Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Portable, very compact software that allows you to watch downloaded Shockwave Flash (.swf) files offline

Portable, very compact software that allows you to watch downloaded Shockwave Flash (.swf) files offline

Vote: (103 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: SWFFilePlayer.com

Version: 2.6

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(103 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

SWFFilePlayer.com

2.6

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

Pros

  • Functionally Portable
  • Plays Flash Files
  • Small, Fast App

Cons

  • Mediocre Interface
  • Only Plays SWF Format
  • Limited Options

SWF Player is a piece of media software that will let you play Flash clips even when you have no internet connection. Most modern devices have forgone the Flash format, and as such there has been an equal decline in its use on the web. However, Flash is still a viable format that many people want to continue enjoying. This app provides you with a portable solution to this problem. It acts as a full replacement for missing native Flash players, and the fact that it works offline is quite appealing.

One of the main reasons why Flash videos essentially fell off the face of the internet is that they had several inherit weaknesses that could easily be exploited by those with the knowledge and means. Many people have experienced viruses or malware that infiltrated their system through a Flash movie. The interesting thing about this is that the software itself and all the content it has spawned in the SWF format is quite safe on its own. When someone uses a Flash movie to get into your system, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the Flash movie itself. The result of this exodus of Flash from the web means that a lot of people have Flash movie files in the SWF format that most other players can't play.

This is the main reason people take advantage of SWF Player to watch their Flash content. All the content is still out there, but there aren't any browsers that come with native Flash players capable of playing that content. Even if there were native Flash players still included with web browsers, it would be difficult to use the browser to watch files on your home system.

The aesthetics of the player are below par by a fair margin, but that's a purposeful choice that limits the size of the file and the time it takes to install on a new system. This is why the software is considered so portable. Of course, this small size also comes at the cost of any additional features that perform advanced functions. You could argue the unpleasant appearance of the app is another cost, but it's negligible at best and disappointing at worst.

There are a few reasons why SWF Player isn't that popular despite all the Flash content out there. Dedicated Flash players are becoming extinct, and their functionality is being absorbed by top-tier media players that are compatible with dozens upon dozens of formats. This player has one main selling point, which is its incredibly small size and fast install time. Beyond that, the software is unfashionable, has limited options, and is restricted to playing the SWF format. If you have a large number of SWF files, and you want the freedom to remain portable, SWF Player is a good choice.

Pros

  • Functionally Portable
  • Plays Flash Files
  • Small, Fast App

Cons

  • Mediocre Interface
  • Only Plays SWF Format
  • Limited Options