The SWF graphic file format is a version of the Flash Player vector-based graphics format introduced in 1997. The SWF file format is ideal for presenting vector-based interactive and animated graphics with sound for the Web.
Vector images are ideal for graphics with solid areas of color and distinct object definitions.
Because a SWF file is vector-based, its graphics are scalable and play back smoothly on any screen size and across multiple platforms. A vector animation usually has a smaller file size than a bitmap animation. The color gradients and the sphere's edge appear smooth throughout the animation. The color gradients appear banded and the sphere's edge degrades as it scales larger. SWF files are created in programs such as Adobe LiveMotion and Adobe Illustrator 9, which use vector-based drawing tools to create complex shapes and color fills that are exported as compact vector data.