what is a swf file

An SWF file, pronounced as "Swiff," is a file format used for multimedia, vector graphics, and ActionScript. It was originally designed for Shockwave Player, but it became a standard means of publishing Flash content on the web. SWF files can contain animations or applets of varying degrees of interactivity and function. They may contain text, vector and raster graphics, and interactive content written in ActionScript. SWF files are commonly used to bring animated graphics, video, and sound to the web and were also a popular means of delivering browser-based games. Some of Adobes products, including Flash, Flash Builder, and Adobe Animate, can generate SWF files. However, Adobe Illustrator cannot open or edit them. SWF files cannot be edited because they contain compiled ActionScript and compressed media. To modify a Flash animation, you should edit the original .FLA file instead. Some options for opening and playing SWF files include VLC Player, Gretech GOM Player, Media Player Classic, Eltima Elmedia Player, BIT LABS SWF Player, and Ruffle.