SWF File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a SWF file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .SWF files.
What is a SWF file?
The .swf extension stands for Small Web Format. The SWF file format was designed to deliver graphics and animations over the Internet to be viewable on a user's computer. Animations and graphics that are designed with the Adobe Flash software are saved in .swf format. These files can contain both text and graphics.
The .swf file format is the end file format for all Flash content. Adobe Flash was first developed by Macromedia, which was acquired by Adobe in 2005. SWF files are "end product" files for user viewing and, as such, are read-only files that cannot be changed or edited.
How to open SWF files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension SWF for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different SWF openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension SWF
While we know of one file format using the .SWF file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .SWF file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of SWF files. Remember, different programs may use SWF files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Any Video Converter | User submitted |
 | Final Media Player | User submitted |
 | Free File Viewer | User submitted |
 | GOMPLAYER | User submitted |
 | GOM Player | User submitted |
 | KMPlayer | User submitted |
 | Winamp | User submitted |
 | Prism Video File Converter | User submitted |
 | Total Video Converter | User submitted |
 | MPC-HC | User submitted |
Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer. It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here.