How to use the SWF converter
- Choose a file. Drop an SWF file to convert it to something else, or any other video to convert it to SWF.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP4 for SWF files and SWF for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an SWF file?
SWF files carry Flash animations, games and video. Adobe stopped supporting Flash Player at the end of 2020. Only SWF files with embedded video frames can be converted; interactive Flash games and pure vector animations cannot be turned into video by a converter.
SWF is mainly used for old Flash animations and web banners. It plays on standalone Flash players and emulators such as Ruffle.
SWF at a glance
| Full name | Small Web Format (Shockwave Flash) |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Created by | Macromedia (later Adobe), 1996 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | Sorenson Spark (FLV1) or vector graphics + MP3 |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of SWF
Good
- Compact for simple animations
Not so good
- Flash is discontinued
- Interactive SWF files cannot be converted to video
Common SWF problems and fixes
An SWF shows a blank or very short video
It is probably an interactive or vector-only Flash file. Record it with Ruffle and a screen recorder instead.
Popular SWF conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an SWF file?
SWF files play on standalone Flash players and emulators such as Ruffle. If yours will not open, convert it to MP4 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to SWF?
Drop any video on this page. "Convert to" is set to SWF automatically for files that are not SWF already.
How much does the SWF converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Is SWF lossy?
Yes, SWF normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.