Spurred in part by the rise of iOS and the popular devices that run it, like the iPhone and the iPad, many companies are converting Flash content (SWF and FLA source files) into HTML5. HTML5 and JavaScript are good alternative technologies that are more compatible with a growing number of mobile products, including Apple products, which limit Flash use.

Converting content can be done in a variety of ways. There are conversion tools available, such as Adobe Wallaby (an experimental conversion tool that exports artwork and animation in Flash sources) and Google’s Swiftly (a tool where a SWF file can be uploaded and converted into HTML5 offering more compatibility with Chrome and Safari).

For more complex projects, these automated conversion tools could be too limiting, so it may be easier or better to manually convert Flash functions, content, and interactions into a combination of HTML5, JavaScript, and other technologies. Luckily, there are a great deal of similarities between ActionScript, the object-oriented language for Flash development, and JavaScript, so transitioning between these technologies is easier.

Migrating from Adobe Flash to HTML5 can have consequences for user experience. Flash SWFs, as a compiled output, provide a single file with embedded programming, database hooks, audio files, video files, and interactions with external content (in the form of XML or database content in MySQL or SQL). Such complex flash files often require a range of programming tools and conversion can lead to a reduced user experience.

For example, Flash video players converted to HTML5 will use more standardized controls, so custom features in a Flash video player may be lost in an HTML5 conversion. However, the developer will gain increased compatibility over a greater range of devices (Android, Blackberry OS, iOS, and more) as well as greater video player compatibility across browsers such as Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera, and mobile browsers.

Media Genesis has extensive experience in Flash conversion to HTML5, including migrating e-learning content and marketing website SWF, FLA, and FLV files to a more HTML5 compatible environment.

For help, advice, or project support in HTML5 conversions, email us.