How to use the SWF to MP4 converter
- Choose your SWF video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest and lets fast mode copy compatible videos without re-encoding. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to MP4". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP4.
Why convert SWF to MP4?
SWF files need a Flash player, which no longer exists. If the SWF contains video frames, converting to MP4 saves them in a modern format.
- SWF: flash is discontinued.
- MP4: plays almost everywhere.
- MP4: good quality at small sizes with H.264.
Interactive Flash games and pure vector animations cannot be converted to video by any file converter; record them with Ruffle instead.
SWF vs MP4
| SWF | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Small Web Format (Shockwave Flash) | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Macromedia (later Adobe) (1996) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | Sorenson Spark (FLV1) or vector graphics + MP3 | H.264 + AAC |
| Best for | Old Flash animations and web banners | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming |
| Plays on | Standalone Flash players and emulators such as Ruffle | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser |
Does converting SWF to MP4 lose quality?
SWF (Sorenson Spark (FLV1) or vector graphics) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
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.
What is an MP4 file?
MP4 is a container that usually holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC sound. It is built on Apple's QuickTime file structure and became an ISO standard in 2001. Because almost every phone, browser, TV and editing app can play it, MP4 is the safest choice when you need a video to just work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the SWF to MP4 converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Are my files safe?
Yes. Files are converted locally in your browser and are never uploaded. When you close the page, nothing is left behind.
Will the MP4 sound and look as good as the SWF?
SWF (Sorenson Spark (FLV1) or vector graphics) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert MP4 back to SWF?
Yes, use the SWF Converter and choose SWF as the output.
An SWF shows a blank or very short video. What should I do?
It is probably an interactive or vector-only Flash file. Record it with Ruffle and a screen recorder instead.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome and other modern mobile browsers. Short files work best on phones; for long or high-resolution videos a computer is faster.