Publisher alternative in 2026

Anonymous
2024-05-30T12:21:21+00:00

Hello, What software will people be using and why when Publisher is phased out in October 2026? Thank you.

I know there's InDesign and Canva. Also, will Publisher files be able to be converted ?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For business

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-30T22:26:51+00:00

    So instead of working on a reasonable solution for Publisher, they are busy blocking its installation on new machines. I wonder if it can be unblocked or if Publisher would work with a different operating system such as Linux. More questions for the Geek Squad. This is infuriating. My old machines are barely usable. I will have to figure out what I can do with my desktop that's a couple years old and whether Publisher 2021 will work on that.

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  2. Stefan Blom 351.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-30T22:35:02+00:00

    If you have a license for Office 2021 that includes Publisher, you will be able to use Publisher even after October 2026. That means Office 2021 Professional and some others. (The same is true for even older versions, such as Office 2019.)

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-30T22:55:45+00:00

    I recently came across Libre Office, which does import .PUB files. It will need to be opened in the Writer module and the text will flow onto following pages. Obviously a bit of tidy up work will be required with columns and graphics. But it at least will be a solution if MS completely abandon Publisher.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-06-30T22:57:24+00:00

    Try Libre Office, it does import .PUB files.

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  5. LemP 74,970 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-30T22:59:28+00:00

    If you have a license for Office 2021 that includes Publisher, you will be able to use Publisher even after October 2026. That means Office 2021 Professional and some others. (The same is true for even older versions, such as Office 2019.)

    Is there any way to install Publisher from a licensed version of Office 2021 if Office 2024 (which doesn't include Publisher) has been installed?

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