Why is Publisher being phased out, and what is Microsoft replacing it with? Will Microsoft 365 be cheaper since they are phasing out the program?

I just tried converting one pub file into Word- this does not work. Extremely disappointed in this as most are.

Well as it goes if it makes sense then F it up! I can, have and do use word. There is NO COMPARISON that publisher is SOOO MUCH MORE USER FRIENDLY! I can just draw a text box. I can easily resize an object. Word has far too many constraints. I use it for everything. Publisher can do everything Word can do quicker and easier. I can not phathom the thought process here. I TOO HAVE ADD. I use it for everything from making tickets for big event fundraisers to flyers and high end high tech resumes. Trying to use the templates are a joke on Word compared to publisher. I am a very young 60. You Sooo do not make it easy either, to use the easiest most straightforward program you have. MicroSoft could easily just keep it and make a simple one or 2 step process to simply convert the item same as word but NOOOOOOO. When I made tickets for a fundraiser for a Non-Profit, I had to get something from the company to even use the ticket because I created in publisher. You could and should then make Word or Designer or whatever else, more compatible with Publisher. You can put stuff exactly where you need to without alot of unnecessary constraints. THIS IS A HORRIBLE DECISION. Computers Programs have always been hard for me, but with Publisher I can get exactly the desire results I seek. It feels as though you have closed off opportunities for those with some learning challenges. Please understand I did not say intellect because I am a doctorate holder and have a very high IQ. This feels sinister. You have just limited and alienated a group of your own people who have obviously been loyal fans since almost the inception of Microsoft Applications, because to know publisher well enough to appreciate it as one of the easiest, most user-friendly, most effective apps you have, would have to have used it over the years. Moreover, you feel it has not been given the attention to keep pace, and even with the neglect it is better than all your very convoluted up to date apps. Microsoft could easily add an AI feature in an instant. This is an understatement. Yep, too much like right, but not right! I am deeply saddened at this disenfranchisement and ridiculous decision...

My only thought concerning Microsoft's decision is that they didn't want to support the product any longer and are trying to push us away from that kind of software. I'm not familiar with Canva but I'll need to investigate. My thought is that there are other companies that might consider buying the code and picking up the product so maybe MS just isn't talking until it's sold. On the other hand, MS did have a product to create websites which I used for years too, and they dropped it without a replacement. Why do this? Let's call it money .......... they want to push into the AI arena further and don't want to add headcount so might shift people to that product from others. It really makes me wonder about MS as a company. There must be millions of us using MS products and Publisher. They don't care about the customer base as much as the decision to make more money. If someone has other alternatives, l'd like to know about that alternative software. Now, let's thing about this further............what else might they drop? If I add software as a need, should I even consider MS products in the future?? I've been around using MS products going way back to MSDOS when Windows was only a way to keep up with Apple.

MS is only looking at the bottom line and, I think, may regret the decision. Word and/or PowerPoint are very different than Publisher and I use all three reasonably often. Even if MS doesn't care to update the software maybe just leave it alone and don't provide support. Or maybe sell the rights and the code to another company who might pick it up and improve it as needed. Should this happen, I may give 365 and other MS products a second thought and consider moving away from MS altogether. My attitude is that if MS doesn't want my business, then I'll find an alternative but probably not consider MS a good company to deal with anymore. Maybe the company has become too big and successful to care about individuals who either have a small business, non-profit groups who work on a shoestring or retired people. They only consider the corporate companies who might not use Publisher all that much. The change is sad for those of us in the catagory above. I've used MS and been a loyal customer for a very long time, going all the way back to MSDOS when Windows and other software MS introduced were only a dream. I advise that MS should give this all a second look and second thought before we all migrate to other products.

Why is Publisher being phased out, and what is Microsoft replacing it with? Will Microsoft 365 be cheaper since they are phasing out the program?

As a senior and a person who has ADHD, I don't like change, I don't like to have to upgrade and purchase programs that were included and continue to pay higher prices for fewer services. I use Publisher a lot. We make camping calendars, calendars for family birthdays, workers' schedules, etc. Soon, there will be nothing in Microsoft to fulfill this. I make camping meal plans, and prep and supplies. and no, word and its things suck. Not even close to being user-friendly for seniors, if you learned to use Word before, the updates are not as user-friendly. Great for kids learning it now, sucks for seniors. I make banners, posters, cards, signs, etc. What will I use now? I had a chat with Mohammad for 20 minutes, and he kept telling me Microsoft has a plan, just wait for it. I did mention that once you state you are phasing things out, you already have a plan and might as well explain it. No large company or corporation says they are phasing something out if they haven't come up with a plan already! When he suggested I wait, I was not impressed at all. Wait for what? Wait to hear we waited too long to be a voice the company needed to hear from us sooner? Not a happy Granny!

The person I spoke with said that the company and higher-ups need to hear from us. If you like Publisher, let them know. I am trying!!

Hello Lori,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I understand that you are unhappy with Microsoft's decision to discontinue Publisher, you also have some concerns such as:

no indication that Microsoft 365 will be cheaper due to the phasing out of Publisher, and the user-friendliness of Word for seniors.

While Word and PowerPoint are recommended alternatives, the transition may require some adjustment. Microsoft is committed to providing support and resources to help users adapt to these changes.

Microsoft Publisher Phase-Out

1. End of Support: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026. After this date, it will not be included in Microsoft 365, and existing on-premises suites will no longer be supported.
2. Reason for Phase-Out: The decision to phase out Publisher is based on the fact that many of its features are already available in other Microsoft apps like Word and PowerPoint. This move aims to simplify and enhance the user experience across Microsoft's suite of productivity tools.
3. Alternatives: Common Publisher scenarios, such as creating branded templates, printing envelopes and labels, and producing customized calendars, business cards, and programs, can be accomplished using Word and PowerPoint. Microsoft also offers a wide array of customizable templates at Microsoft Create.
4. Transition Recommendations: Users are encouraged to convert their existing Publisher files to other formats before October 2026. Options include converting files to PDF or using third-party conversion tools.

You further mentioned having a conversation with Mohammad the response was to "wait for the plan." Rest assured that your concerns are being heard. Nonetheless, I encourage you to continue providing feedback to Microsoft, as user input is valuable in shaping future product decisions.

Best Regards,

Adaeze || Microsoft Community Support Specialist