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Adding Flash Animations

Submitted by Travis Rink Mimio Master Mimio Moderators Mimio Site Manager on Jun. 22, 2009
Travis Rink's picture

I see many wonderful flash animations on websites that I use in my classes and link to and wonder if there is a way for me to use them in my mimio files. Is this possible?

Answer: 

Great question with many possibilities! Adding interactive flash files is very simple and makes your .ink files even more interactive. Plus, you don't have to search for that website that you used before as it can be all self-contained in your mimio file. There are a couple ways I've done this but the following seems to be the easiest in my opinion. Not all flash files can be downloaded by design and is a good idea to cite your source in your file to give due credit as well as to remember where you got it from in case you need to go back. Here's how: You'll need to have the free RealPlayer downloaded and installed. (http://www.real.com) When the flash animation is displayed, right-click and select "Download this Video to RealPlayer". This should save the flash file into a default folder that RealPlayer sets up upon install. Typically, it's in a folder named "RealPlayer Downloads" that you can search for. Once you find the folder and your file, you can either drag/drop into your .ink file or import like any other file. If you have problems, let me know and I can walk you through. I will try to create a video clip on how to do this and post it to the site. Happy searching!

Question sender: 
mimioConnect member

Comments & Collaboration (8)


Some RealPlayer versions don't work

Although many flash files can be utilized within mimio, not all Flash files can be used as many are locked in and protected. Using RealPlayer as described above works with most items that I have found. However, I have noticed that when I upgraded to RealPlayer SP, the newer version that is being pushed, that I lost the ability to download Flash files. One uninstalled, I reinstalled an old version and all was good. Here's a link to older versions of RealPlayer (http://forms.real.com/real/player/blackjack.html). I currently use version 11. I have also started using Firefox more often using methods described below as well as downloading and using Firefox Add-Ons such as FlashGot. You can also search a host of Firefox add-ons for terms like Flash and video to find other add-ons to help you download Flash and video files. Although there may not be one sure method, we can use a variety of tools to accomplish bringing in other rich multimedia. If you are on the frontier of finding other ways to bring in these multimedia objects, please share! :)

  • Posted:
    Apr. 1, 2010
Travis Rink
Posted by
Travis Rink
Downloads: 800

FireFox

Firefox makes it easy to download flash files if the publisher allows. Simply open the page where the flash file plays. Click Tools-->Page Info. Click the media tab. Look for the file with the .swf extension. It should have a fairly descriptive name such as cells.swf . If the only file listed is "preloader.swf" then you cannot download. Citing the sourse and linking to the site are a good ideas!

  • Posted:
    Mar. 14, 2010
kathleenn
Posted by
kathleenn
Downloads: 105

Won't Work

Hi there,

I did just that and even was downloading the exact same file that my instructor was using, but when I clicked on download to Real Player, it said can not download from this site. Do you know what may be causing this because my instructor downloaded it right in front of me.

I appreciate your help!
Thank you

  • Posted:
    Mar. 12, 2010
amiddle
Posted by
Amanda
Downloads: 307

Flash Help

Can you provide more information about what they were trying to download such as the site you were on, etc. Not all flash files can be downloaded and not all animations are flash. Many are Javascripts and to my knowledge can't be taken off as they run as a code on the webpage. Mac and PC could also be the issue as the Mac usually does things a bit differently than the PC which I am familiar with. Let me know and I'll see if I can help more. :)

  • Posted:
    Mar. 13, 2010
Travis Rink
Posted by
Travis Rink
Downloads: 800

Mac & flv files

I use firefox which has an optional goodie you can get called download helper. Once you have this on your toolbar, it is a simple matter to tell it to download whatever flash file you are watching. I then use a video converter and turn it into an MP4 file and then I can do whatever I want with it. Works great for Keynote and power point too! :) P.S. I would suggest you set up two files on the Mac before starting. One for flv files and one for MP4 files after you convert them. MP4 files are much more friendly to work with in a Mac.

  • Posted:
    Dec. 16, 2010
rshella
Posted by
rshella
Downloads: 9

Saving Flash Files

Dear Travis,

I figured out an easier way to do this for the Macintosh. Thanks anyway.

Sincerely,

wilphil

  • Posted:
    Mar. 3, 2010
wilphil
Posted by
wilphil
Downloads: 21

Saving flash

Sorry I didn't see this in time but glad you figured it out. Mac vs PC could have been the issue as they both operate differently. Would you care to share your Mac way for the other Mac users that might have an interest? Thanks. :)

  • Posted:
    Mar. 13, 2010
Travis Rink
Posted by
Travis Rink
Downloads: 800

Adding Flash Files to Gallery

Dear Travis,

This did NOT work! Please post video showing how this is done as soon as you are able.

Thanks.

  • Posted:
    Mar. 2, 2010
wilphil
Posted by
wilphil
Downloads: 21


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