Published on Jun 2, 2025 4 min read

How to Convert SWF Files to Animated GIF: 9 Simple Tools & Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve spent any time on the internet during the early 2000s, you’re likely familiar with SWF files. Once ubiquitous for Flash games and animations, these files are now largely unsupported due to the discontinuation of Adobe Flash. However, if you have SWF files you want to preserve or share, converting them to animated GIFs is a fantastic solution. GIFs are universally compatible with social media and messaging platforms and don’t require special software. Let’s explore how to convert your SWF files to GIFs using nine simple tools.

Tools to Convert SWF Files to GIF

Swivel

Swivel, a free tool from Newgrounds, is designed to convert SWF files into high-quality video files. While it doesn’t export directly to GIF, you can easily convert the resulting video to a GIF using a video-to-GIF converter. This tool is ideal if your SWF is a cartoon or animation with synced audio, as it preserves quality and frame rate.

GIF Brewery by Gfycat (Mac Only)

For Mac users, GIF Brewery is a great option if you have a video version of your SWF. This intuitive tool allows you to trim, crop, and export videos to GIFs, offering customization options like frame rate and overlays. Note that it does not handle SWF files directly, so you’ll need to convert them to video first.

Adobe Animate

If you’re in the Adobe ecosystem, Adobe Animate allows you to import SWF files and export them in various formats. You can then use Photoshop or another GIF converter to create your GIF. Although not free, it provides a clean and efficient way to handle older Flash files.

Online-Convert.com

Online-Convert.com is one of the few online tools that directly accepts SWF files. Simply upload your SWF, set the output to GIF, and download. This method is quick and requires no software, although results can vary based on file size and complexity.

ScreenToGif

This free Windows tool records your screen and saves it directly as a GIF. If you have an SWF file playing in a standalone Flash Player, you can capture it using ScreenToGif. This tool is excellent for short clips and offers editing features like trimming and resizing.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful command-line tool that handles a wide range of audio and video tasks. While it doesn’t support all SWF types, it can convert video-like SWFs to GIFs if they aren’t interactive. This method requires some technical knowledge but is versatile across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

iSpring Free Cam + Ezgif

This two-step method involves using iSpring Free Cam to record your SWF animation as it plays, saving it as a video file. You can then use Ezgif or another online converter to turn the video into a GIF. This is a useful workaround for SWFs with interactive elements.

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter supports multiple formats and includes screen recording and conversion tools. You can record your SWF animation playing in a standalone player, then convert it to a video or GIF. Although it’s a paid tool, it offers a user-friendly interface and extensive conversion options.

Ruffle (with Screen Recording)

Ruffle is a Flash Player emulator that runs SWF files in modern browsers. While it doesn’t convert files, you can view SWF content and use a screen recording tool like OBS Studio to capture the animation. This approach is ideal for complex SWFs that don’t convert well with other tools.

How to Convert SWF to GIF Using Swivel + Ezgif

Let’s go through a common two-step method using Swivel and Ezgif to convert SWF files to GIFs.

Convert SWF to Video with Swivel

1. Download and install Swivel from the Newgrounds website.
2. Open the app and load your SWF file. Swivel auto-detects dimensions and frame rate, allowing you to choose your output format, typically MP4.
3. Click “Export” and wait for processing. You’ll have a high-quality video version of your animation.

Convert Video to GIF with Ezgif

1. Visit ezgif.com and select the “Video to GIF” tab.
2. Upload the video file from Swivel.
3. Adjust settings like start time, duration, frame rate, and size. Aim to maintain the original resolution for the best quality.
4. Click “Convert to GIF.” After processing, you can preview and download your GIF.

Conclusion

Converting old SWF files to animated GIFs allows you to preserve and share animations in a modern format. Whether it’s a cherished web cartoon or a nostalgic animation, converting to GIF ensures it remains accessible and compatible with today’s technology. Tools like Swivel offer high-quality results, while others like Ezgif provide simplicity and convenience. Explore these methods and breathe new life into your old SWF files!