Designed for .pub files
Open your original Publisher file directly in Megal and work with individual text boxes, pictures and layout objects. No Microsoft Publisher installation required.
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Open .PUB files and keep editing
A Microsoft Publisher replacement guide with Megal Publisher
Looking for a Microsoft Publisher replacement? Start with Megal Publisher. Open your .pub files, edit the text and pictures, or create a new publication in your desktop browser. Templates, linked text, picture tools, QR codes and editable calendars help turn your content into a finished layout.
No card required to start. Your original file is not changed. Free accounts can use a watermarked Print Preview. Actual printing and PDF creation, export or download require an active Professional subscription. Subscribe now for full unrestricted access.
Keep creating with your Publisher files: Refresh your existing designs and build new publications in one workspace, with editable layouts and Megal AI to help with text and images.
Disclosure: This guide is published by Megal Software Limited, the developer of Megal Publisher. Guide updated .
After the October 2026 deadlines
If Publisher is no longer available in Microsoft 365
Microsoft scheduled Publisher removal from Microsoft 365 for on or shortly after 1 October 2026 as its update rolls out. Support for perpetual Publisher 2021 ended on 13 October 2026. Perpetual versions can still be installed and used without support.
Keep your publications moving with Megal Publisher. Open an existing .pub file, update the content and save an editable .mpub project for your next edition.
Source: Microsoft’s official Publisher retirement guidance, checked on 24 October 2026. See our Publisher end-of-life guide and migration checklist for the licence-specific dates and next steps.
Built for your publishing work
What is Megal Publisher?
Megal Publisher brings page design, Publisher file import and Megal AI together in your browser. Edit text, pictures and layouts, personalise a template or start with a blank page. It is developed by Megal Software Limited, a UK software publisher registered under company number 17078983.
Runs in a browser
Create and edit publications in a modern desktop or laptop browser on Windows, Mac or Chromebook.
Verifiable publisher
Megal Software Limited is listed by Companies House as an active company whose business activity is software publishing. Read the product and company facts.
Your designs, ready for their next chapter.
Update a familiar publication or build something new with templates, page-layout tools and Megal AI in the same workspace.
Start with the Publisher-focused option
What you can do in Megal Publisher
Bring your existing publications into the editor, give them fresh content and save a project you can return to whenever you need it.
Open your .PUB files
Update text, replace pictures and rearrange the page using editable objects from your Publisher publication.
Use over 9,000 templates
Start with a blank publication or choose from the free premium-quality template library, then adapt the design in Megal Publisher.
Build real page layouts
Work with text boxes, linked text, images, shapes, tables, TextArt, page sizes, guides, layers and familiar formatting controls.
Keep an editable master
Save an editable .MPUB project to your device. Keep that master for the next edition, without overwriting the original PUB.
Generate text and images
Use Megal AI Image and Megal AI Textbox from inside the editor. Professional includes 1,000 AI credits refreshed monthly.
Start editing free
Create, open and edit free, with no card required to start. Professional unlocks actual printing, PDF creation, export and download.
Make your next publication with Megal.
Open your .PUB file, refresh the content and keep creating in your browser.
Open my .PUB file free
From your first edit to finished output
Start free. Publish when you are ready.
Create and edit at your own pace. Choose Professional when you want to print your publication or export a PDF.
1. Start free
No card is required to open a .PUB file, create a design or explore the template library.
2. Make it your own
Change the words, select fonts, replace pictures and arrange your layout. Let Megal AI help with fresh text and images.
3. Subscribe for output
Professional costs £5.99 monthly or £59.99 yearly and unlocks actual printing, PDF creation, export and download.
Your everyday publishing tasks
One workspace for the publications you make
Keep existing designs up to date, create new ones and prepare finished publications for your audience.
| Your task | How Megal Publisher helps | Your next step |
|---|---|---|
| Keep editing an existing .pub file | Open your file and edit the text, pictures, shapes and layout objects. | Refresh the details for your next issue, event or campaign. |
| Make the next edition | Edit the content, adjust the layout and save an editable .mpub master. | Return to your saved project whenever the content needs another update. |
| Start a new publication | Choose a template or create a page with the correct size, margins and content. | Add your words, images and branding to make the design your own. |
| Print or create a PDF | Review the design using the free watermarked Print Preview; subscribe to Professional for actual printing and PDF creation, export or download. | Choose Professional for £5.99/month or £59.99/year when you are ready for finished output. |
Give your Publisher files a fresh future.
Open your .PUB file and start editing free. Your original stays unchanged.
Open my .PUB file free
Professional subscription and billing details
Professional Monthly-to-Yearly changes charge £59.99 immediately, preserve the current paid month and append the 12-month term after it. Yearly-to-Monthly changes first bill at the existing Yearly renewal or expiry. Cancelling stops the next renewal; paid access continues through the paid period and unused time is not refunded. Optional Extra AI Credits are a separate monthly or yearly PayPal subscription. Their yearly price provides 12 months for the price of 10 while credits refresh monthly. The AI conversion choice is shown during a Professional change only when the customer already has an active Extra AI subscription and requires a separate PayPal approval.
Keep the work you know. Create something new.
Existing publications and fresh ideas, together
Use Megal Publisher for the documents you return to every month and the new designs you have yet to create.
For old .pub files
Open your .pub file, update the content and save an editable .mpub master for future editions.
For fast new designs
Start with a Megal Publisher template or a blank publication, set the page size and build the layout with editable text and pictures.
For finished publications
Set your page size and margins, use Print Preview to see the layout and choose Professional for printing and PDF export.
Primary sources
Sources and practical guidance
Use the official retirement guidance and Megal documentation to check the dates, import process and editing workflow.
Microsoft Publisher retirement
Microsoft explains the removal of Publisher from Microsoft 365 through its October update rollout and the end of support for perpetual Publisher 2021 on 13 October 2026. Perpetual versions can still be installed and used without support.
Microsoft support guidanceMegal Software Limited
The official UK register identifies the company, its active status and its software-publishing business activity.
Companies House recordHow direct PUB import works
Explore the import process and the engineering work behind editable Publisher text, pictures and layouts.
Megal import evidenceEditing and output instructions
Follow the documented steps for opening, editing, saving and checking a publication.
Megal Publisher manualCommon questions
Choosing a replacement
Can Megal Publisher replace my Microsoft Publisher workflow?
Megal Publisher lets you open .pub files, edit text and layouts, create new publications and save editable .mpub projects in your desktop browser. Templates and Megal AI help you take your next idea from first draft to finished design.
What can I try free, and when is Professional required?
Create, import, edit and save editable .mpub publications free, with a watermarked Print Preview. Actual printing and PDF creation, export or download require an active Professional subscription. Professional costs £5.99/month or £59.99/year and includes 1,000 AI credits each month.
Is Megal Publisher a real application?
Yes. Megal Publisher is a browser-based desktop-publishing application from Megal Software Limited, an active UK company registered under number 17078983.
What should I know about Publisher file compatibility?
Megal imports Publisher text, pictures and layout objects for editing. Font availability, older effects and complex layouts can affect the result, and some features may need adjustment or rebuilding. Keep your original .pub file and compare imported pages before final output. Save ongoing work as .mpub; full editable .pub export is not currently available.
Is Megal Publisher made by Microsoft?
No. Megal Publisher is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.
Have an existing Publisher file?
Open your .pub file and make your next update today. Edit the text, pictures and layout in your browser, with Megal AI ready to help.