Microsoft making life difficult once again

Amanda Carlson 5 Reputation points
2026-09-22T21:14:16.4266667+00:00

How come software writers and programmers are unable to create a true conversion app that allows us to convert our Publisher files and documents to PowerPoint? If Microsoft is going to shut down a vital app that we use (and pay for through our subscription) the least they could do is provide an easier fix to convert the .pub files to .pptx files. We should be able to open .pub as .pptx (like we can do for selecting word or excel types of programs. or print or save as .pptx. Instead, Microsoft, in all it's glory decides the ONLY way we can convert is through the PAID Adobe Pro program. Sounds like a back-room handshake deal to me. I have hundreds of .pub documents. It sickens me to think how many I will lose, and it's taking me forever to do the 3 part conversion process, which by the way DOES NOT WORK. I keep losing the integrity of my fonts and graphics. Thanks Microsoft. However, keep charging us so we get another trillionaire in the world.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For business
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  1. Hendrix 1,670 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-22T22:05:55.8533333+00:00

    Hi Amanda,

    I truly understand your frustration when you have hundreds of Publisher files and the available conversion methods do not preserve the original fonts, graphics, and layout.

    At the moment, there is no built-in option in Microsoft Publisher to save a .pub file directly as an editable .pptx file. However, Adobe Acrobat Pro is not the only supported way to preserve access to the files. Microsoft does provide a PowerShell script for converting multiple files in bulk. You can follow the steps in this article to convert Publisher files to PDF to preserve the appearance of the publication: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 | Microsoft Support.

    Before converting the entire collection, I also recommend backing up the original .pub files and testing the conversion method on a few representative documents to prevent unintended data/file loss.

    Should you need further assistance, please feel free to reach out again in the comments on this post. I'm happy to help.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-22T21:14:33.84+00:00

    Microsoft has announced Publisher retirement, but the supported guidance does not include a built-in conversion path from .pub to .pptx, and it does not state that Adobe Pro is the only way to convert Publisher files.

    Supported facts:

    • Publisher remains usable with current functionality until October 1, 2026 for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
    • After that date, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in Publisher.
    • Microsoft recommends converting existing Publisher files before that date.
    • The documented conversion paths are:
      1. Publisher to PDF for viewing/sharing.
      2. PDF to Word if editing is needed afterward.
      3. For many files, use PowerShell automation for bulk export to PDF.
    • Microsoft’s recommended replacements for common Publisher scenarios are Word and PowerPoint, depending on the type of content, but the documentation does not provide a .pub to .pptx converter.

    For the current situation with hundreds of files, the supported path is:

    1. Open the Publisher file.
    2. Go to File > Save As.
    3. Choose a save location.
    4. Select PDF as the file type.
    5. Save the file.

    For bulk conversion, Microsoft states that a PowerShell script or other automation can be used to export many Publisher files to PDF.

    For editable content after conversion, Microsoft documents this path:

    1. Convert the Publisher file to PDF.
    2. Open Word.
    3. Go to File > Open.
    4. Open the PDF file.
    5. Select OK in the dialog box.

    Microsoft also notes that the converted Word document is optimized for text editing, and its layout may vary from the original PDF, especially when the document contains many graphics. That aligns with the font and graphic integrity issues described.

    If the goal is future creation rather than file conversion, Microsoft recommends:

    • Word or PowerPoint for ads, flyers, brochures, business cards, calendars, and certificates
    • PowerPoint for banners, signs, and posters
    • Word for invoices, forms, envelopes, labels, letterhead, newsletters, and programs

    If continued direct editing of old .pub files is required after 2026, the documented FAQ states that users with the perpetual version of Publisher will still be able to install and use the app beyond that date, although support ends later for perpetual versions as well.

    References:

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

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