After seeing an animation created in Flash on the web or playing a video game based on this technology, have you ever wanted to access its contents without having to be connected to the Internet? There are several ways in which movies are viewed online, and each requires different procedures to be able to download and review them later. This simple guide will show you how to do it.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using an Online Conversion Program
Step 1. Find a website to download videos
One of the most popular is KeepVid, which works with YouTube, Vimeo, and a few other streaming sites.
Downloading videos from streaming sites likely violates the site's terms of service. It is illegal to distribute copyrighted material without permission
Step 2. Enter the video URL
Copy the URL (web address) of the video you want to copy and paste it into the empty field on KeepVid. After entering the URL, click on the Download button next to it.
Be careful not to press the large green Download button that appears below the text field. It is an advertisement that will open many pop-up windows
Step 3. Select the file format
After the video has been uploaded to KeepVid, you will be provided with several links that will allow you to download the video in different formats. An MP4 works on most devices and computers, while an FLV is used less frequently.
You will also be offered several quality options. Higher quality videos (1080p, 720p) will require more hard drive space than lower quality ones (480p, 360p) - decide what matters most to you
Step 4. Download the video
Once you have decided on the format and quality, right click on the link and select Save as … You can also choose how to rename the file and where to save the file on your computer.
Method 2 of 5: Using Browser Extensions
Step 1. Install a download extension
Firefox is the most popular browser for adding extensions which can be downloaded for free from the Mozilla website. One of the most popular free extensions is DownloadHelper.
DownloadHelper will automatically find the media files on the browser page and will offer you the option to download them
Step 2. Search for the video you want to download
Once the video is activated, the DownloadHelper icon will begin to animate in the upper right corner of your Firefox window and a small arrow will appear next to it. Click above to open a menu of download options.
Step 3. Select the file format
When you click on the arrow, you will be offered several download format options. An MP4 works on most devices and computers, while an FLV is supported less frequently.
You will also be offered several quality options. Higher quality videos (1080p, 720p) will require more hard drive space than lower quality ones (480p, 360p) - decide what matters most to you
Step 4. Wait for the download to finish
Once the format and quality have been selected, the download will begin. You can check its status in the Firefox Downloads window, which can be accessed by clicking on the Firefox menu and then Download.
Method 3 of 5: Download SWF File
Step 1. Open the video site in Firefox
Go to the Flash video you want to watch. Firefox is the easiest browser to use when you want to download a Flash file directly from a website.
This method will not work with YouTube, Vimeo, and other streaming sites. It works for Flash videos on sites like Newgrounds instead
Step 2. Upload the video
Once the video has loaded into Firefox, right-click on the page. Select "View Page Information" from the right click menu. A sidebar will open with detailed information about the site you are visiting. At the top of the bar you will see a set of icons that will allow you to view different aspects of the site.
If you right-click on the movie itself, you will not see the "View Page Information" option. You have to click anywhere on the page other than the video and not even a link
Step 3. Click on the Movie icon
You will see a list of all the multimedia objects contained on the site, such as buttons, graphics and banners. The movie file in SWF format will also be present. Click on the Type column header in the list to sort it according to the type of object.
Step 4. Find the Flash file
The movie will be in SWF format and will be listed as Object under the Type column. The file name is often similar to the title of the movie on the site. Select it from the list and click on Save as … Give the file a name and click on Save.
Step 5. Watch the video
Once downloaded, you can open it in any browser that has Flash installed. When you try to open that file for the first time, Windows may ask you to specify a program. If your browser is not listed among those suggested, look for it in the folders on your computer. Most browser programs are located in the Programs folder on your hard disk, under the name of the owner company (Google, Mozilla, etc.).
Method 4 of 5: Copy SWF Files from Browser Cache
Step 1. Open Internet Explorer or use your computer's search tool to locate the Temporary Internet Files folder if you are using a different browser
To see this folder, open the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Under the General tab, select Settings and then View Files.
Step 2. Right click and sort files by address
Find the address of the website on which you found the file. The website can have a prefixed page, for example farm.addictinggames.com.
Step 3. Find files with SWF extension
It is the extension for Flash files. This can be movies, games or even advertisements. Look for the file with a name that fits the video you are trying to download. Right-click on the file and select Copy. Paste the file into an easily accessible folder.
Step 4. You may not be able to run the file directly
If this happens, open the Internet browser and the folder so that they are present on the screen at the same time. Click on the file and drag it into the browser body. At that point it should leave.
Method 5 of 5: Downloading Movies in RTMP
Step 1. Install a program to download media files
RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol) is a type of online video streaming that is much more difficult to download than a typical YouTube video. If you find a video that KeepVid or DownloadHelper can't access, it's likely an RTMP. You will need specific software to download these videos.
Orbit Downloader and Replay Media Catcher are two of the most popular programs for capturing RTMP streaming. Unfortunately they are not free, but they both offer a trial version. In the trial version Orbit Downloader will only load 50% of the movie and Replay Media Catcher will do a very slow download
Step 2. Launch the program
These programs must be started before going to the video to download. Keep the program window open and then open your browser. Go to the video you want to view and start it. This movie should appear in the download program. The download should start automatically.
