How can I do with WORD what I used to do with Publisher?

Fred Cowles 5 Reputation points
2026-09-05T00:32:04.3366667+00:00

Publisher will no longer be supported by MS soon. What should I do with my existing .pub files? Is there a template or something that makes using WORD for newsletters, brochures, etc. easier?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | Other
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  1. Kai-H 26,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-09T10:10:12.06+00:00

    Hi, Fred Cowles

    There is no one-step way to turn a Publisher file into a Word document while keeping the full layout. However, while Publisher is still available, you can move individual text boxes, pictures, or complete page objects directly into Word using copy and paste. This usually works better than converting a graphic-heavy publication all at once. Publisher can also save the publication’s text as a Word document, although columns and graphics must then be rebuilt separately.

    For a Publisher-style layout in Word, it is recommended that you use text boxes, shapes, picture wrapping, and borderless tables. For newsletters, Word’s column feature can keep the main text flowing naturally, while text boxes are useful for sidebars and announcements. Once the layout is finished, save it as a reusable Word template.

    For complicated brochures or publications that need exact object placement, Word may feel restrictive. A dedicated desktop-publishing program such as Scribus, Affinity Publisher, or LibreOffice Draw may be a better long-term choice. Whichever option you select, keep the original .pub files and carefully compare rebuilt documents with the originals before printing.

    Note: This information is provided as a convenience to you. These apps are not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from these apps. 

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-05T00:32:17.6233333+00:00

    Yes. Word and PowerPoint are the recommended Microsoft 365 alternatives for many common Publisher tasks.

    For common Publisher work, start here:

    • Newsletters: Word
    • Brochures: Word or PowerPoint
    • Flyers, ads, certificates, business cards, calendars, cards: Word or PowerPoint
    • Envelopes, labels, letterhead, programs, forms, invoices: Word
    • Banners, signs, posters: PowerPoint

    For existing .pub files, the recommended action is to convert them before October 1, 2026:

    1. Open the Publisher file.
    2. Go to File > Save As.
    3. Choose where to save it.
    4. Select PDF as the file type and save it.

    If the content must remain editable:

    1. Convert the Publisher file to PDF.
    2. Open Word.
    3. Go to File > Open.
    4. Open the PDF.
    5. Select OK in the dialog box.
    6. The file opens as a Word document for editing.

    Important: the Word version is optimized for text editing, so the layout can differ from the original, especially for publications with many graphics.

    For many files, bulk conversion can be automated with a PowerShell script.

    For templates in Word:

    • Open Word.
    • Go to File > New.
    • Search for the type of document needed, such as newsletter, brochure, labels, or business cards.
    • Word also includes built-in templates for labels and business cards.

    If the goal is to recreate Publisher-style work in Word, templates are the easiest starting point rather than converting complex layouts directly.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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