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?

Creig,

I've looked and there doesn't seem yo be an easy third party program that can do all that Publisher can do. I found a licenseddownload.of Office.2021 with Publisher available from PCWORLD.COM for 47.99. It puts a stand alone copy of office on your computer that will continue to keep Publisher on your computer after the Microsoft Office subscription removes it.in 2026. While Microsoft won't update it after a period of time, it will still be usable for a.good long while. They suggested removing Office 365 before downloading to prevent possibleissues. I did not and have experienced issues, in the monthnand a half I've used it. Thus far it seems the most viable solution the Microsoft ignoring all the feedback from Publisher users. By the way, this forum is not monitored by Microsoft. Go to help in Publisher and find feedback. While there is no Publisher selection to comment, add them to Word is suggested. Not sure Microsoft is listening there either as repeated.requests.for a reply to my feedback have go e unanswered, but not much else to try. Good luck.

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...

What really gets me is that Microsoft can blow over $7 BILLION buying a cel phone manufacturer & have the purchase be a total failure yet by killing Publisher they are going to balance the budget? They are still very profitable. Is there a lack of users of Publisher and they are no longer able to justify the expense and /or time keeping it going? Would the resources needed to keep it going be better spent somewhere else and if so, where? Is Microsoft 365 needing to be slimmer? Does it use to much in the way of resources? If so, there are tons of Microsoft products that are memory hogs, storage hogs, etc. I am simply bumfuzzled at this action. I can see zero reasons for killing it and Microsoft, other than simply saying "use Word", doesn't really want to or can't give a realistic reason for this.

Sally,

To reach decision makers at Microsoft, you have to post feedback via Help > Feedback in Publisher and/or via the portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472. There is no forum for Publisher, but I would suggest that you post in the Word forum.

Older perpetual licenses can still be used, even after 2026. If you have Office 2021 Professional, for example, you can continue using Publisher after October 2026.