FLV File Extension

Flash Video Format

File Type flv
Developer Adobe Systems
Popularity
4.5 (32 votes)
Application Adobe Animate
Category Video Files, Web Files
Format Binary

What is a FLV file?

Flash Video Format files, recognized by the FLV extension, fall into the Video Files and Web Files categories, amounting to 728 files.

The Flash Video Format (FLV) was created by Adobe, a company that developed file format and produced 81 programs for their use.

FLV file support extends to various operating systems, including Linux, Mac OS and Windows, as well as mobile devices running Android. If you need to play a FLV file, you can use one of 37 programs, such as Adobe Flash Player, Zoom Player and Elmedia Player.

MIME types

video/x-flv

File Signature

HEX code: 46 4C 56 01. ASCII code: FLV.

Mac OS

Linux

Android

How to open a FLV file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a FLV file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

When it comes to opening and working with FLV files, Adobe Flash Player, Zoom Player and Elmedia Player are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of Adobe Animate, head over to the Adobe site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.

Once the process is complete, Adobe Animate should take over as the default application for FLV files.

Set Adobe Animate as your default FLV viewer

Changing Default Programs in Windows

Right-click your FLV file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Adobe Animate as your desired application;
Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening FLV files.

Set default app to open files on Mac

Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired FLV file to open a menu of available actions;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Adobe Animate. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Solving Common FLV File Challenges

Rest assured, any issues with FLV files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

What Causes Adobe Animate to Crash Frequently?

Adobe Animate crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Adobe products.

A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.

How can I restore a damaged FLV file?

Open the damaged FLV file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged video files.

What are the telltale signs of a corrupt FLV file?

Common indications of damaged FLV video files are:

Unexplained increase in FLV file size;
The file causes Adobe Animate or other programs to hang or crash during operation;
Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
While working with the file, error messages appear;
Editing the archive in Adobe Animate results in slow or unresponsive behavior;

How to edit a FLV file?

To edit FLV files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the video files. Online FLV editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Flash Video Format.

Best FLV editors in 2026

Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of FLV editors you can use.

FLV Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
AVS Video Editor	OMT	Windows	4.9 out of 5 (40 reviews)
Adobe Animate	Adobe	Windows, Mac OS	4.8 out of 5 (42 reviews)
Adobe Premiere Pro	Adobe	Windows, Mac OS	4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews)
Adobe Flash	Adobe	Windows, Mac OS	4.1 out of 5 (42 reviews)

Convert to and from FLV

If working with a FLV file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, WAV or other supported formats.

Keep in mind that converting a FLV file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.

Offline software, including iSkysoft Video Converter, Hamster Free Video Converter and Freemake Video Converter, allows smooth conversion of FLV files while preserving original quality.