Why are you discontinuing Publisher

Elizabeth Lovell 5 Reputation points
2026-09-27T23:08:01.69+00:00

I am so confused as to why you are discontinuing your best product that is loved and used by so many people. It is the ONLY reason we subscribe to Office 365. I have been looking for months and there is no other product available that even comes close to the functionality and ease of use Publisher offers. Worst business decision you could have made. I will be cancelling my subscription that I have had for many, many years. I can use FREE apps the do everything your other products do.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For home
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-27T23:08:13.0133333+00:00

    Microsoft states that Publisher is being retired so it can focus on newer benefits in Microsoft 365, and many common Publisher scenarios are already available in other Microsoft 365 apps such as Word and PowerPoint.

    The supported timeline is:

    • Publisher continues to work with its current functionality until October 1, 2026.
    • After that, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access Publisher.
    • Microsoft 365 subscribers will also no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in Publisher after that date.
    • For the perpetual version of Publisher, support ends on October 13, 2026, but it can still be installed and used beyond that date.

    For existing .pub files, Microsoft recommends preparing before October 2026 by converting files:

    • To PDF for viewing
    • To Word if editable text is needed, noting that layout can change during PDF-to-Word conversion
    • For many files, bulk export can be automated with a PowerShell script

    Microsoft’s recommended replacements for common scenarios include:

    • Word or PowerPoint for flyers, brochures, certificates, business cards, calendars, and cards
    • PowerPoint for banners, signs, and posters
    • Word for invoices, forms, envelopes, labels, letterhead, newsletters, and programs
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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