Buzz
This guide explains how to open SWF files on your computer. SWF files are typically videos embedded on websites using Flash, though some may also be games. Since most browsers and computers no longer come with built-in support for SWF files, you'll need to download a compatible program to open and view them.
Steps
On Windows
Visit http://www.swffileplayer.com/ using your web browser. This program allows you to view SWF videos and play certain SWF games.
Click on Download Now. This is the green button on the left side of the page. You will be redirected to the download page.
Wait for the download process to complete. The download will start within a few seconds and typically finishes in a couple of minutes.
- If the download doesn't start automatically, you can click the Click here link to initiate it manually.
Install SWF File Player. Follow these steps to install the software:
- Double-click the "swffileplayer_setup.exe" file in your web browser or Downloads folder.
- Click Next.
- Select the option next to "I accept the agreement" and click Next.
- Click Browse.
- Choose the installation folder and click Ok.
- Click Next.
- Click Browse to select a Start Menu folder or click Next to proceed.
- Check or uncheck "Create desktop icon" and click Next.
- Click Install.
- Click Finish.
Open SWF File Player. Look for the gray icon labeled "SWF". Click the program's icon in the Start menu or on your desktop to launch SWF File Player.
Click on File. This option is located in the top-left corner of the SWF File Player window. A dropdown menu will appear.
Click on Open…. This option is located at the top of the File menu. Clicking it will open the File Explorer window.
Select the folder containing the file. Click on the folder where your SWF file is stored. You can typically find the desired folder on the left side of the File Explorer window.
Choose the SWF file. Click on the specific SWF file you wish to open.
Click on Open. This button is located at the bottom-right corner of the File Explorer window.
Click on Play. This option appears at the bottom of the window under the SWF properties list. The SWF file will start playing immediately; if it's a game, you can play it as if it were embedded on a website.
On Mac
Download and install Elmedia Video Player. This free application is available on the Apple App Store. Follow these steps to download and install it:
- Open the App Store.
- Type "Elmedia" into the search bar at the top-right corner.
- Click GET below "Elmedia Video Player".
- Click Install app under "Elmedia Video Player".
- Enter your Apple ID password and press "Enter".
Spotlight
Type elmedia player. A list of applications matching your search will appear on your Mac.
Click on Elmedia Video Player.app. The Elmedia Video Player application will launch immediately.
Click on Continue in free mode. This allows you to proceed with the free version of Elmedia Video Player.
Click on File. This option is located in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Click on Open…. This option is near the top of the File menu. Clicking it will open the Finder window.
Select the SWF file. Click on the folder containing the SWF file on the left side of the Finder window, then click on the SWF file.
Click on Open. This option is located at the bottom-right corner of the window. The file will open in Elmedia Player; if it's a video, the SWF file will start playing automatically.
- Not all SWF files can be opened in Elmedia Video Player. If the file doesn't open, it may not be playable on your Mac.
Warning
- Mobile platforms such as smartphones and tablets generally do not support Flash, meaning SWF files are not consistently supported as they are on computers.
