[techtalk] OFFICE - Microsoft Publisher is Going Away...Now What?

Wed May 20 14:45:18 PDT 2026

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OFFICE - Microsoft Publisher is Going Away...Now What?

Intermediate

[The word "goodbye" in cursive lettering is written above the Microsoft Publisher logo.]

Have you ever used Microsoft Publisher to create a flyer or newsletter? It made designing documents easier than Word. You could move text and images exactly where you wanted.

If you’ve used Publisher in the past, or still do, there’s an important change coming. Microsoft has announced that Publisher will no longer be supported after October 1, 2026.

That means no updates, no fixes, and over time…it may stop working properly on newer devices.

So how does this affect you?

What “No Longer Supported” Really Means

When a program reaches its end of life, it doesn’t disappear overnight. You can still use it…for now. But over time, problems start to appear.

Here are some risks:

·    Security updates stop
·    No bug fixes
·    Limited help or support
·    Compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows or other Microsoft products

Over time, it becomes harder and riskier to keep using it. If you’re still using Publisher, this is your heads up to start planning your next steps!

What to Do About Existing Publisher Files?

Before you can even think about a replacement program, you should look at the files you already have.

Publisher uses a file type called .pub. Most other programs can’t open it. Convert your files now.

Here are a few options:

·    Create a PDF: Keep the formatting locked.
·    Save as a Word document: You can edit text later, but the layout may shift.
·    Export as an image: Works well for flyers or graphics.

CAUTION: If you wait too long, you might not be able to open your .pub files at all. Save important files in a new format while Publisher still works.

What You Can Use Instead ... Three Choices

Publisher was popular because it was simple to use. The good news: there are several tools that do the same thing. Sometimes they might be even better!

[Canva logo with the word "Canva" in white cursive text on a gradient blue to purple background with rounded corners.]
1.Canva

Canva.com<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001afSpFaFK_o7WLccBAj7OS6_w0DLFwISlYRSbtVaZodZdBR8-MHn7Wr7GW5rOW1q9rSpBa6BLrJk8y8BhQp6PgfYy1Pt9WYoN55LROlTyfQosqDY65k24meKyUvmqOvn-0Oul_98-d_0uS0TopY0aDQ==&c=lJ3E4F1oAcq9GHG3ZQA_7iQyR3qFctDzULT4X-J-tqY2f--0SCFUdg==&ch=z447pODuvBGoMYt80lWCxxSS2FXMSfs_JtGo4V63UWvAATHNIK6gnA==> is an online design tool. You can create social media graphics, presentations, documents, and more. It works a lot like Publisher.

Here’s what is similar:

·    Drag-and-drop layout
·    Text boxes and images
·    Ready-to-use templates

Canva is very beginner-friendly. Search for a template, pick a design, and start creating in minutes. It works in your web browser, so there’s no need to install anything. You can also download the app to your phone or tablet.

Cost:

·    Free version: Basic tools and 5GB of storage.
·    Paid version: More tools, images, fonts, and 1TB of storage.

If you liked Publisher because it was simple…Canva is your best starting point.

[Adobe Express logo featuring a stylized "A" in gradient rainbow colors inside a rounded square, with "Adobe Express" written in bold white text below on a dark background.]
2.Adobe Express

Adobe software is widely used by professional designers and artists. One of its tools, InDesign, is similar to Publisher…but it requires a paid subscription.

There is also a simpler option called Adobe Express. It can create stunning images, flyers, and more. You might have also heard it called Adobe Spark. To access it, go to adobe.com/express/<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001afSpFaFK_o7WLccBAj7OS6_w0DLFwISlYRSbtVaZodZdBR8-MHn7Wo7OQ5A___874L69gFsw0BoWrT0u1A8pLTluKqakp8cOnp-VH8XkYt7jtq8Cxd7X3d4f6unGDgFCauENiWi44lbaxJGF7vi0AcQKPUJUMtyW&c=lJ3E4F1oAcq9GHG3ZQA_7iQyR3qFctDzULT4X-J-tqY2f--0SCFUdg==&ch=z447pODuvBGoMYt80lWCxxSS2FXMSfs_JtGo4V63UWvAATHNIK6gnA==>.

Here’s what it offers:

·    Templates for flyers, posters, and newsletters
·    Easy text and image editing
·    Built-in branding tools

Adobe Express can integrate with other Adobe tools and has strong design quality in its templates. You can use it in any web browser or download the app to your phone or tablet.

Cost:

·    Free version: Basic tools, limited images, and 5GB of storage.
·    Paid version: More templates, images, storage, and added features like AI tools.

Adobe Express is a step up in design…without being overwhelming.

[Logo for Scribus featuring a pen nib inside a blue circle on the left, with the word "Scribus" in large white text and "Open Source Desktop Publishing" in smaller white text below, set on a blue gradient background.]
3.Scribus

Scribus is free desktop publishing software. It is used to create professional-looking layouts, brochures, newsletters, and more. Even though it’s free, it includes many features.

It’s closer to professional layout tools:

·    Advanced page layout controls
·    Precise text and image placement
·    Great for print projects

Scribus is completely free and has powerful layout options. But it does have a learning curve. It is a good choice if you want more control and have time to learn something new.

Cost:

·    Free, visit scribus.net<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001afSpFaFK_o7WLccBAj7OS6_w0DLFwISlYRSbtVaZodZdBR8-MHn7Wo7OQ5A___87OkiDyQwHdWWOY0e79tIOC1yhkWI0-pCRzb8wcECGhWnSiJcHf1yCm5cKHSTtK93TYMZQW9wnIb91s0W12HVhlQ==&c=lJ3E4F1oAcq9GHG3ZQA_7iQyR3qFctDzULT4X-J-tqY2f--0SCFUdg==&ch=z447pODuvBGoMYt80lWCxxSS2FXMSfs_JtGo4V63UWvAATHNIK6gnA==> to download.

How to Choose the Right Tool

There isn’t one perfect tool to replace Publisher. If you’re still unsure of where to start, here’s a quick summary:

·    Want something simple and familiar? Choose Canva.
·    Looking for polished designs with a modern feel? Try Adobe Express.
·    Need full control with a free desktop tool? Go with Scribus.

Publisher has been around for a long time. For many, it was their go-to for flyers and newsletters. Today’s tools are easier to use and more flexible.

Start by opening your old .pub files and saving them in a new format. Then try one of these tools and see what works best for you.

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Communications: Persuading

Let them discover the idea

You have an idea. You want others to be on board with it. The question is, how can you convince them?

What we really want to do is to make it easier for someone to say yes. Here's one idea you can use: instead of telling, let them discover it. Of course, you need to lead them down the path ... by asking a question.

People resist being told, but they lean into what they conclude.

So instead of:

“We need more consistent staff training.”

Say:

“What do new staff usually do when a patron asks something they don’t know?”

Instead of:

"We should improve digital literacy support.”

Say:

“How often do patrons come back twice for help with the same tech issue?”

This approach creates a pause which invites reflection. Then, once they see the gap, your idea feels like their insight.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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