Important:
In a recent statement, Microsoft announced that Publisher, its entry-level design app for Windows, would reach end-of-life and would no longer be supported or work beyond October 1, 2026. In advance of this sunsetting, Microsoft recommends exporting all .pub documents to PDF format. From there, it's possible to work on Publisher templates from Adobe Express (licensed at WFU for all students, faculty, and staff).
Read Microsoft's full notice in the Microsoft Publisher support announcement.
Get ready: convert your .pub files to PDF
Convert files
- Open the Publisher file in Microsoft Publisher that needs to be converted.
- Click File.
- Click Export.
- Choose "Create PDF/XPS".
- Click Publish or Save to generate the PDF file.
- Repeat as necessary for all .pub files needed.
Find an alternative program to Microsoft Publisher
Adobe Express is recommended for ease of use.
While Adobe Express does not support .pub files directly, you can import the PDF created in the previous step.
- Ensure an Adobe license has been requested via the Adobe license request form.
- Go to the Adobe Express web app.
- Select Upload.
- Choose the .pdf of the exported publisher file/files.
- You may be prompted to import the PDF file. Select Import.
- Use Adobe Express to create new flyers, posters or other design objects.
Learn more:
- Explore the Adobe Express User Guide on adobe.com.
- Read the WFU IS Knowledge Base article on Adobe Express.
Other alternatives:
- Adobe InDesign (for advanced users)
- LibreOffice Draw (An open-source program that can open and edit raw .pub files directly without requiring a PDF conversion step first.)
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