Adobe Community: SWF to AVI or .MOV

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40. Captiv8r,

Jul 22, 2008 11:34 AM in reply to Guest

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Hello again

Sadly, no I'm not a Flash person. (And I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I can't claim to be one.

)

Perhaps one of our resident Flashy types of folks can speak to that. Just as a suggestion, you might wish to open an entirely new thread to ask the question and see if someone bites. This thread is rather long in the tooth.

Cheers and best of luck to you! Rick

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41. alexeck12381231,

Jul 22, 2008 11:45 AM in reply to Guest

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Todd, you might look at that earlier solution I recommended -- using Camtasia to record the Captivate output (simply Publish to a single exe, record the output in Camtasia) and then using Total Recorder to record sound.

I just did it and it worked PERFECTLY. My big Captivate presentation is now on Youtube, Vimeo, etc.!!!

Alex

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42. Newsgroup_User,

Jul 22, 2008 8:12 PM in reply to Guest

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> Todd, you might look at that earlier solution I recommended -- using
> Camtasia
> to record the Captivate output (simply Publish to a single exe, record the
> output in Camtasia) and then using Total Recorder to record sound.
>
> I just did it and it worked PERFECTLY. My big Captivate presentation is
> now
> on Youtube, Vimeo, etc.!!!

Woohoo - :-)

Steve

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43. kelly.turner@raritan.com,

Aug 14, 2008 11:49 AM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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We have Captivate and Camtasia. I didn't have to publish to an exe to capture the video with Camtasia. Basically here are the steps below.

1. Caputre with Captivate (try to keep screen size to the same size as the output file to eliminate distortion in pixels on the final image)
2. Perform Edits, add captions, capture audio with Captivate.
3. In the Captivate Library, rename each audio file to coincide with the correct slide order.
4. Export the audio from the library to a folder on PC
5. In Captivate, preview project.
6. Pause project as soon as it begins
7. Open Camtasia Recorder
8. Set screen capture area to select the Captivate preview paine and capture recording.
9. When completed, stop Camtasia Recording and stop/close Captivate.
10. Open the Camtasia Producer, and import the Camtasia Recording and the Captivate audio files (captivate exports wav and mp3) I import the mp3.
11. In Camtasia Producer, line up the audio to the recording.
12. You can then publish to a variety of streaming outcomes

I know this sounds like alot, but it was extremely simple. Captivate is much easier to perform edits in. I also think the video quality is much better. It even survives on the final output from Camtasia.

I hope this helps someone.

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44. UechiWoman,

Aug 15, 2008 9:22 AM in reply to Ruth3rf0rd

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Thank you for taking the time to write all of that. You saved me the time of duplicating your efforts.

Captivate is tough. I can output to FLV, which is what I have found out I really want, but only if I use the Adobe Connect service. So the program can make it, but it won't for me. It's disgusting.

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45. Phillipz,

Sep 9, 2008 1:31 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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Great article. It does provide me with great insight. Thanks!

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46. Phillipz,

Sep 9, 2008 1:32 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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thanks for everyones help with this

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47. nick5454,

Oct 14, 2008 9:02 AM in reply to Newsgroup_User

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quote:

Originally posted by: Newsgroup User
> I find it odd you would be totally
> at ease with the output until after you ponied up for the real deal, then
> be
> shocked that it doesn't port easily to format that works well on YouTube.

I find it odd that anyone would buy a tool that is designed to create
interactive content, so that they can output to non-interactive video. There
are scores (probably hundreds) of tools for creating video.

Steve

--
http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999

Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
European eLearning Summit - EeLS
Adobe-sponsored eLearning conference.
http://www.elearningsummit.eu

Not having a possibility of exporting to multiple formats is why people became angry with Microsoft products a long time ago. And thats why they support many different formats now.

I'm trolling this because 1, you insulted him for wanting a product for multiple uses which is common in IT, and 2 its ignorant for Adobe to think we should only want to export to flash. When, in reality a lot of Fortune 500+ companies do not allow users to have Flash on thier PC's. Sometimes we just can't use Flash.

If I knew this about Captivate I would have protested against it, when the Tech Writer requested it.

I'm done venting about Adobe marketing being retarded. It makes perfect sense that we want interactivity in 90% of the cases, and a video in 10% of the cases. For instance, a demo showing customers that we have top notch help with the product. And we would like to show that we have help in Silverlight demonstrations. There are plenty of circumstances to validate needing an AVI created from the product. If a Customer pays for a product, why would he be expected to buy questionable 3rd party products and have quality be degraded for wanting output in a different format 10% of the time. That makes no sense.

And when it is Integrated with RoboHelp. I sometimes here the TechWriter cry in his cubicle.

Have a good day.

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48. alexeck12381231,

Oct 14, 2008 10:10 AM in reply to nick5454

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Steve,

Your response shows you for the strutting jackanape that you are.

If Captivate was only to be used for interactive content, then why is Adobe (supposedly) going to implement support for more export formats in the future?

In the end, this rage will die down with existing users when Adobe finally does implement some decent export options. But until then, yes, there will be a constant stream of ********.

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49. kidogo,

Oct 14, 2008 11:35 AM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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I'm in agreement with nick5454, I'm a believer in Captivate for training videos that simply show users how to do something. So far, I haven't gotten into too much interactivity other than a Replay button.

I tried Camtasia and Captivate about 3 years ago when we were evaluating, and Captivate's quality and mouse movements were a big seller for us. It just looked so much cleaner than Camtasia's real-time mouse movements.

We've been able to post our files to our website using Flash output with an HTM file, so output has been pretty good too... until now.

My company is growing and wanting more options like output to mobile devices. I knew Captivate was incapable of that, so I hoped Flash or Premiere would allow me to accomplish my goals. I've never used Flash, so the integration is foreign to me and, as has been stated previously, other Adobe products can't effectively import SWF files or Captivate projects.

Getting back to Nick's suggestion, it's important that Adobe recognizes not only their intended use for Captivate, but how user's actually use, or want to use, the software. I like the interactivity, but I need to export to other formats sometimes. I don't want to buy Camtasia or anything else. I want Captivate to be my one-stop shop. I don't think I'm as in the minority as some think. If I am, it's probably because Adobe is stuck on *their* intent rather than mine, so they are missing that part of the market share.

If I read correctly, that may be a future enhancement, and I will jump up and down with joy when it's released. Please, understand that this is constructive criticism and not complaining. We just want Captivate to keep up with us and our needs.

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50. Newsgroup_User,

Oct 15, 2008 2:12 PM in reply to nick5454

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"alexeck12381231
> Steve,
>
> Your response shows you for the strutting jackanape that you are.

I think stating my opinion, without calling people names or poking fun is
just that - stating my opinion.

>
> If Captivate was only to be used for interactive content, then why is
> Adobe
> (supposedly) going to implement support for more export formats in the
> future?

Because the product is evolving. Captivate up to version 3 does not export
flat, non interactive video by default because that was not the intention of
the product.

>
> In the end, this rage will die down with existing users when Adobe finally
> does implement some decent export options. But until then, yes, there
> will be
> a constant stream of ********.

You are more than welcome to you opinion, but you don't get a better hearing
by using name-calling in your posts. I'm still stunned by the nastiness you
are using just because the product is not designed to do what you want and I
had the nerve to point that out to you.

Multiple posts from multiple names is kind of funny too.

Steve

--
http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999

Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
European eLearning Summit - EeLS
Adobe-sponsored eLearning conference.
http://www.elearningsummit.eu

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51. Newsgroup_User,

Oct 15, 2008 2:21 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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> My company is growing and wanting more options like output to mobile
> devices.
> I knew Captivate was incapable of that, so I hoped Flash or Premiere would
> allow me to accomplish my goals.

Perhaps these will help:-

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/captivate/articles/ipod.html
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/captivate/articles/mobile_captivate.html

> I've never used Flash, so the integration is
> foreign to me and, as has been stated previously, other Adobe products
> can't
> effectively import SWF files or Captivate projects.
>
> Getting back to Nick's suggestion, it's important that Adobe recognizes
> not
> only their intended use for Captivate, but how user's actually use, or
> want to
> use, the software.

Yes, that is true. And they do. But it takes time to create new versions,
unfortunately.

> I like the interactivity, but I need to export to other
> formats sometimes. I don't want to buy Camtasia or anything else. I want
> Captivate to be my one-stop shop. I don't think I'm as in the minority as
> some
> think. If I am, it's probably because Adobe is stuck on *their* intent
> rather
> than mine, so they are missing that part of the market share.
>
> If I read correctly, that may be a future enhancement, and I will jump up
> and
> down with joy when it's released. Please, understand that this is
> constructive
> criticism and not complaining. We just want Captivate to keep up with us
> and
> our needs.
>

Your points are clear, and fair. Asking for enhancements is completely
reasonable. Adobe *do* monitor these forums and they *do* understand the
changing needs of the users of the product. And they provide wishlist forms
so we can all direct our requests right to the engineers, so you can be sure
that missing features can be brought to their attention and added to the
product as time, technology and priorities allow.

Steve

--
http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999

Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
European eLearning Summit - EeLS
Adobe-sponsored eLearning conference.
http://www.elearningsummit.eu

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52. Newsgroup_User,

Oct 15, 2008 2:31 PM in reply to Newsgroup_User

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> And when it is Integrated with RoboHelp. I sometimes here the TechWriter
> cry
> in his cubicle.

Can you explain what you mean by integrated with RoboHelp?

I ask because you can easily insert Captivate into RoboHelp. Here's a great
example of what you can do with the current version of RoboHelp:-

https://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/_a295153/airinelearningtour/

On slide 4 you should see a demo of an integrated Captivate movie.

HTH

Steve

--
http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999

Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
European eLearning Summit - EeLS
Adobe-sponsored eLearning conference.
http://www.elearningsummit.eu

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53. alexeck12381231,

Oct 15, 2008 3:39 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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Steve:

>I think stating my opinion, without calling people names or poking fun
>is
>just that - stating my opinion.

No, you had a particular nastiness about your response. It was condescending. Captivate is not a cheap product, and it's typically used by professionals, not someone who bought a $20 shareware product.

The market has evolved. People created interactive content, and then wanted to put that type of content on YouTube. Even Adobe recognizes this and blogs about how to get your content up on YouTube.

Maybe you're not a strutting jackanape. Maybe you simply don't realize you're coming off as nasty.

But instead of making someone feel stupid for a perfectly reasonable request (and having paid a bucket of money for the product), it would be far nicer just to understand their frustration (as opposed to pointing out how stupid they are). Something like "I understand, and I hear Adobe is working on more functionality there, in the meantime, here are few suggestions".

It's totally understandable that Adobe is late to the game in getting better format support. I am in software development. I understand these things. The best thing, in my mind, is to let your customers know what the plan is. Customers will understand and be forgiving if the explanation is provided in the right way. I used both Camtasia and Captivate now. Like them both, each has their strengths and weaknesses. Camtasia, as you know, has tremendous format support and also supports a good range of interactive options.

>You are more than welcome to you opinion, but you don't get a better
>hearing
>by using name-calling in your posts. I'm still stunned by the
>nastiness you
>are using just because the product is not designed to do what you want
>and I
>had the nerve to point that out to you.

Stunned by the nastiness? I was stunned by yours. I guess it's a matter of perspective.

>Multiple posts from multiple names is kind of funny too.

That's possible, I have two Adobe accounts and I can't remember which one I log in with.

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54. Newsgroup_User,

Oct 15, 2008 8:32 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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> No, you had a particular nastiness about your response. It was
> condescending.
> Captivate is not a cheap product, and it's typically used by
> professionals,
> not someone who bought a $20 shareware product.

Let's go back to what I what I responded to:-

"I find it odd you would be totally at ease with the output until after you
ponied up for the real deal, then be shocked that it doesn't port easily to
format that works well on YouTube."

If the cost of Captivate is so high and so painful on the purchaser's
budget, then due diligence should be done to make sure they buy the product
that does the job they intend to use it for. Failure to do so is neglectful
and can be very costly. If I made that sort of mistake, I could lose my job.
If it is offensive to the original poster to have that mistake highlighted,
then shame on him - I'm sure it would be even more offensive to his boss or
client to realise he failed to do appropriate research ahead of making the
purchase.

> The market has evolved. People created interactive content, and then
> wanted
> to put that type of content on YouTube. Even Adobe recognizes this and
> blogs
> about how to get your content up on YouTube.

Sure - but beating on the *current* version of Captivate can't change its
features.

>
> Maybe you're not a strutting jackanape. Maybe you simply don't realize
> you're
> coming off as nasty.

It wasn't my intent to be nasty. Looking at the rest of that thread, there
was plenty of vehement comment thrown at adobe and anyone offering any sort
of counter comment was greeted with derision. A nice reception for freely
offered, volunteer assistance.

There were also plenty of suggestions for successful workarounds, but the
dead horse of Captivate's failing somehow still gets more beating. I think
it has been discussed plainly that the current version of Captivate does not
publish flat video, and only a new version of Captivate could fix that.
There's nothing to be gained by kicking that dead horse further.

Steve

--
http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999

Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
European eLearning Summit - EeLS
Adobe-sponsored eLearning conference.
http://www.elearningsummit.eu

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55. littlefaywd,

Jul 5, 2009 4:13 AM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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the simple solution to convert swf to avi or mov is a conversion tool, right?

well, the one i can recommend you is iWisoft swf2avi converter which i've used, good one.

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56. macrofireball,

Jul 9, 2009 1:33 AM in reply to littlefaywd

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Hi there,

Just in case you weren't aware. Adobe Captivate 4 enables you to publish Captivate 4 project files directly to AVI. To do this carry out the following steps:

1. Open your Adobe Captivate 4 project file.

2. Choose File > Publish

3. Select Media from the list of publishing options

4. From the Select Type menu choose Video (*.avi)

5. From the Output Options choose your desired Video and Audio format

6. Click Publish.

HTH

Best - Mark

Visit the macrofireball blog

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57. evanly,

Mar 21, 2013 6:59 PM in reply to Todd_Wilkinson

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It is difficult to find a good swf converter tool.I downloaded many swf converter and tested them.Based on an overall consideration of various factors,I selected bvcsoft swf to flv converter,it can finish swf to flv,avi,mpeg,mov,wmv,3gp etc many video and audio format.I can keeep my original video size or resize I need.If .swf volume is low or high,I can also increase/decrease volume.usually,I set 95db.

Good luck!

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58. NeedsHelp_37,

Mar 22, 2013 7:24 AM in reply to evanly

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Do you have to use .MOV? I'm using Captivate 5.5 and for some of the work I do, I publish in .mp4 which works on most web/mobile platforms. Have you tried that? Then you wouldn't have to use a converter at all and you can publish in HD if you want.

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59. Olivereem,

Jun 3, 2013 6:09 AM in reply to Captiv8r

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I'm also having this problem & I don't want to have to pay extra for those swf to mov conversion programs.

I have a feeling that the effect is different on each export so I'm considering doing a few exports and then editing them together in premiere, a poor solution but it might work.

Does anyone even know what this problem is called? It's hard to search for solutions since I can't sum up exactly what is happening.

Any help on this much appreciated. I've attached a picture of the type of stuttered effect I'm getting.

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