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FLASH Computer on gray background with words "Replacing Flash in 2021" with the Flash Player icon shown with a halo above it
Updates & Improvements

The New Flash Player for 2021

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FLASH Computer on gray background with words "Replacing Flash in 2021" with the Flash Player icon shown with a halo above it

As you may know, Adobe ended its support of Flash Player with the closing of 2020. This leaves many asking: What will replace Flash Player in 2021?

While Adobe no longer supports Flash Player, the program still exists. That being said, the short answer is that website developers now must replace the code in their websites with the version of Flash Player from June 2020 or newer. All older versions no longer function on their own and will be blocked by popular web browsers, like Google Chrome, and websites.

Unlike Microsoft Word, where you can change from .doc to .docx to quickly “update” old files, Flash Player cannot be so simply amended. Flash Player is the coding inside the app or browser, so leave these changes to web developers to ensure it is done properly. The developer needs to recode the entire project in order to be compliant with the new alternative chosen (see below for more details).

If you used an application that ran on Flash Player, look to the app’s website for an upgrade or patch. If it is published, Thomas Guard will update it during a Saturday morning maintenance window (likely 2:00 am on Saturday).

Flash Player provided a go-to option for graphical user interfaces, or GUI, elements, online games, animations, short video clips, and more. In short, if the file included data and multimedia functions, Flash Player likely acted as its default platform. Filetypes included:

  • .amf
  • .json
  • .swf
  • .xml
  • .flv
  • .gif
  • .mp3
  • .png

Thankfully, many programs and softwares exist to serve as your new go-to for these filetypes and projects.  In some cases, these platforms provide enhanced security and features that surpass Flash Player’s capabilities. Some of your top options include:

  • HTML5
    HTML5 competed with Flash Player for the top spot for years prior to this. HTML5’s great versatility makes it a natural option for developers to transition previously Flash Player projects to.
  • WebGL
    While it originally earned its chops for 2D graphics, WebGL expanded its abilities to 3D graphics, virtual reality, and more on a variety of devices. For games, online role-playing, and heavy-duty projects, we predict WebGL may be the way of the future.
  • WebAssembly
    With the installation of a Flash Player plugin, WebAssembly may possibly become the easiest platform to convert Flash Player-reliant projects to.

Questions? Contact us.