for animated and vector graphics delivery on the Web. Applications for streaming audio and video on websites such as YouTube or Google Video often use SWF files. They are also used for creating interactive menus for DVD movies and other media. It is possible to create a short film "projector" on a website by encapsulating the file with the Flash player, also known as "embedding a video."
Playing
Most Internet browsers have Flash players or plug-ins that will play SWF files. Companies that manufacture game consoles such as Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Wii also play SWF files through their Internet browsers. According to Adobe, Flash Player "reaches over 98% of Internet-enabled desktops and more than 800 million handsets and mobile devices." If you cannot currently play an SWF file, the player is free to download or troubleshoot on the Adobe website.
Delivery
The files primarily deliver content as embedded on Internet sites. They are not intended to be used to exchange between users, such as file sharing of graphics between editors. This is why linking to a SWF video is preferable trying to attach the file in an email.
History
Speed was the primary consideration in the creation of the file format. SWF files were created to deliver graphics and animation over the Internet quickly, over networks that are slow or low on bandwidth, and independent of other external considerations such as fonts. Even the Flash Player is designed for quick download and to take up little memory space.
Other Names
Adobe Flash Player is the most widely used player for SWF files. The player was formerly Macromedia Flash. A SWF file, also formerly a "small web file" is now recognized simply as a "flash file."
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