Why is Publisher being discontinued?

There are other alternatives you can try like Printicorn and InDesign that take .pub files. Printicorn also has a automatic converter to make a lot of Publisher files editable in its format.

• If we are over 80 we should be able to continue using software we have been using for years. I am also having short term memory problems which means moving to some other app will be really really difficult. And, on top of that financially spending money on another option is something I cannot do. I am trying to live on social security - which went up, but health insurance went up more so I am getting less than last year.
• I have worked in IT for years - since the 1990s. Help desk, training, repair & maintenance, screen design and report designing, workshops etc. I remember promises made then that have not been honored. Yes things change but of the brilliant people I worked with I am sure one of the current brilliant people could probably make this work better - if they were really committed to making things work.
• The computer industry needs to set some standards and keep to them, but certainly also creating more options.
• Things like homes and cars get upgraded over time, but we don't destroy our houses and start over.
• Making this change to a new operating system has been a nightmare for me. I know that many of my old friends are simply going to quit or have quit using their computer.
• 50 years from now there will be no letters and likely no images that our descendants can read and look at. That is scary.

Good afternoon,

I hope that this post is helpful to everyone that reads it. I was also worried that I would lose all of my existing Publisher files since 2013. A friend of mine recommended me to a computer store that uninstalled Microsoft 365 (which I was paying $99.00/per year as a subscriber) and installed the Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus. This is the last year that Publisher is included in the package. The one-time cost was very reasonable, it is perpetual and you will still be able to open your Publisher files after October 1 even though it will not be supported by Microsoft after that date.

Publisher was created for printed documents. Like it or not, the world is turning away from printed materials and moving online, so it isn't surprising that Publisher's user base has been steadily decreasing over the years. It costs money to maintain software, fix bugs, defend it against attackers, keep it supported on new hardware, maintain current translations, update documentation and keep current with competitors. With increasingly fewer users, it was no longer economically viable to maintain Publisher, so Microsoft decided to pull the plug.

Dear @Debbie Hays, 

Good day, and I appreciate the clear explanation of your concern.   

I understand how inconvenient it is to hear that Publisher is being retired, especially when it feels like the most intuitive tool for your projects. Unfortunately, Microsoft has shared that, in order to focus on delivering new benefits and improvements, some products and features are occasionally retired.  

Below is some information you may find helpful as the retirement approaches: 

Note: You can refer to this information in Q&A Assist; however, I’ve highlighted some key points below for your convenience. 

• You’ll still be able to open, edit, and save your existing Publisher files until October 2026:   

During this time, Publisher will continue to work as usual and all your existing files will remain accessible.   

After October 1, 2026, Publisher will no longer be supported and it will be removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Perpetual versions (like Office LTSC 2021) also lose support at that time.   

Unfortunately, there’s no option to revert or re-enable Publisher once it’s retired.   

• If you have a standalone version of Publisher, you may keep using it beyond this date. 

However, please note that after October 1, 2026, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or technical support. The software will still function, and your existing documents will remain accessible.   

That said, using an unsupported version may lead to security vulnerabilities and compatibility challenges over time. 

• You can transition your workflows to other Microsoft 365 apps:   

In the official Microsoft support article: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support, you’ll also find a section highlighting recommended alternatives to Microsoft Publisher. This resource can help you explore options that best fit your future publishing needs.

If you’re looking for future-ready alternatives, here are some excellent options:   

• Affinity Publisher (by Canva): A one-time purchase offering robust layout features such as master pages, bleed settings, styles, and PDF/X export. Ideal for multi-page booklets with full text and graphic control.   
• Adobe InDesign: The industry standard for professional layout and booklet production. Includes a native “Print Booklet” feature for automated page imposition, bleed, and printer marks.   

Note: These apps are shared by the community for your convenience and are provided by third parties. They are not managed, developed, or verified by Microsoft. I can't guarantee the quality, safety, or suitability of the apps, or any content or software they may include. Please review them carefully and ensure you understand any potential risks before using them. 

I completely understand that the upcoming retirement of Publisher may cause disruption and impact your existing workflows. It’s not just about visual differences; these differences can genuinely affect how smoothly you work and navigate your day. 

I’m really sorry, I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for. As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Ideas · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility. If you prefer, I can also submit this great idea on your behalf. Just let me know, and I’ll post it for you and share the link once it’s published. I’m here to help ensure your feedback gets the attention it deserves. 

Additionally, as other users have raised similar concerns and may not be aware of where to share their feedback, I hope this response helps clarify the situation and suggests a potential next step. Highlighting this information can make it more visible to others in the community who may be facing the same issue, making it easier for them to find guidance and contribute their feedback as well. 

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have any extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".            

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