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Adobe Flash SWF File Format, Version 8

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Format Description Properties Explanation of format description terms

Identification and description Explanation of format description terms

Full name Adobe Flash SWF File Format, Version 8
Description

Binary file format that Delivers vector graphics (especially animations) and other data types, including "bitmapped" video, over the Internet to the Flash Player. A more complete format description for Flash is offered for SWF_7, version 7 of the specification. See also SWF_Family.

In 2005, Adobe purchased Macromedia and a branding changeover began. The documentation for the Flash (SWF) format, version 8, was disseminated from the Adobe Web site but still carried the Macromedia brand on the cover sheet.

Production phase Used for final-state, end-user delivery.
Relationship to other formats
    Subtype of SWF_Family, Flash SWF File Format Family
    Has earlier version SWF_7, Macromedia Flash SWF File Format, Version 7

Local use Explanation of format description terms

LC experience or existing holdings See SWF_Family
LC preference See SWF_Family

Sustainability factors Explanation of format description terms

Disclosure See SWF_Family.
    Documentation The Macromedia Flash (SWF) and Flash Video (FLV) File Format Specification, Version 8 (2005).
Adoption See SWF_Family
    Licensing and patents See SWF_Family.
Transparency See SWF_Family.
Self-documentation See SWF_Family.
External dependencies See SWF_Family.
Technical protection considerations See SWF_Family.

Quality and functionality factors Explanation of format description terms

Moving Image
Normal rendering See SWF_Family.
Clarity (high image resolution) See SWF_Family.
Functionality beyond normal rendering See SWF_Family.
Sound
Normal rendering See SWF_Family.
Fidelity (high audio resolution) See SWF_Family.
Multiple channels See SWF_Family.
Support for user-defined sounds, samples, and patches See SWF_Family.
Functionality beyond normal rendering See SWF_Family.

File type signifiers and format identifiers Explanation of format description terms

Tag Value Note
Filename extension See related format.  See SWF_Family.
Internet Media Type See related format.  See SWF_Family.
Magic numbers Hex: 46 57 53
ASCII: FWS
For uncompressed files; from the Flash SWF Specification, version 8, p. 267. The next byte in the file provides the version number; for example, Hex 08 (0x08) for version 8.
Magic numbers Hex: 43 57 53
ASCII: CWS
For compressed files; from the Flash SWF Specification, version 8, p. 267. The next byte in the file provides the version number; for example, Hex 08 (0x08) for version 8.
Pronom PUID fmt/505
See http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/PRONOM/fmt/505 for Adobe Flash version 78
Wikidata Title ID Q29011361
See https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29011361/ for Shockwave Flash, version 8.

Notes Explanation of format description terms

General See SWF_Family.
History See SWF_Family.

Format specifications Explanation of format description terms


Useful references

URLs

1Flash documentation for version 8 does not state a number for "their" version of Sorenson but describes the codec as a variant of ITU-T (International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation H.263 (MPEG-4_V). In early 2006, one of Sorenson's compression applications to produce content for Flash offered the Sorenson_3 codec, described by experts as a variant of ITU-T H.264 (MPEG-4_AVC). By late 2006, Sorenson offered new compression applications with other outputs.


Last Updated: 05/24/2024