Converting Flash to HTML5 in 7 steps

A number of organizations are switching to HTML5 with its inception and Flash is turning out to be obsolete rapidly. It is easy to avail eLearning content through tablets and smartphones through Flash. Organizations nowadays are willing to ease up the process of eLearning through mobile gadgets, which can reach out to a larger number of people. However, iOS versions do not support courses based on Flash. Evidently, eLearning courses are not technically available on latest android tablets or iPads. Therefore, most of the organizations are looking forward to find a solution to convert Flash course to HTML5.

Useful resources cannot simply be discarded and the challenge to convert the courses is obvious. However, it is not necessary to re-develop these programs from the outset yet again. Programs in Flash can be converted to HTML5 format.

A few authentic tools can help you to convert Flash to HTML5 in 2-3 weeks. The time taken for flash to html5 conversion may however vary based on numerous factors. 

These seven steps can convert courses developed in Flash to HTML5

Step 1: Assemble all your source files

Before you start converting Flash course to HTML5, assemble all the source files and required supporting files. All these files should be available in order to make the conversion successful. The XML, JavaScript, FLA files should be ready. Audio and video files constitute the media file and these, too, should be available. The conversion becomes quick and effective when you arrange all these files before the process starts.

Step 2: Media and content should be extracted from the existing source

The media and content files have to be extracted from the present source after you assemble all the required files. Now, you need to copy the text present on the screen as well as the navigation button levels present in the GUI (Graphical User Interface). Copy the text in Power Point Presentations and Word documents, as you can use these as a storyboard.

After you have copied these elements, copy the media elements, like graphics, video and audio. Create a folder and store them in a systematic structure. Certain learning resources present in Word documents and PDF files are also required and you need to copy these too.

Step 3: Selection of your authoring tool

Several elearning authoring tools in the market are available that will help you to convert the present eLearning materials from Flash to HTML5. In order to ensure a smooth conversion, you need to implement one of these tools. It will enable you to retain interactivities adopted for the process.

The underlying adobe flash to html5 converter tools can help you in the conversion process

• Articulate Storyline 2
• Lectora Inspire
• Captivate 8
• iSpring

Step 4: Based on branding, interactivities and GUI have to be finalized

After the selection of authoring tool, one has to decide on the interactivities and GUI for the HTML5 version. The HTML5 courses and GUI may vary. The authoring tools may not be able to create certain interactivities that were developed in Flash. One has to choose alternatives in these cases. For instance, certain complex animations are capable of being converted to videos.

Step 5: Develop interactivities through the identification of right templates

The developments of online courses depend largely on templates. It helps to develop the courses at low costs and lesser time. As the required designing framework is already created, the task of the instructional designer is simplified. The new courses become more consistent. You can even make them look unique by modifying them. At this stage, you should identify the required templates for the purpose.

Step 6: A prototype resembling the actual course has to be developed

After the templates are finalized, you need to develop a prototype, resembling the ‘actual course’. As a result, the client will get a clear image about the real look of the course after it is developed. In case any alterations or modification is necessary, it can be implemented at this stage itself, eliminating the necessity of rework. It will save your precious time as you will not have to repeat through the process.

Step 7: The course has to be developed in HTML5 and published

This is the last of the seven steps for flash to html5 migration. After the prototype is shown to the client and the desired editing is done, the complete course has to be developed. You need to publish this course in HTML5 format, using the authoring tool you had selected.

Well, the organizations face another challenge apart from the conversion of Flash format to HTML5. They need to deal with multiple vendors and browsers. Most of these issues are related to IE6 and 7. Several companies are still using IE6 & 7 and they may not be interested in switching over to an advanced browser supporting HTML5 content. One can publish online courses to both HTML5 and Flash users. Learners accessing course in IR6 and 7 find that the Flash course is not supporting HTML 5. However, if they use the latest browse versions, the output will be visible in HTML5 format.

Following these seven steps, you can simplify the conversion of Flash to HTML5. Approaching the right digital conversion company is always the wisest step to take if you really need professional outcomes.