The Small Web Format (SWF) is a file format used for multimedia, vector graphics, and ActionScript. Developed by Macromedia and later acquired by Adobe, SWF files are commonly used for animations, games, and interactive content on the web. They can be embedded in web pages and are designed to be lightweight, allowing for quick loading and smooth playback. SWF files are typically created using Adobe Flash or similar software. Although they were widely used in the past, the format has seen a decline in popularity due to the rise of HTML5 and concerns over security vulnerabilities. As a result, many browsers have phased out support for SWF content.