Open existing .pub files
Megal's own import engine reads supported structures from the original .pub file and rebuilds text, images and layout objects for review and editing.
HomeMicrosoft Publisher alternative
Direct .PUB import, built by Megal
Import and edit .pub files
Megal Publisher is a modern, browser-based Microsoft Publisher alternative. It opens Microsoft Publisher .pub files and rebuilds supported text, images and page-layout elements as editable objects, so you can change them directly or use the built-in Megal AI tools to change or add text and images.
Megal Publisher is a real desktop-publishing application developed by Megal Software Limited, an active UK software publisher registered under company number 17078983. View the verified product and company facts.
No Publisher installation. No LibreOffice or PDF conversion step. Review complex fonts and effects after import.
Built for the work Publisher users recognise
Move the layout, not your whole way of working
Use a page-based canvas with familiar design objects, then save your editable publication or prepare it for print.
Create real page layouts
Work with text boxes, images, tables, shapes, page sizes, folds and multi-page documents instead of forcing a publication into a word processor.
Keep an editable Megal master
Save your publication as an .mpub working file and return to it in Megal Publisher whenever the content needs to change.
Direct PUB import—not a flattened page image.
Megal Publisher does not run Microsoft Publisher or LibreOffice behind the scenes. Its own importer works from the original .pub file so supported content can become separate, editable Megal objects. Read the technical comparison and test evidence.
A practical replacement path
Is Megal Publisher the right Publisher alternative for you?
It is designed for people who want a familiar, focused publishing tool and need a route into existing .pub files.
| What you need to do | How Megal Publisher helps | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Edit an old Publisher file | Yes. Import .pub and edit supported text, images and layout objects online. | Complex fonts and effects can convert differently. Review every page before printing. |
| Avoid a PDF-first conversion | Yes. Megal's own engine reads supported Publisher structures directly from the .pub file. | Unsupported proprietary features may still need correction or rebuilding. |
| Design a flyer or brochure | Yes. Start from a blank size or template and position content freely. | Confirm bleed, colour and printer requirements before commercial production. |
| Work on Mac, Windows or Chromebook | Yes. The editor runs in a modern browser. | A reliable connection and current browser are recommended. |
| Keep an editable master | Yes. Save your working publication in Megal’s .mpub format. | Keep the original .pub file as a backup during migration. |
Why change now?
Publisher support ends in October 2026
Microsoft says Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access Publisher after 1 October 2026, while support for the perpetual Publisher 2021 version ends on 13 October 2026. The sensible move is to inventory your files, keep backups and test important documents in a replacement before the deadline.
1. Find your .pub files
Search local drives, shared folders, OneDrive and archived project folders. Mark the files that still need editing.
2. Move the work into Megal
Keep the original .pub as a backup, import it into Megal Publisher and save the reviewed layout as an editable .mpub file.
3. Test the editable future
Open representative files in Megal Publisher, check typography and layout, then decide which documents should be rebuilt or migrated.
Source: Microsoft’s Publisher end-of-support guidance. Read our Publisher end-of-life migration guide.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Can Megal Publisher open Microsoft Publisher .pub files?
Yes. Choose “Open Microsoft Publisher file .pub” in the app and select your file. The publication is converted into editable Megal Publisher objects. Always check important layouts after conversion because proprietary fonts and advanced effects may not reproduce exactly.
Is Megal Publisher free?
You can create and edit publications, open Publisher files and save editable Megal projects on the Free plan. Free accounts can use a watermarked Print Preview. Actual printing and PDF creation, export or download require an active Professional subscription. Professional costs £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year and includes 1,000 Megal AI Credits refreshed monthly while paid and active. A registered Free account also receives a one-time trial of two Megal AI text generations and two image generations. Optional Extra AI Credits are a separate monthly or yearly PayPal subscription; the yearly option provides 12 months for the price of 10 and credits still refresh monthly. An AI conversion is offered with a Professional billing change only to customers who already have an active Extra AI subscription, and requires a separate PayPal approval. Cancelling stops the next renewal, paid access continues through the paid period, and unused time is not refunded. Subscribe now for full unrestricted access. Current terms are shown inside the app before purchase.
Does it work without Microsoft Office?
Yes. Megal Publisher is a separate browser-based application and does not require Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Office to be installed.
Does Megal use Microsoft Publisher or LibreOffice behind the scenes?
No. Megal Publisher uses its own PUB import engine. It reads supported structures directly from the original .pub file and rebuilds them as editable Megal objects rather than first converting the page through Publisher, LibreOffice or PDF.
Can I use it on a Mac?
Yes. Because it runs in a modern web browser, you can use Megal Publisher on macOS as well as Windows and other desktop operating systems.
Will a converted .pub file look exactly the same?
No converter can safely promise perfect results for every Publisher file. Font availability, legacy effects and complex object relationships can change. Keep a backup and compare every page before distribution or print.
Bring one Publisher file and try it
Import a representative .pub document, select its text and images, and see what Megal's direct import engine keeps editable.