How to Open SWF File on Mac

If your workspace revolves around a computer such as Mac, we unknowingly come across many files. These files may consist of media files, app files, or document files.

But there are few file format which we don’t use to see daily such as backend files. Keeping that apart, some Mac users are unable to open .swf files on Mac.

In fact, the .swf files are unable to view in other Mac series including mac OS X, macOS, etc. There are multiple methods available to open the .swf file on Mac.

Read the article till the end that you have probably landed. And we will show you how to open .swf files on your Mac. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Also read: How to Open winmail.dat files on Mac OS

In This Article show

What is SWF File?

SWF file is also known as ‘Small Web Format’, in some fields, it is also referred to as ShockWave Format file. This mostly used for web-related work which contains videos, animations, graphical and vector-based animations.

In the beginning, the SWF file was created by Macromedia and later on owned by Adobe. If you are into developing web-based applications, SWF files can help you with ActionScripts.

Following are the methods to open .swf file on your Mac.

How to Open SWF files on Mac using VLC media player

You can open and play the .swf file by using the VLC media player. The VLC media player is easily available almost on every platform and very easy to access. Additionally, it can play other video files very easily. Here’s how to open the .swf file on Mac using VLC player:

Step 1: Open VLC media player .

Step 2: Here, you can just open the .swf file by the following method.

Drag and drop the .swf file into the VLC media player or VLC Dock icon.

Drag and drop the .swf files into the VLC playlists, this method is good if you have to open multiple .swf files.

You cannot perform the above method unless you don’t have a VLC media player on your Mac.
To download the VLC media player on Mac, click here.

How to Open SWF files on Mac with browser

Another way to open a .swf file on Mac is using the browser. This can be done by using the Adobe Flash player extension plugin in your browser. Mind you, in order to open the .swf file on Mac, you need to have a browser that has a feature to add the extension, unlike Microsoft Edge.

Also, you have to find and the Flash player extension manually. If you are using Google Chrome, you can add Adobe Flash player by Chrome Web Store. So make sure to add the extension manually in your browser accordingly.

Adobe Flash player is not all safe extension. If you are a privacy lover, then it is advised not to use the extension as there are true rumors circulating on the internet that Adobe Flash player can make hackers swoop in your system.

Alternate ways to open SWF files on Mac

To open .swf file on Mac, user can use the alternate ways:

Elmedia Player
SWF Movie Player
Macgo Free Mac Media Player
Wimpy Player

Conclusion

The methods mentioned above will help you to open .swf files on your Mac. You can open it easily using a VLC media player.

And if you’re using Adobe Flash Player, make sure to follow the warning mentioned too.

That’s it for now, hope this helps. Let us know your suggestions in the comment section below. Till then, stay tuned for more info.