User:Arundel/InProgress

Macromedia FlashPaper 2 is a software application developed and distributed by Adobe. Its functional design mimics Adobe Acrobat Distiller; it behaves as a virtual printer driver. Documents printed to Macromedia FlashPaper are written to Flash. Adobe PDF is offered as an alternative.

FlashPaper documents are Flash SWF files and share that format's shortcomings and advantages. On the platforms that support Flash Player, FlashPaper can be used as an efficient file format with quick load times and the ability to encapsulate any printable content directly into webpages, rendering them as an interactive Flash movie.

The readability of FlashPaper documents is on average lower than PDF due to Flash Player limitations.

Third-party tools exist to modify the functionality of the FlashPaper interface. Because the default interface is designed for maximum accessibility and not security, any content can be printed and therefore exported into another format. The FlashPaper API included with Flash 7 and higher allows customization of the toolbar and default settings. Other third-party components may expand on these API features for greater control. For non-programmers there are third-party providers of modified builds, these are usually designed for authors to retain secure control over the content, as they are likely choosing the SWF format for its ubiquity and closed access. One popular third-party FlashPaper interface plugin provider is Zanzibar Fiction TM, more info at http://www.zanzibarfiction.com or visit the online store at https://www.zanzibarfiction.com/shop/

As of 2006 Macromedia FlashPaper 2 is available for individual purchase, or comes packaged with Macromedia Studio (accompanying Macromedia Contribute) and Macromedia ColdFusion suites. A standalone executable version is available for the Windows platform, but a Macintosh port has not yet been announced. On the Macintosh platform the output features are accessed through a printer driver only.