The contents of this article are applicable to users of Microsoft Publisher on campus Windows computers.
What is Changing?
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Publisher will be end of life in October of 2026. After the end-of-life date, the Publisher application will no longer be supported and will be removed from campus computers. There is no direct replacement for an application to open and edit .pub files.
What can I do to prepare?
Begin to transition away from using Publisher for desktop publishing needs. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint may be suitable alternatives for simple graphic design needs. Microsoft has provided documentation here on how to export your .pub files PRIOR to the end of life date.
I have questions, who can I contact?
Please reach out to dots@uwrf.edu with any questions or concerns.
What are some other alternative products?
NOTE: None of the below products can open a Microsoft Publisher (.pub) file, these apps are similar in functionality and may be used in lieu of Microsoft Publisher.
- Adobe Express: Adobe Express is similar to Canva, a web-based publishing tool with templates for various social media platforms and common print document sizes. Current students automatically get access to Adobe Express, login with your UWRF email at https://express.adobe.com, faculty & staff can request access to Adobe Creative Cloud (including Express) here.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: for very basic publishing needs, PowerPoint may be able to suffice. To re-size the slide to standard print sizes, open a new presentation and click the "Design" tab, click "Slide Size", and select "Custom slide size". A dialog will appear with a drop-down with many common paper sizes.
- Adobe InDesign: for more advanced desktop publishing needs, Adobe InDesign provides powerful editing and layering tools. Faculty and staff may request access to Adobe Creative Cloud here. Students may access Adobe Creative Cloud products in the Davee Library computer labs.