How to Download SWF from URL?

How to Download SWF from URL?

Are you wondering how to download SWF from URL? The process differs depending on the browser you are using. It barely takes any time on Chrome and Firefox. However, it can take longer on Internet Explorer.

I’ve been downloading embedded videos via URL for a while now. Recently, I taught a friend how to do this. Below, I’ve described how you can do so in-depth as well.

1. Internet Explorer

As Internet Explorer takes the longest, let’s get it out of the way first.

Before we get started, keep in mind that you need access to your PC’s admin. Account for it to work.

Here’s what you do:

  • Open the Admin account on your computer
  • Launch internet explorer
  • Go to the video you want to download
  • Launch the Control Panel on your PC
  • Find and open Folder Options/File Explorer Options
  • Open the View tab
  • Click Show Hidden Files and Folders
  • Find and uncheck Hide Extensions for Known Filetypes, as well as Hide Protected Operating System Files
  • Follow this path afterwards: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache
  • Once you’ve followed the above path, you should end up at the cached SWF file
  • Copy the file to any directory you like

There’s an alternate way to get to the iNetCache folder, instead of following the file path mentioned above. It’s a bit shorter as well.

Here’s what you do:

  • Launch Internet Explorer
  • Go to Settings > Internet > Options > Browser History > Settings
  • Go to Website Data Settings and then click View files
  • You will see the iNetCache folder

Downloading SWF files from internet explorer hasn’t always been rather tedious. This was after the release of Windows 7. Hopefully, my step-by-step guide will make the process easier to understand.

2. Google Chrome

Using Google Chrome to download SWF files is quick.

All you do is:

  • Find and open the flash video on chrome
  • Let the video load
  • Right-click the web page
  • Select Inspect from the Context Menu
  • You will see developer tools on the right-hand corner (might also be on the bottom)
  • Locate the video file from the code (Press Ctrl + Shift + C to enable the selected option and then hover over the video to find the code)
  • Copy and paste the page URL back into the browser and then load the page
  • The video will get saved in your Downloads folder
  • Save the video anywhere you like once it has been downloaded

3. Mozilla Firefox

Downloading embedded videos from Mozilla Firefox is by far the best as it’s the easiest browser to use.

Here’s what you do:

  • Launch Firefox
  • Open the webpage with the SWF File embedded on it
  • Open the View Page info section by right-clicking the page
  • Click the Media tab
  • Go through the items on the page and find the File code
  • Click on the file and then save it (you can save it in any location)

4. Opera Browser

Downloading SWF files on the opera browser isn’t possible. However, the Opera team might change this soon.

Also read:

How Do You Get Images From Flash Web Pages?

You might want to download flash images instead of embedded videos. Once again, the process differs depending on the browser you are using.

Here’s what you need to do on Internet Explorer:

  • Launch the browser
  • Open the web page with the image you want to download
  • Click Tools > Internet Options
  • Click the Settings button (next to the Browsing history button in the General tab)
  • Select View Files (in the Temporary Internet Files and History Settings menu)
  • Download the file
  • Right-click the. SWF file
  • Click Save As

Here’s what you need to do on Mozilla Firefox:

  • Open the browser
  • Open the webpage with the image that you want to download
  • Click on Tools > Page Info
  • You will see Media at the top of the menu. Tap it
  • Download the flash file
  • Find the file
  • Click Save As and choose a proper name

Is it safe to download SWF files?

This is a question that many people ask, for good reason. SWF files can contain malware, as Adobe Flash is vulnerable.

The safety of the site you’re trying to download from will influence how safe the embedded video or image would be. Make sure it’s a reputed domain, or you might end up with malware.

Final Thoughts

It’s not hard to download an embedded image or video on whatever browser you may be using. However, compared to how easy it is on Mozilla and Google Chrome, the process is a bit lengthy on Internet Explorer. Most people don’t use this browser, so this will not be an issue.

Rather than just downloading video files, you can download flash images as well. Compared to just downloading videos, it is much easier as well.