Altering .swf files.

John_V85 · 28 Oct 2006 at 21:32

Hi,

I have a .swf file as the header to a website of mine where portions of the header act as links to various site pages. I want to edit one of the links.

What free application is available which will allow me to open the .swf file and do so?

Thanks in advance.

John

joeyjojo · 28 Oct 2006 at 21:37

I think you'll need flash unfortunately.

Also, consider if you really need flash for navigation. It often looks tacky, simple css tends to do the job better.

John_V85 · 28 Oct 2006 at 21:41

joeyjojo said:
I think you'll need flash unfortunately.

Also, consider if you really need flash for navigation. It often looks tacky, simple css tends to do the job better.

What do you mean by "you'll need flash". Is that a program?

I am not in a position to change headers and in my opinion it actually looks quite good.

joeyjojo · 28 Oct 2006 at 21:46

John_V85 said:
What do you mean by "you'll need flash". Is that a program?

I am not in a position to change headers and in my opinion it actually looks quite good.

Yes sorry, flash the programme. Macromedia Flash.

Just a suggestion too, it could look incredible for all I know

JonC · 28 Oct 2006 at 22:33

John_V85 said:
in my opinion it actually looks quite good.

It may look good, but one of the problems is the one that you're having, it's not very transparent.

Also, I don't think getting Flash will help you much without the original .fla file. The .swf is a compiled version meant to be decoded by a flash player, not to be opened by flash for editing.

Hector · 28 Oct 2006 at 23:35

John_V85, i think this will do it..
http://www.sothink.com/product/swfquicker/
but it's not value to buy it for one swf (if you don't own flash your not going to be using it much).

edit:
i noticed another app:
http://www.buraks.com/uae/
a bit cheaper..

another edit: (i'm good at editing late at night) the swfquicker trial is a 30 day usage so you're in luck :cool:

be sure to make a backup copy of your .swf first just incase..
http://www2.sothink.com/download/swfquicker.zip

John_V85 · 29 Oct 2006 at 00:00

Thanks for the replies.

I have downloaded the trial version of Adobe Flash so hopefully that can do it.

Hector · 29 Oct 2006 at 00:15

John_V85 said:
Thanks for the replies.

I have downloaded the trial version of Adobe Flash so hopefully that can do it.

you could try having a new document open and selecting import but i think it'll brake the tweens (animations) see my 2nd edit above just incase you missed it..

John_V85 · 29 Oct 2006 at 00:20

I'm using the trial version of Flash 8 Professional. I have loaded the .fla file and in the library section on the right hand side I see some items called links. How do I alter the html link of these items?

Hector · 29 Oct 2006 at 00:55

ah you have the fla, that's handy

the thing with flash it could be anywhere.. basicaly your looking for
getURL("blahYourURL", "_self");

on the stage click on the button you wish to edit and look in the actions panel. if it's not there look for any code in the frames (code will be show in the actions panel when you select a frame with code in it).

if you can't find it, i'll take a look.. my emails in Trust, just give us a shout to say you sent it and i'll be sure to check my email.

John_V85 · 29 Oct 2006 at 11:35

Thanks...email sent.

Hector · 29 Oct 2006 at 13:27

John_V85 said:
Thanks...email sent.

info returned.. just thought, if your likely to require further URL editing over time. it may be worth changing the system to use loaded variables so that you can change the URL's with just notepad.

it'll take 10-15 mins to change i reckon.. so if it's wished for, i'll do it :cool:

John_V85 · 29 Oct 2006 at 13:45

I would really appreciate if you could do that, but no probes if it's too much trouble. You have helped plenty already.

Hector · 29 Oct 2006 at 15:50

it's done and sent.. any probs let me know.

although i won't be about for the rest of the afternoon/evening as bro's popping over.. i'll check back later though.