Microsoft Publisher is being discontinued
Your .pub files stay on your machine — they won't disappear. But if you rely on Publisher through M365, October 13 is a hard deadline. Full EOL details →
Which software actually opens .pub files?
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Designer all say “export to Word” as a migration path — but none of them open .pub files natively. Here's the full, accurate picture.
| Software | Opens .pub? | Notes | Cost | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Publish365 | ✓ Yes | Opens, edits + exports online — first file free | Free first file; plans from $9/mo | Browser |
| LibreOffice Draw | ✓ Yes | Native .pub support via libmspub | Free | Mac / Win / Linux |
| Scribus | ✓ Yes | Native .pub support via libmspub ¹ | Free | Mac / Win / Linux |
| Affinity Publisher V3 | ✓ Yes | Opens .pub; free download since Oct 2025 | Free | Mac / Win / iPad |
| Aspose .pub Viewer | ◑ View only | Browser convert to PDF — no editing | Free (online) | Browser |
| Zamzar / Markzware | ◑ View only | Convert to PDF/Word — no editing | Limited free | Browser |
| Microsoft Word | ✗ No | Does not open .pub natively | Paid / M365 | Mac / Win |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ✗ No | Does not open .pub | Paid / M365 | Mac / Win |
| Microsoft Designer | ✗ No | Does not open .pub | Paid / M365 | Browser |
| Canva | ✗ No | Does not open .pub | Free / Paid | Browser |
| Adobe InDesign | ✗ No | Does not open .pub | Paid | Mac / Win |
¹ Some sources (including HowToGeek) incorrectly state Scribus cannot open .pub files. Scribus has shipped native libmspub-based .pub support since version 1.5.x.
The migration trap Microsoft doesn't mention
Microsoft's official guidance suggests exporting your Publisher files to PDF or Word before the deadline. What they don't say clearly: Word imports Publisher documents as flat, heavily reformatted text — complex layouts rarely survive intact. PDF export loses all editability.
If you want to keep editing your documents after the deadline, you need a tool that reads the .pub format directly. LibreOffice Draw, Scribus, Affinity Publisher V3, and Publish365 all do this.
LibreOffice Draw
Free, desktop app, opens .pub natively. Good for occasional use.
Scribus
Free, professional desktop publisher. Steeper learning curve than Publisher.
What you can create with Publish365
All of the documents Publisher users typically make — bulletins, flyers, menus, certificates — available as ready-made templates. Start from a template or upload your .pub and keep editing.
Church Bulletin
Event Flyer
Tri-fold Brochure
Restaurant Menu
Raffle Ticket Sheet
Certificate
Frequently asked questions
- Can I open .pub files without installing Microsoft Publisher?
- Yes. LibreOffice Draw, Scribus, Affinity Publisher V3, and Publish365 all open .pub files without requiring a Publisher license. Publish365 works entirely in your browser — no install at all.
- Does Microsoft Word open .pub files?
- No. Despite being made by Microsoft, Word does not open .pub files natively. There is no built-in .pub import path in Word, PowerPoint, or Designer.
- Will my .pub files disappear when Publisher is discontinued?
- No. Your files stay on your machine. You just won't be able to open them in Publisher after October 13, 2026 if you subscribe to Microsoft 365. The files themselves are safe.
- Is Publish365 made by Microsoft?
- No. Publish365 is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation.
- What's the closest free alternative to Publisher?
- LibreOffice Draw and Scribus are both free and open-source, and both natively open .pub files. Affinity Publisher V3 is also free since October 2025 and opens .pub files. Publish365 is free for your first file, then paid.
Related questions
Publish365 is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.