However, as SWF files became a standard means of publishing Flash content on the web, the acronym has been modified to mean 'Small Web Format,' as well.Ĭontent developers primarily used Adobe Flash (now Animate), Flash Builder, and After Effects to create SWF animation. SWF was originally an acronym for 'Shockwave Flash' since the SWF format was designed for Shockwave Player.
They were also a popular means of delivering browser-based games. SWF (pronounced 'Swiff') files were commonly used to bring animated graphics, video, and sound to the web in the 2000s and 2010s.