Does Mac Preview not open .swf (Flash) files that are inside pdf files? I'd like to view occasional simple animations inside pdfs, but, unlike Acrobat, Preview doesn't seem to open them.
MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3)
I don't remember Macs ever opening .swf files without third-party add-ons but I've only been using them for 30+ years. Perhaps I just forget. Not sure what that has to do with opening them in Preview now however.
But thanks.
QuickTime Player version 5, 6 and 7 could open a Flash file coded as one version earlier. So QuickTime 5 could open Flash 4 files but not Flash 5.
Preview is based on Picture Viewer which shipped to both Mac's and PC's when you download QuickTime Player.
Apple pulled support and playback of Flash formats in a QuickTime container in version 7.3.
FLV files replaced SWF files many years ago and the free Perian component could view them.
That's possible. I can't say with any certainty because I've never even seen a PDF with embedded flash content.
Preview is a fairly simple viewer.
They will work if you have a Flash browser plug-in. Just open it with your browser or drag it to an empty window.
Sorry. I thought your question was about Preview.
Up until some years ago even QuickTime could view .swf files. Since Preview is just a ramped up Picture Viewer that is based on Quicktime.
Okie doke. The oldest version of OS X I still have is Snow Leopard and QuickTime 7.6.6. Like I said, I might have forgotten. 😎
Mac Preview and .swf (Flash) files placed in pdf files
