Flash Decompiler
QuarkXPress 8 and higher lets you create simple or complex interactive Flash animations in SWF format. However, if you want to edit the SWF file, you’ll need a tool to decompile the SWF into native Flash pieces.
Eltima’s Flash Decompiler Trillix is designed to do just that. Version 5.0 adds support for comparing multiple SWF files, the ability to view the tag structure of SWF files, an improved file manager, and also a faster and more effective decompilation engine.
It’s not perfect, but it does restore a lot of the edibility of the file, optionally placing every object on its own layer. In addition, it can extract all objects (images, sounds, video, shapes, text, morphs, ActionScripts, etc.) used in SWF and Flex files into various file formats.
This is a useful tool for recovering the parts from a compiled Flash file when the original isn’t available or is corrupted. It’s also helpful when replacing Flash content with HTML5 or other non-proprietary formats.
Get it for $80 at www.mac.eltima.com
Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press
When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.
Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.
In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.