Create interactive SWF (Flash) files for the web

When you export to SWF, you create an interactive file that’s ready for viewing in Adobe Flash Player or in a web browser. The SWF file can include buttons, page transitions, and hyperlinks added in InDesign. SWF files exported from InDesign do not include movies or audio files. Exporting to SWF is a good way to create an interactive slideshow, or a flip book, based on an InDesign document.

If you want to edit the document in Flash Pro before creating the SWF file, export to XFL instead of SWF. See Create XFL (Flash) files for the web.

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SWF export

A.
Document in InDesign before SWF export

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Interactive SWF file in web browser

For a video and instructions on exporting an InDesign document to SWF, see www.adobe.com/designcenter/indesign/articles/lrvid4030_id.html

  1. Create or edit the InDesign document to prepare it for Flash export. For more detailed information on setting up the document for export, see Flash export issues.

    • Add navigation buttons that allow users to move from page to page in the exported SWF file. You can create a buttons by drawing an object and converting it to a button using the Buttons panel (choose Window > Interactive > Buttons). You can also use the Sample Buttons panel to drag predefined navigation buttons into your document. See Create buttons.

    • Use the Page Transitions panel (choose Window > Interactive > Transitions) to add page transitions such as wipes or dissolves. When you export to SWF, you can also select the Include Interactive Page Curl option, which lets viewers drag a page corner to turn the page.

  2. To export the document to SWF format, choose File > Export. Choose SWF from the Save As Type (Windows) or Format (Mac OS) menu, and click Save.

  3. In the Export SWF dialog box, specify the options, and then click OK. For information on export options, see Export content to SWF.