Can I still buy Microsoft Publisher?

What to do with your existing .pub files

Your .pub files are still readable — Publisher's file format is well-documented and several tools open it without needing a Publisher license. You don't need to buy anything to keep working with your files.

Questions

Can I still buy Microsoft Publisher?

No. Microsoft has discontinued Publisher and new licenses are no longer available for purchase. Publisher was included with certain Microsoft 365 Business plans (Standard and Premium) and is being removed from those plans on October 13, 2026.

Can I buy a used or existing Publisher license?

Used software licenses for Publisher may exist on third-party markets, but Microsoft's terms of service for volume and subscription licenses typically restrict transfer. Standalone perpetual Publisher licenses (pre-M365) were sold in earlier years but are no longer manufactured or sold by Microsoft.

What should I use instead of Publisher?

LibreOffice Draw and Scribus are free and open-source and open .pub files natively. Affinity Publisher V3 has been free since October 2025 and opens .pub files. Publish365 is browser-based and opens .pub files for editing online — first file free.

I have .pub files. How do I keep using them?

Your .pub files stay safe on your hard drive. To open and edit them, you can use LibreOffice Draw (free), Scribus (free), Affinity Publisher V3 (free), or Publish365 (browser-based, first file free). None of these require a Publisher license.