SWF

:This article is the most common use of SWF. For other uses, see SWF (disambiguation).

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SWF (pronounced “swiff” by some, standing for Shockwave Flash) is the file format used by Macromedia Flash to describe movies built of mainly two elements: vector based objects and images. The newest versions also allow audio, video and many different possible forms of interaction with the end user. Once created, SWF files can be played by the Macromedia Flash Player, working either as a browser plugin or as an standalone (executable) player. Most of the times, SWF files can also be encapsulated with the player, creating a self-running SWF movie called projector.

Related Topics:
Macromedia Flash - Macromedia Flash Player

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The file format was first created by Macromedia and had one main goal: create small files of highly entertaining animations. The idea was to have a format which could be reused by a player running on any system and which would work with slower network (such as a browser used with a modem). Plugins to play SWF files in web browsers are available from Macromedia for most desktop operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac and Linux on Intel. Macromedia claims that 98% of web users now have an SWF plugin installed. http://www.macromedia.com/software/player_census/flashplayer/

Related Topics:
Macromedia - Plugin - Web browser - Microsoft Windows - Apple Mac - Linux - Intel

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The format is fairly simple, albeit binary, and therefore not as immediately readable as its XML-based rival SVG. SWF has used zlib compression since 2002, and in general the format aims to store all data using as few bits as possible, therefore reducing redundancy.

Related Topics:
Binary - XML - SVG - Zlib - Compression

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SWF is not an open format, as it is not allowed to implement interpreting software according to the license, though it is allowed to create authoring software. This information is obtained from:

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• Flash Player Licensing

In the Macromedia Flash File Format (SWF) Specification section:

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This license does not permit the usage of the specification to create software which supports SWF file playback.

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• SWF File Format Specification License

There is no clause in the license that allows creation of a player for an SWF file.

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• SWF File Format Specification FAQ

There is an item explaining this issue:

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Can I use the File Format Specification to create a SWF interpreter or player?

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No, the File Format Specification is provided for the specific purpose of enabling software applications to export to the Macromedia Flash File Format (SWF).

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Since the file format specification does not allow creation of a player with that information, open source flash players creation involves a lot of reverse engineering work.

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