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?

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

I have converted my publisher file to word and I am now trying to fix the whole thing. This doesn't work, I will be working on this project for weeks just to fix it. I've got words that changed to a header and I can't figure out how to get rid of it. I am not happy about this change either.

Disappointed, disappointed. I pay for MS365 and only use the Publisher sector because it provides what I need for what I do. I create plans for card cut out models of various historical buildings, and publisher is so versatile yet uncomplicated. I have created hundreds of models which occasionally may need adjustment which Publisher allows as required. Word and PowerPoint is not as straightforward, I too hate change when change is not necessary, why not just leave it be. If I change my files to a PDF they are no longer adjustable. I'm very sorry Microsoft but when publisher goes, my fee goes. Please give this matter a lot more thought It's like giving somebody a Rolls Royse and then taking away the engine!!! Publisher is my engine.

Mike

I and our CPA practice have used Microsoft Publisher for many years. We see no reason for Microsoft to not continue the support of this valuable software. It will take many hours to convert our invoices and many other documents over to Word or some other program. Please reconsider and continue this Publishing software.

I love Publisher. I am enough of a power user to probably use Word and PowerPoint in its place but the functionality of placing graphics will not be the same. Also, I will have to put text boxes all over the place. Publisher does so much to enhance my work. The templates are to die for. Please, don't take this away. You can leave the latest copy in my MS Office suite, not change it anymore and I would be so happy with that.