How to convert Publisher to editable alternatives

Susanne French 0 Reputation points
2026-06-25T11:34:06.9666667+00:00

With the withdrawal of Publisher I need to convert my files to editable documents. Advice is to convert to PDF, but then I do not know what to do next.

Additionally, I need an option where I can make my own shapes, as per Publisher where under Insert you can use a drawing tool

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | Other
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  1. WordWizzard 1,055 Reputation points
    2026-06-27T02:27:08.1633333+00:00

    If you have a desktop non-365 version of Publisher that has a perpetual license (e.g., Microsoft Office Professional 2021), it won't be deleted from you computer. You can continue to use it after Oct 2026, but it won't be getting any more updates.

    If you have the 365 version of Publisher that is a subscription, then you'll no longer be able to use it to open or edit Publisher files after support ends in Oct 2026. You will need to use another application. I do not recommend using PowerPoint or Word since those applications lack the features found in Publisher. Here are some better options:

    Which of these three options to use depends on your needs. If you want to continue using Publisher, then Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is your best choice. You avoid a learning curve, but you may need a 2nd computer.

    If you are looking for a free option, and only create simple, single-page items (flyers, signs, basic forms), or have a massive archive of old Publisher files that all need to be frequently opened/edited, then choose LibreOffice Draw. However, it lacks precision alignment and advanced commercial print controls like bleed setup and robust CMYK color profiles required by professional printing presses.

    On the other hand, if you routinely design complex, multi-page layouts (newsletters, booklets, catalogs) and need a highly professional tool that functions similarly to Adobe InDesign, then choose Affinity Page Layout.

    There are a number of YouTube videos that describe the features and how to use LibreOffice Draw and Affinity Page Layout. Many features work very similar to Publisher.

    NOTE: Microsoft Office Professional (Pro) is a perpetual license for individuals and you are given a product key. Once installed, the product is in your Microsoft account, and you can download and reinstall it again at a later time, if you need to.

    Avoid Office Professional Plus and Office LTSC Professional Plus. They are for organizations that use volume licensing. Some are illegal copies, do not come with product keys, and will not appear in your Microsoft account.

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  2. Xavier-D 10,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-26T06:15:54.9533333+00:00

    Hello Susanne French

    With Publisher being retired, the best option depends on whether you need to preserve the design or continue editing the content.

    If you only need to keep the publication looking the same for viewing, sharing, or printing, save the Publisher file as a PDF. This preserves the layout well, but it is not meant to be the final editable replacement.

    If you need to edit the text later, you can save the Publisher file as a PDF first, then open that PDF in Word. Word will convert it into an editable document, but please note that the layout may not match the Publisher file exactly, especially if the file contains many images, graphics, or complex formatting.

    For future work, Word is usually better for text-heavy items such as newsletters, labels, envelopes, forms, and letterheads. PowerPoint is often a better choice for more visual layouts such as flyers, posters, cards, banners, certificates, and similar designs.

    For creating your own shapes, PowerPoint is likely the closest Microsoft 365 option. You can use Insert > Shapes, then choose Freeform or Scribble to draw custom shapes. After creating a shape, you can use Shape Format > Edit Shape > Edit Points to adjust it, or use Shape Format > Merge Shapes to combine or cut shapes into custom designs.

    I also recommend keeping backup copies of your original .pub files until you have checked that the converted versions are usable for your needs.

    Feel free reply back to this post if you need further assistance, I'll be happy to help.

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