How do I edit a "Publisher" document

Microsoft 365 can no longer open or edit Publisher .pub files, so direct editing now requires an existing licensed perpetual version of Publisher; otherwise, convert the file through a computer that still has that version installed.

Microsoft removed Publisher from Microsoft 365 on or shortly after October 1, 2026. Your document itself has not expired or disappeared—the limitation is the Publisher application included with your subscription. ^1^

Preserve direct Publisher editing

If you already own a perpetual version of Publisher, such as Publisher 2021:

1. Install it on a compatible Windows computer using the Microsoft account or product key associated with that purchase.
2. Start Publisher.
3. Select File > Open > Browse.
4. Locate the original .pub file and open it.
5. Immediately select File > Save As and save a working copy under a new name.

Perpetual Publisher remains usable after retirement, although support has ended. A Microsoft 365 subscription by itself does not provide that perpetual license. ^1^

If you do not own perpetual Publisher

Use another computer that already has a working, licensed perpetual Publisher installation:

1. Copy the .pub file to that computer.
2. Open it in Publisher.
3. For an editable copy:
   • Select File > Save As.
   • Save it as PDF.
   • Open Microsoft Word.
   • Select File > Open and choose the PDF.
   • Select OK when Word offers to convert it.
   • Save the result as a Word document.
4. Keep the original .pub file as a backup.

The converted Word file is optimized for editing text, but complex page layouts and graphics may move. PDF is preferable when preserving the original appearance is more important than editing. Microsoft does not provide another Microsoft 365 app that directly edits .pub files. ^1^

Avoid uploading private material to an online conversion service unless its privacy and retention terms are acceptable; Microsoft notes that third-party converters vary in quality and are not supported.

Locate the original file

In Windows File Explorer, search for:

*.pub

Also search OneDrive if Documents was being backed up there. Copy the file before attempting any conversion so the original remains unchanged.

References

1. Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 | Microsoft Support