Simple Flash Detection Using Dreamweaver

When a website incorporates Flash objects, the user experience can break down if the browser lacks the necessary plugin. Detecting Flash support early in the page load not only protects visitors from broken layouts but also helps developers decide whether to serve fallback content or request a plugin upgrade. Dreamweaver, as a versatile IDE, offers several straightforward techniques to implement this check without writing complex JavaScript.

Why Flash Detection Matters

Flash was once the backbone of interactive media on the web, powering animations, games, and rich advertisements. However, the plugin’s security vulnerabilities and increasing mobile usage led major browsers to phase out support. When a page loads an old SWF file on a machine that no longer supports Flash, the object simply disappears, leaving a blank spot or a broken layout. By detecting the presence or absence of the Flash plugin in advance, designers can either redirect users to a more compatible version or display a friendly message prompting them to update.

Using the Flash Detect Component in Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver includes a built‑in Flash Detect component that generates a small snippet of JavaScript and an object tag tailored for Flash detection. To insert this component, open the Insert menu, choose Flash, and then Flash Detect. The generated code automatically sets a global variable-usually named ___MARKDOWN

-to true or false depending on the client’s plugin status. This approach eliminates the need for manual script writing and ensures cross‑browser consistency.

Step‑by‑Step: Implementing the Component

First, place the Flash Detect component in a common header file or a page template so every page can share the same detection logic. Dreamweaver will create the following structure:

MARKDOWNPROTECTED1block that checks for theMARKDOWNPROTECTED2array or the ActiveXMARKDOWNPROTECTED3object on Windows.Conditional statements that setMARKDOWNPROTECTED4toMARKDOWNPROTECTED5when a matching plugin version is found.Fallback logic that displays a simple message or image if Flash is not available.

Once inserted, you can embed an SWF file using the

tag. Wrap the tag in ablock that contains the fallback content. Dreamweaver’s component automatically includes thevariable inside thetag, enabling developers to conditionally render the object or the fallback based on the detection result.

Testing Your Flash Detection

After adding the component, validate its functionality by opening the page in browsers that both support and lack the Flash plugin. Dreamweaver’s Live View offers a convenient way to preview how the detection behaves without needing to install or uninstall Flash. When the plugin is present, the SWF should load and play seamlessly. If it's missing, the fallback content should appear instead, confirming that the detection logic works as intended.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One frequent issue arises when the

tag is placed inside athat has conflicting CSS rules. Dreamweaver’s Flash Detect component generates a minimalcontainer with no styling, allowing designers to apply their own layout rules without interference. Another pitfall is forgetting to include theattribute set to. Dreamweaver automatically populates this value, but manual edits can inadvertently remove it.

When creating custom fallback messages, ensure they're concise and clear. A short paragraph stating “Flash is not supported on your browser. Please update your plugin or switch to a modern browser.” provides users with an immediate understanding of the issue and a next step. , use

MARKDOWN

PROTECTED

tags to cover scenarios where JavaScript is disabled entirely; Dreamweaver’s component includes a small

PROTECTED_16___ section that displays a static message or image.

Optimizing for Modern Browsers

Even though Flash is deprecated, many legacy sites still rely on it. By integrating the Flash Detect component, developers can gradually transition users to newer HTML5 alternatives. The detection script can be expanded to check for specific Flash versions and prompt users to upgrade to the latest supported version, which still offers better security and performance. Dreamweaver’s built‑in component makes this upgrade path straightforward: simply replace the old SWF tag with an HTML5 video tag and rely on the same detection variable to decide which element to

Practical Takeaways

For designers and developers working within Dreamweaver, the Flash Detect component offers several immediate benefits:

Zero scripting knowledge required; Dreamweaver generates reliable JavaScript.Consistent behavior across all major browsers, including legacy versions of Internet Explorer.Easy integration into reusable templates, ensuring every page performs detection without duplicate code.Clear fallback pathways that improve accessibility and user experience for visitors without Flash.

By adopting this simple yet effective approach, you prevent broken media displays, enhance site reliability, and prepare for the future of web content where Flash will remain obsolete.