Flash Alternatives - list of alternative software to build flash?

[justinOrel]

When I search for web templates, lots of sites are actually offering flash templates (or templates built in both HTML and Flash). Most require Adobe Flash to edit those templates. Adobe Flash costs $$$ and seems very hard to use.

What flash alternatives are available? Flash (SWF) itself is an Open Source format and not exclusive to Adobe, I found some of the follow software and wonder if there are more (better ones):

Open Office Impress - Good for creating multimedia presentations with 2D and 3D clip art, special effects.Free

AJAX Animator - (free / open source)

OpenLaszlo - base on XML/Javascript, seems hard to learn.

A4DeskPro Flash Builder - very easy to use, can create flash websites quickly without any coding, but must use its gallery of templates.

Any others you have used?

[dianna]

SwishMax is good alternative for creating SWF movies and is not that expensive, much easier to use than Flash CS; you may try the trial version.

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Flash Alternatives - Ultimate List of Flash-Like Animation Software

Do you love Flash but don’t know how you are going to afford it? There are tons of Flash-like animation software that I think you will find is just as effective for creating professional web animation. Take a look below to find a few free / open source Flash alternatives, as well as many lower price Flash alternatives that will surprise you. Take a look below.

OpenLaszlo 4 - OpenLaszlo programs are written in XML and JavaScript and transparently compiled to Flash and, with OpenLaszlo 4, DHTML. The OpenLaszlo APIs provide animation, layout, data binding, server communication, and declarative UI. An OpenLaszlo application can be as short as a single source file, or factored into multiple files that define reusable classes and libraries.

[davidglenn]

this is very helpful info u have shared with us