Adobe Flash Solutions

Adobe Flash logo

In last weeks FLC, I reminded you that Adobe Flash was at “end of life” on December 31st.  Flash content will be blocked from running on Flash Players beginning on January 12, 2021. 

I also wanted to remind you of which file formats you want to look for when you assess if you have Flash content in your courses.  The formats to look for are:

  • FLV
  • FLA
  • SWF

If you need more information go back and take a look at last weeks posting – Flash Player – End of Life.

Converting Your Flash Files

If you have Flash content in your course, and you know that you have the original files saved, you can convert the files to a new format that will continue to work.

For example, you can convert a SWF file to an MP4. To do that you will need a program that does this conversion.

CloudConvert Logo

CloudConvert converts your video files online. cloudconvert.com is a free way to get started. With this tool, you can convert 25 minutes for free per day. (You can also buy a package that allows you to convert more.)

There is nothing to download. You use it right on the web.

This will only work if you have the original files. You might find that you don’t have access to these files, such as if you took over a course from another faculty member.

I don’t have my Original Flash Files

If you still have a Flash file in your course, but cannot find the original file, all hope is not lost. You may need to screencast the Flash video. If there were interactive elements, these will be lost.

TechSmith Capture Logo

There are a few tools out there for screen-casting. One I would recommend is TechSmith Capture. This is the replacement tool for Jing, which many of you have probably used. Jing was discontinued because it was Flash based!! Capture works in a very similar way and will record what you see on your screen. So play your Flash file, and capture that in video form.

Screencast-o-matic Logo

Another popular tool is Screencast-o-matic. This is another tool you can use to screen-cast your old Flash videos.

If you did have interactive elements, again, these will be lost, and it will take time and an authoring tool to recreate that experience. You will need a program such as Adobe Captivate, or Articulate to get this done.

If I find Flash Player available for download on a third-party website, should I use it?

The general thought on this is No, don’t use a 3rd party tool.  These versions of Flash Player are not authorized by Adobe, and it is not recommended to use unauthorized versions of Flash Player. Unauthorized downloads are a common source of malware and viruses.


I hope this was helpful. I you have questions or need additional help, please contact CELT or your campus Instructional Designer. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week!