File Format & Compatibility

How to Open and Convert Microsoft Publisher Files After 2026

Natalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users need a reliable migration plan to open, convert, and manage existing Microsoft Publisher (.pub) files before the software officially reaches its end of support.

How to Open and Convert Microsoft Publisher Files After 2026

Product: Microsoft Publisher
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating existing .pub files to universally accessible formats before Publisher is deprecated in 2026.
Observed behavior: Users must export essential documents to PDF and evaluate compatible software options to ensure source files remain accessible and editable.

Before you start

Ensure you still have access to a working version of Microsoft Publisher to open your original .pub files, and gather all the files you wish to convert into a dedicated folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Export Publisher Files to PDF Document

The most reliable way to preserve the exact layout, fonts, and design of your Publisher documents is to export them as PDF files while you still have access to the software.

PDF is a universally accepted format that retains the visual fidelity of your document, ensuring it can be opened on any device without Microsoft Publisher.

Open your Publisher file

Launch Microsoft Publisher on your computer and open the specific .pub file you want to preserve.

Navigate to the Export menu

Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Export' from the sidebar menu.

Select PDF creation

Choose the 'Create PDF/XPS Document' option and click the large 'Create PDF/XPS' button.

Publish the document

Select your desired destination folder, ensure 'PDF' is chosen in the 'Save as type' dropdown, and click 'Publish'.

Layout Preserved: Your file is now safely saved as a PDF and can be viewed or edited using robust PDF editors in the future.

Solution 2

Save Publisher Files as Word Documents

If you need to heavily edit the text of your Publisher files later, saving them directly as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) is a highly practical approach.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Edit Converted Publisher Files with WPS Office

Once you have safely exported your Microsoft Publisher documents to PDF or Word (.docx) formats, use WPS Office as a lightweight, powerful suite to effortlessly view, edit, and manage them.

1. Install the software: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
2. Open your converted files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the PDF or Word document you exported from Microsoft Publisher.
3. Edit and save seamlessly: Use the integrated PDF Editor or Writer tools to modify your document, then save your changes securely.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint.Built-in, robust PDF Editor allows you to easily modify the text and images in your exported Publisher PDFs.Free and lightweight software that guarantees smooth performance without slowing down your computer.Familiar user interface ensures a seamless transition and zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly happens to Microsoft Publisher in October 2026?

Microsoft will officially retire Publisher. It will no longer receive security updates, new features, or technical support, and it will be completely removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Can WPS Office natively open original .pub files?

No, WPS Office does not natively open the .pub format. However, it perfectly handles Publisher files that you have proactively exported to standard formats like PDF, Word (.docx), or image files.

Should I permanently delete my original .pub files after converting them?

No, it is highly recommended to keep the original .pub files securely backed up. Future updates to third-party software may introduce better native support for editable Publisher files.

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