How to Open a Publisher File on Windows or Mac

The quickest way to open a Publisher file

Microsoft Publisher files end in .pub and open in Microsoft Publisher, which comes with some Microsoft 365 subscriptions on Windows. If you have Publisher installed, double-clicking the file usually opens it. If you don't have Publisher, you have three practical routes: use the free Publisher viewer from Microsoft, convert the file to a different format, or open it in an alternative program that reads .pub files.

Publisher is Windows-only software, so Mac users cannot install the full program. However, Mac users can still view and edit Publisher files through web-based tools or by converting them first.

Key Takeaways

Double-clicking a .pub file opens it in Publisher if the program is already installed on your computer.
Microsoft offers a free Publisher viewer that lets you open and view .pub files without paying for a subscription.
You can convert Publisher files to PDF, Word, or image formats using Publisher itself or free online conversion tools.
Mac users can view .pub files through web versions of Microsoft 365, online converters, or alternative programs like LibreOffice.

Opening a Publisher file if you have Publisher installed

If Microsoft Publisher is already on your computer, the simplest approach is to find the .pub file and double-click it. The file will open in Publisher automatically. You can then view, edit, and save changes to the document.

Publisher comes included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions on Windows computers. If you are unsure whether you have it, search your computer for "Publisher" or look in your Start menu under Microsoft Office programs. If you see Microsoft Publisher listed, you have it installed.

Using the free Microsoft Publisher viewer

Microsoft offers a free viewer called Microsoft Publisher Viewer that opens .pub files without requiring a Publisher subscription. This viewer lets you see the full layout and content of the file, but you cannot edit it — you can only look at it and print it.

To use the viewer, download it from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or later. Search for "Microsoft Publisher Viewer" in the Microsoft Store app, select it, and click Install. Once installed, you can right-click any .pub file, select "Open with," and choose Microsoft Publisher Viewer from the list.

The viewer works only on Windows. Mac users will need to use one of the other methods described below.

Converting a Publisher file to PDF or another format

If you need to share a Publisher file with someone who does not have Publisher, or if you want to open it on a Mac, converting it to PDF is often the easiest option. PDF files open on any computer and preserve the layout and design of the original document.

If you have Publisher installed, open the .pub file in Publisher, click File, then click Export As or Save As. Choose PDF from the format options and save the file. If you do not have Publisher, you can use a free online converter: search for "convert .pub to PDF" and use a tool like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert. Upload your .pub file, select PDF as the output format, and download the converted file.

You can also convert to other formats like Word (.docx) or image files (.jpg or .png) using the same process. Keep in mind that converting to Word may lose some of the original design and formatting, since Word is not designed for the same type of layout work that Publisher does.

Opening a Publisher file on a Mac

The full Microsoft Publisher program does not run on Mac. However, Mac users have several options to work with .pub files. The simplest is to use the web version of Microsoft 365. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, sign in to Office.com in your web browser, upload your .pub file, and open it in the web version of Publisher. You can view and make basic edits, though the web version has fewer features than the desktop program.

If you do not have a Microsoft 365 subscription, convert the file to PDF or another format using an online converter, as described above. Alternatively, you can install LibreOffice, a free program available for Mac that can open some .pub files, though the layout may not match the original perfectly. Download LibreOffice from libreoffice.org, install it, and try opening your .pub file. If LibreOffice recognizes the file, it will open in the program.

Using online tools to view or convert Publisher files

If you do not want to install any software, several free websites let you upload a .pub file and view or convert it without downloading anything. CloudConvert, Zamzar, and Online-Convert all accept .pub files and can convert them to PDF, images, or other formats. Upload your file, choose your output format, and download the result.

These tools work on any computer — Windows, Mac, or even a tablet — as long as you have a web browser. The trade-off is that you are uploading your file to a third-party server, so avoid this method if your Publisher file contains sensitive information.

What to do if the file will not open

If you try to open a .pub file and nothing happens, the file may be corrupted, or your computer may not recognize the file type. First, check that the file actually ends in .pub — sometimes files are mislabeled. Right-click the file, select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), and look at the full filename in the details.

If the filename is correct, try one of these steps: download and install the free Microsoft Publisher Viewer, use an online converter to turn the file into PDF, or ask the person who sent you the file to resend it or convert it to a different format first. If the file is very old or was created in an older version of Publisher, it may have compatibility issues — in that case, conversion to PDF is usually the most reliable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Publisher file in Microsoft Word?

Word cannot open .pub files directly. However, you can convert a Publisher file to Word format (.docx) using Publisher itself (File > Export As > Word) or using an online converter. Be aware that the layout and design may not transfer perfectly, since Word is not designed for the same type of page layout work.

Is there a way to edit a Publisher file without buying Publisher?

The free Microsoft Publisher Viewer lets you view files but not edit them. To edit without buying Publisher, use the web version of Microsoft 365 (if you have a subscription), or convert the file to a format like Word or PDF and edit it in a free program like LibreOffice or Google Docs. The edited version will not be a .pub file anymore.

What is the difference between the Publisher viewer and Publisher itself?

The free viewer lets you open and print .pub files, but you cannot make changes. Publisher itself (paid) lets you edit, redesign, and save changes to the file. If you only need to look at a file, the viewer is enough. If you need to make changes, you need the full program or a subscription to Microsoft 365.

Can I convert a Publisher file to Google Docs?

Not directly. Convert the .pub file to Word format (.docx) first using Publisher or an online converter, then upload the Word file to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs. Some formatting may be lost in the conversion.

Why does my Publisher file look different when I open it on a different computer?

Publisher files depend on fonts and design elements that may not be installed on every computer. If a font used in the file is not on the new computer, Publisher substitutes a different font, which can change how the document looks. Converting to PDF before sharing preserves the exact appearance on any device.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.