Have you ever watched a flash video on the Internet or played a flash game that you would have liked to access more easily, without having to connect to the Internet? There are several ways to view streaming movies, requiring different procedures to download a video or to watch it later.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Use a web conversion program
Step 1. Find a site that allows you to download videos
One of the most popular is KeepVid, which works with YouTube, Vimeo, and several other streaming sites.
Downloading videos from streaming sites will likely violate the site's terms and conditions. It is illegal to distribute video material without permission
Step 2. Enter the URL of the video
Copy the full URL (web address) of the video you would like to download. Enter the address in the field provided for this purpose on the KeepVid site. Once this is done, click on "Download".
Do not click on the big “Download” in green, located next to the text. It's actually an advertisement and multiple web pages will open at the same time
Step 3. Select the file format that suits you
Once KeepVid uploads your video, the site will offer you several links that allow you to download the video in different formats. MP4 format can be read by most devices and computers, while FLV format is more limited.
You will have the choice between different qualities. Better quality videos (1080p, 720p) will take up more space on your hard drive than lower quality videos (480p, 360p). So choose what suits you best
Step 4. Download the video
When you have chosen the format and quality of your video, right click on the link and click on "Save as". You will be able to rename the file and choose the folder where your video will be downloaded.
Method 2 of 5: Use browser extensions
Step 1. Install an extension allowing you to do downloads
Firefox is the most used browser for downloading extensions and you can download it for free from the Mozilla website. "DownloadHelper" is an extension allowing downloads, it is free and well rated.
DownloadHelper automatically detects media files that are on the web page open in your browser and allows you to download them
Step 2. Open the page containing the video you would like to download
When it starts playing, the DownloadHelper icon will appear in the upper right corner of Firefox and you will see a small arrow next to it. Click the arrow to access several download options.
Step 3. Choose the desired file format
Click on the arrow to choose from several possible file formats. MP4 format can be read by most devices and computers, while FLV format is more limited.
You will have the choice between different qualities. Better quality videos (1080p, 720p) will take up more space on your hard drive than lower quality videos (480p, 360p). So choose what suits you best
Step 4. Wait for your download to complete
When you have chosen a type of format and quality, your download will begin. You will be able to see the progress in the window of your downloads, in Firefox. You can access this window by opening the Firefox menu, then clicking on "Downloads".
Method 3 of 5: Download SWF files
Step 1. Open the web page containing the video in Firefox
Open the page with the flash video you are interested in. Firefox is the go-to browser if you want to download a flash file directly from a website.
This method will not work with YouTube videos, Vimeo, and other video streaming sites. This method will only work with flash videos found on websites, such as Newgrounds
Step 2. Load the video
When the video has finished loading in Firefox, right click in the middle of the page. Then click on "Show page info". This will provide you with detailed information about the web page you are viewing. Above the sidebar, you will see different icons related to different aspects of the site.
If you right click on the video, you will not be able to access the information on the page. You absolutely must click somewhere where there is no link or video
Step 3. Select the video icon
You will then see a list of all the media files present on the site, such as graphic buttons and banners. You will also see SWF files. Click on "Type" at the top of the column to sort the list by type.
Step 4. Find the correct flash file
The format of the video will be SWF and you can find it in the “Type” column. Usually the name of the file is very similar to the title of the video. Select the correct file and click “Save As”. Rename the file and click “Save”.
Step 5. Watch the video
When you have downloaded your video, you can open it in a browser with Adobe Flash already installed. When you try to open the file, Windows may ask you to specify a program. If your browser is not in the list of programs offered, search for it. Most browsers are located in the “Program Files” folder on your hard drive. Find the browser folder of your choice (Google, Mozilla, etc.).
Method 4 of 5: Copy SWF files from your browser cache
Step 1. Open Internet Explorer or use your search tool on your computer to locate your temporary Internet files, if you prefer to use a different browser
To find your temporary Internet files with Internet Explorer, go to the "Tools" menu and click "Internet Options". Then select the "General" tab, then "Settings" and finally click on "View files".
Step 2. Right click and sort the files according to their address
Locate the address of the site the video was on. The site could end up with a prefix, like farm.addictinggames.com.
Step 3. Find files with a SWF extension
The latter is an extension for flash files. SWF files can be movies, games, or commercials. Look for a file whose name matches the video you want to download. Right click on the file and click "Copy". Paste the file into a folder that you can easily access.
Step 4. You might not be able to run the file directly
If so, open your internet browser, as well as the folder so that you can see them both on your screen. Click once on the file and drag it into your browser. It should work.
Method 5 of 5: Download RTMP streams
Step 1. Install a media downloader
RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol) is a much more complex video streaming method than downloading a normal YouTube video. If you want to download a video and KeepVid and DownloadHelper can't do it, your file could be an RTMP stream. If so, you will need a special program to download these videos.
“Orbit Downloader” and “Replay Media Catcher” are two popular programs for downloading RTMP streams. They are unfortunately not free, but both offer trial versions. "Orbit Downloader" will only allow you to download half of your video if you go for the trial version and "Replay Media Catcher" will be very slow in the trial version
Step 2. Start the program
You must launch the program before accessing the video you would like to download. Keep the program window open. Then open your browser and go to the site where your video is located. Start the video. The video file will appear in the program normally and the download will take place automatically.
