Volume Number: 26
Issue Number: 02
Column Tag: Kool Tools

Kool Tools: Flash Decompiler Trillix

A multi-tool for Flash designers

by the MacTech Editorial Staff

If you're a Flash designer, the US$79.95 Flash Decompiler Trillix from Eltima (http://www.eltima.com) is a tool you'll want to add to your collection of utilities. It's a SWF to FLA converter designed to help users decompile Flash movies and convert SWF elements into multiple formats. Flash Decompiler Trillix is also handy for web programmers, web designers or even end users who deal with lots of Flash files.

However, "non-power" users need to be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. The program's interface is formed out of several small windows that work together. The windows display file trees, images, and other tools. So be prepared to spend a little time getting up to speed. But if you're into Flash, you'll be glad you did it.

Flash Decompiler Trillix contains two control screens. One is for converting a SWF file to an FLA document and the other for extracting its contents to objects. The Window menu lets you choose the simple or advanced mode for both screens. The simple modes for both screens contain fields for entering the SWF filename and the destination filename. The mode also has a button that allows you to navigate to the file's location on your computer where you want to save the destination file.

The advanced screens contain lists of settings that give you control over how a movie's content will be converted or extracted. The conversion screen's built-in setting description field offers explanations for each setting. On the other hand, the extract screen's settings require a visit to the Help files to determine the best settings.

Version 4.0 introduced Flex files support, a renovated design and advanced functionality. This means you can convert any SWF file back into its FLA or Flex source code. Normally, once your artwork is converted to a SWF file you can't edit it in Adobe Flash any more. (Ditto with executable files). To be able to make changes to SWF you have to have its original source code. SWF Decompiler Trillix for Mac OS allows you to extract all resources from SWF and save them in FLA file or Flex source file — which ARE editable. In other words, you can extract all SWF objects from the file (images, sounds, videos, shapes, morphs, fonts, texts, sprites, etc.) and save them in various formats. If you forget the password to your SWF file, Flash Decompiler Trillix bypasses this protection mechanism while decompiling SWF file resources. Once you've converted it to FLA you can set new protection in your favorite Flash editor. Of course, keep in mind that some SWF files may be copyrighted.

You can choose resources to extract and process several files simultaneously. Also, Flash Decompiler Trillix lets you export ActionScripts, which can be searched through later.

Flash Decompiler Trillix is Universal Binary so it runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It runs under Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and costs US$79.95. Registered customers are entitled to full 24/7 support, free updates and upgrades within one major version and discounts when buying other products by Eltima Software. Volume discounts are available, too.