Open a .pub file without Publisher

The fastest way to open a .pub file without Publisher is to convert it: upload the file below and in a few seconds you get a PDF (opens on any device) and an editable Word file. The first 3 files of every upload are free, nothing to install, no signup. The other options, free desktop software and finding an old copy of Publisher, are explained further down.

Drop .pub files, a folder or a ZIP here

PDF + editable Word · No signup · First 3 files free

Up to 500 MB and 5000 files per upload · Free uploads deleted after 24 h, paid after 7 days · Previews of every page are free

Options

What is a .pub file?

A file ending in .pub is a Microsoft Publisher document, usually a newsletter, flyer, brochure, poster, bulletin, greeting card or certificate. Publisher was a desktop publishing program included in many Microsoft Office plans for decades, so .pub files are very common in schools, churches, clubs, charities and small offices.

Microsoft retired Publisher in October 2026. It's no longer included in Microsoft 365, and there's no official free viewer. That's why so many people are now asking how to open these files.

Option 1: Convert the .pub file online (fastest)

This works on any computer, tablet or phone, with nothing to install:

  1. Drag the .pub file into the upload box at the top of this page (or tap Choose files).
  2. Wait a few seconds while it converts. A preview of each page appears.
  3. Download the PDF, or the Word file if you want to edit the text. The first 3 PDFs and the first Word file of each upload are free.

Your PDF opens in any browser, in Preview on a Mac, in Adobe Reader, or in the Files app on your phone. Text stays selectable and searchable, and the file prints just like the original layout.

Option 2: Use LibreOffice (free desktop software)

LibreOffice is a free office suite for Windows, Mac and Linux. Its Draw program can open many .pub files. Install LibreOffice, then open the .pub file from File > Open. Simple one-page documents usually look fine. Multi-column newsletters can come out with repeated or overflowing text, and missing fonts may change line breaks. It's a good free option if you have a few simple files and don't mind installing software.

Option 3: Find a computer that still has Publisher

If someone in your office or family still has an older version of Publisher installed, they can open the file and save it as PDF using File > Save As. This gives the most faithful result, but it's one file at a time and depends on finding a working copy.

Opening .pub files on a Mac

Publisher never existed for Mac, so Mac users have always needed a workaround. Converting online (Option 1) is the simplest. LibreOffice for Mac works too (Option 2). Pages and Preview can't open .pub files directly.

Opening .pub files on a phone, iPad or Chromebook

There's no app that edits .pub files on mobile devices or Chromebooks. Use your browser to upload the file on this page, then open the resulting PDF. It works in Safari, Chrome and Edge.

If you have many .pub files

Opening files one by one is fine for a couple of documents. If you're dealing with a whole archive (years of bulletins or a shared drive full of flyers) put them in a ZIP or drop the entire folder on the upload box. We'll convert them all in one go and give you a single ZIP of PDFs and Word files back, with the same folder structure. Read more about bulk conversion and pricing (one-time, from $9).

Is it safe to upload my file?

Files are used only to create your PDF and Word file and are deleted automatically 24 hours after upload (7 days for paid uploads). Each upload has its own random link. We don't share files or use them for anything else. See the privacy policy for details.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open a .pub file?
Because .pub is the format of Microsoft Publisher, which has been retired and is not part of Microsoft 365 anymore. Very few other programs can read it.
Is there a free .pub viewer?
There is no official viewer. You can convert the file here (first 3 files per upload free) or try LibreOffice Draw, which is free.
Can Word open a .pub file?
No. Word does not open Publisher files. Convert the file first: see Publisher to Word, which gives you an editable .docx.
How do I open a .pub file on a Mac?
Convert it on this page, or install LibreOffice for Mac and open it in LibreOffice Draw.
Can I open a .pub file on my phone?
Yes: upload it on this page from your phone's browser and open the PDF you get back.
Will the file look the same?
Very close in most cases. WordArt and very old Publisher 98/2000 files can differ. You can check the free preview before downloading.