Retirement of Publisher

J M 5 Reputation points
2026-09-02T16:32:10.0733333+00:00

Like many others I am disgusted that Publisher is being withdrawn. I appreciate that files can be saved as PDFs but this is of absolutely no use for future projects.

I have already been told what my next renewal will cost and am not at all surprised to learn that withdrawal of the program I use most has not been reflected in this. In fact it continues to increase despite the fact that Access and Publisher have both been discontinued.

I use Word and Excel only on the odd occasion and am reluctant to pay an exorbitant charge for the privilege. Can any forum user recommend a less expensive (or free) program similar to Word or Excel please? I may even use the money I save to subscribe to Canva.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For home
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  1. Bulldog 4,315 Reputation points
    2026-09-02T17:53:17.3033333+00:00

    Canva can be a great choice.

    And as you have already heard, the Microsoft 365 apps are available for free online. You don't get the more sophisticated features of these apps, but most people will never miss them. The only other limitation with free Microsoft 365 is that your files are stored in your OneDrive, which doesn't matter for most people.

    If that's not enough - if you're like Oliver Twist and you want more - there's also Google Docs, Sheets and the other Google Workspace apps, all for the outrageous price of ... free.

    Still not enough choice? Check out Libre Office, WPS Office and the other choices you can find with a web search for: Microsoft office alternatives. Any of these create files that can be opened with Microsoft 365, leaving open the possibility of a future change of heart.

    But you won't find anything that's just like Publisher. The market for apps that create paper-based content has dwindled. Other developers got out of that market long ago. Microsoft was the last holdout with Publisher, and it doesn't make financial sense to keep it going. Content is digital now. Microsoft gave customers more than two-and-a-half years notice before pulling the plug on Publisher, but the day is almost here.

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  2. Marcin Policht 106.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-02T16:45:26.16+00:00

    You can use both Excel and Word for free

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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