Completely unacceptable that Publisher Files can't be converted to PDF after the "end date."

Question

Completely unacceptable that Publisher Files can't be converted to PDF after the "end date."

MJD 0

Is there a way to convert files to PDF after the date?

Gary Higgs 0 Reputation points

2026-11-04T17:26:38.4933333+00:00

If you right click the publisher file I have the option of 'convert to adobe PDF'

I'm not sure if this is because I have a paid Adobe account, but it works for me :)

1 answer

Your answer

Gary Higgs 0 Reputation points

2026-11-04T17:26:38.4933333+00:00

If you right click the publisher file I have the option of 'convert to adobe PDF'

I'm not sure if this is because I have a paid Adobe account, but it works for me :)

Answer 1

Hi MJD,

I understand your frustration, especially if you have years of Publisher files that still need to be converted. Although Publisher has been removed from Microsoft 365 after October 1, 2026, there are still a couple of options worth trying.

Option 1: Use a perpetual version of Publisher. If you own a licensed, one-time-purchase version of Publisher that is still installed or available to install, Microsoft says you can continue using it beyond the retirement date, although support has ended. Open the .pub file, select File > Save As, choose PDF, and save it.

Option 2: Try LibreOffice Draw. The LibreOffice community has announced support for opening Publisher .pub files. Open LibreOffice Draw, select File > Open, choose your Publisher file, then export it as a PDF. Compatibility is not perfect, so review the exported PDF carefully, particularly if the publication contains complex layouts, graphics, or unusual fonts.

If you have many files, test a few representative publications before attempting a bulk conversion. Keep backup copies of the original .pub files.

Microsoft's official Publisher retirement guidance also provides an example PowerShell conversion script, but that script requires a working, licensed Publisher installation.

So, yes, converting Publisher files to PDF after the retirement date may still be possible, even if your Microsoft 365 installation no longer includes Publisher. The best method depends on whether you still have access to a perpetual Publisher license or need to use an alternative application.