FLASH: Macromedia releases Flash 5 file format (SWF) SDK

[Mike Chambers]

Macromedia Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document

Macromedia releases Flash 5 file format (SWF) SDK.


Purpose:

This document is provided to answer frequently asked questions relating to

the release of the Macromedia Flash 5 file format (SWF) SDK.


What was announced?

On December 7, Macromedia made available the Macromedia Flash 5 File Format

(SWF) SDK.


You can license the SDK at:

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/open/licensing/fileformat/


When was the Macromedia Flash File format opened?

Macromedia first opened the Macromedia Flash file format (SWF) in May 1998

at version 3 to establish Macromedia Flash as an open standard for vector

graphics. There are over 40 vendors supporting the Macromedia Flash (SWF)

format within their products today.


What is the Macromedia Flash 5 File Format (SWF) SDK?

The Macromedia Flash file format (SWF) SDK provides a set of tools for

developers to write Macromedia Flash 5 (SWF) files, documentation of the

Macromedia Flash file format (SWF), and code to write Flash movies (SWF)

files.

There are two C++ interfaces for writing Flash movies, a high-level and a

low-level manager. Both interfaces are in the same code base, but are used

somewhat differently. The high-level manager presents a simple interface for

writing Flash movies, while the low-level manager presents an API for

writing an arbitrary SWF file.


Who does the Macromedia Flash 5 file format (SWF) SDK benefit?

For software companies, it's gives new opportunities, with export support

for Macromedia Flash (SWF), graphics and animation tools vendors instantly

reach an audience of 96.4% of the online users on the Web. Macromedia Flash

(SWF) graphics are smaller than GIF or JPEG, resolution independent, and

interactive.


How do I promote my product's support of Macromedia Flash?

As part of license agreements, licensees are given the right to identify

their products as being Macromedia Flash Enabled. More details on this

program can be found by reviewing the Macromedia Flash Enabled logo style

guide: http://www.macromedia.com/macromedia/style_guide/logos/flash_enabled/


Where do I find information about Macromedia Flash Player source code

licensing?

Those interested in porting the Macromedia Flash Player 4 for use within a

Web browser can apply for the source code technology can apply for a license

at http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/open/licensing/sourcecode/


Macromedia takes 10 business days to review these applications. For those

interested in licensing Macromedia Flash Player 5 source code technology,

please send ane-mail to

Flash_Sourcemacromedia [dot] com

 explaining your intended

use for the Flash Player technology.


Technical Support

Macromedia does not offer technical support for the Macromedia Flash file

format (SWF) and Flash Player source code SDKs.  The SDKs are provided with

sample code and documentation only.  In addition there is a news group for

developers working with the format, to share information and techniques.  If

you are interested in the open-swf newsgroup, use your newsreader and go to

news://forums.macromedia.com/macromedia.open-swf.






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