How to extract images and text from publisher files after its retirement

Laura 0 Reputation points
2026-10-16T10:25:41.97+00:00

I can open my publisher files but I can't then do anything at all. The save as and export buttons don't work and I can't copy and paste anything at all from it. Pleas can someone help with this?

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

    2026-10-16T10:26:00.1966667+00:00

    If Publisher opens but Save As, Export, and Copy/Paste do not work, use the supported extraction paths that still work from Publisher content:

    1. Try saving to PDF first
      • Open the publication.
      • Go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document > Create PDF/XPS.
      • Select PDF as the file type, then Publish.
      • If successful, this preserves the visual layout for viewing and sharing.
    2. If PDF export fails with “Publisher cannot save the file”
      • Close Publisher.
      • In Windows, open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
      • Clear Let Windows manage my default printer if it is selected.
      • Temporarily set another device such as Fax or Microsoft Print to PDF as default.
      • Then set the normal printer back as default.
      • Reopen Publisher and try saving as PDF or XPS again.
    3. Extract text into Word
      • Open the publication.
      • Go to File > Save As.
      • In Save as type, select a Word format.
      • This preserves text and font formatting, but graphics, layout, and columns are not preserved.
      • Headers, footers, and page numbers are preserved as content, but their Word header/footer behavior is not.
    4. If the goal is editable content after retirement
      • Convert the Publisher file to PDF.
      • Open Word.
      • Go to File > Open and open the PDF.
      • Select OK in the dialog.
      • Word converts it into an editable document.
      • Expect layout differences, especially in files with many graphics.
    5. For images or page visuals
      • Publisher cannot save the entire publication to Word in one step with all graphics and layout preserved.
      • Supported alternatives are:
        • Copy and paste a page or objects on a page into Word.
        • Save a page, two facing pages, or objects on a page as a picture file for insertion into Word.
    6. For many files
      • Use the sample PowerShell script to bulk export .pub files to PDF.
      • It requires a working and licensed version of Publisher installed.
      • The script can convert one file, all files in a folder, or recurse through subfolders.
      • If an output file already exists, it will not overwrite it; rename or delete the conflicting file and run again.
    7. Important retirement impact
      • Microsoft 365 subscribers can use Publisher with current functionality until October 1, 2026.
      • After that, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in Publisher.
      • Converting important files to PDF or Word before that date is the recommended preparation.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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