How to Decompile SWF files and convert SWF to FLA

Imagine you were working hard to create an SWF file, but for some reason misplaced the FLA file and can't edit your precious Flash without it... Or you're new to Flash and want to get a sense of how some SWF file was created. Or anything else:) Whatever the reason is, you can easily convert any SWF file back to FLA (or its source Flex project) in a few clicks.

Nowadays you can find hundreds of decompilation tools in the web. Some of them may even be free. Just download, install and start decompiling. Everything seems to be as easy as pie. But… sometimes the result of decompilation is not useable.

I've tested several decompilers recently and the one I've liked most is Flash Decompiler Trillix by Eltima Software. This handy software gives you an access to a full range of decompilation possibilities. It is not free, but the price is more than acceptable based on its performance.
So, here is a small how to about SWF to FLA decompilation. BTW, if you're a Mac user you can easily decompile SWF files with Flash Decompiler Trillix for Mac by Eltima Software. I'll add some more articles on this topic later, so if you're interested in Flash – you're welcome to follow my howto’s:)

• Step 1

  Please download the latest build of Flash Decompiler by Eltima here http://www.flash-decompiler.com/download/flash_decompiler.exe (Mac OS version is also available)

• Step 2 Eltima Flash Decompiler

  After launching Eltima Flash Decompiler please browse for the SWF file you want to convert in File explorer. You can either drag the needed SWF file to "My Tasks" list or press "Add Tasks" after choosing the file.

• Step 3 Fla & Flex decompilation

  For your convenience, while working with a file, you can see whether it is a Flash (Fl) or Flex (Fx) file (since 4.0 version Flash Decompiler supports Flex files into Flex projects decompilation). There will be corresponding icons to the left of the file name in "My tasks" list.

• Step 4

  After you added the required Flash file(s) to be converted, please, switch to "Convert tab", which can be found at the ribbon bar.

• Step 5

  Select the destination folder where the resulting FLA (or source Flex) files will be stored.

• Step 6

  If you decided to convert chosen SWF to FLA with default settings, just press "Convert current" button (or "Convert all" button in case you've selected batch of SWF files).

• Step 7
• In order to change conversion settings just switch to "Conversion options" tab. After you've adjusted all the settings, please press "Convert current" button ("Convert all" button in case you've selected batch of SWF files).