1. Open your file or start a design
Open your .pub file in Megal Publisher, or start a new publication. You do not need Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Office installed.
HomeMicrosoft Publisher alternative
An independent Microsoft Publisher alternative
Megal Publisher: your online publisher editor
- Create new publications
- Open and edit your .PUB files
- Over 9,000 FREE premium-quality templates
- Free to create and edit; Professional printing and export from £5.99/month
No card required. Professional printing and export from £5.99/month.
Keep creating with your Publisher files. Open your .pub files, edit text, pictures and layouts, and create your next publication directly in your browser. Start with your existing work, a template or a blank page, with Megal AI to help with words and images. Work on a Windows PC, Mac or Chromebook.
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Megal Publisher is developed by Megal Software Limited, a UK software publisher registered under company number 17078983. View the verified product and company facts.
Free to open and edit. Free accounts can use a watermarked Print Preview. Actual printing and PDF creation, export or download require an active Professional subscription.
Open your .pub file directly in Megal Publisher. No Microsoft Office installation required.
From an existing file to an editable publication
How to use the online publisher editor
Bring your existing work into Megal Publisher and make it ready for its next edition.
2. Make the pages your own
Update the wording, choose your fonts, replace pictures and arrange the page. Use familiar formatting controls and Megal AI to help with fresh text and images.
3. Save an editable .mpub master
Save your work in Megal's editable .mpub format. Reopen it for the next update, whether you are changing a date, refreshing a menu or creating another newsletter issue.
Creating and editing are free. Free accounts have a watermarked Print Preview; printing and PDF creation, export or download require Professional. Read the PUB-file opening and editing guide.
More ways to make it yours
Useful tools, built into Megal Publisher
Go from an idea to an editable publication in one workspace, with controls for the object you are working on.
Connect print to the next step
Add a QR code to a flyer, menu or business card so readers can visit your website or booking page. Test the code at its final printed size.
Make dates part of the design
Insert an editable calendar and personalise its cells for events, lessons or appointments. Place it alongside your own text and pictures.
Give your layout a personal touch
Use TextArt, picture styles and emoji or reaction symbols. Adjust the selected object's formatting in the contextual sidebar; optional AI tools can help with text and images.
Create with Megal Publisher Watch the 60-second demo
Create and edit free on a desktop or laptop. Professional printing and export: £5.99/month or £59.99/year.
Built for the work Publisher users recognise
Your next publication starts here
Use a page-based canvas with familiar design objects, then save your editable publication or prepare it for print.
Open existing .pub files
Update last year's brochure or this month's newsletter. Open your .pub file, change the wording, replace a picture and give your existing design a fresh purpose.
Create real page layouts
Link text boxes across pages, wrap words around pictures and organise content with tables, shapes and guides. Keep control over where everything sits.
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.
Work with editable text, pictures and layouts.
Megal Publisher reads your .pub file directly, so you can work with individual objects on the page. See how direct PUB import works.
A practical replacement path
A familiar way to keep publishing
Bring your documents and ideas together in one focused workspace, from the first edit to the next edition.
| What you need to do | How Megal Publisher helps | Put it to work |
|---|---|---|
| Edit an old Publisher file | Yes. Open .pub files and edit text, images and layouts online. | Refresh a brochure, update contact details or prepare your next newsletter. |
| Work directly with your .pub file | Yes. Megal's own engine imports your Publisher file into an editable publication. | Select and change individual text boxes, pictures and layout objects. |
| Design a flyer or brochure | Yes. Start from a blank size or template and position content freely. | Choose your page size, add your content and make the design your own. |
| Work on a Mac, Windows PC or Chromebook | Yes. The editor runs in a modern desktop or laptop browser. | Create and edit online without installing another desktop publishing application. |
| Keep an editable master | Yes. Save your working publication in Megal’s .mpub format. | Return to your design whenever a date, price, picture or story changes. |
Why change now?
After Publisher support ended in October 2026
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. Megal Publisher gives you a browser-based workspace for continuing your publications and creating new designs.
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
Open your .pub file in Megal Publisher, make your changes and save an editable .mpub file for future updates.
3. Create your next edition
Build on your existing design: refresh the content, add new pictures and prepare the next issue, event or campaign.
Source: Microsoft’s Publisher end-of-support guidance. Read our Publisher end-of-life migration guide.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there an online version of Microsoft Publisher?
Megal Publisher is an independent browser-based alternative, not a Microsoft product. It lets you create publications and edit .pub files online without installing Microsoft Publisher. Save your editable Megal working file as .mpub for future changes.
Can Megal Publisher open Microsoft Publisher .pub files?
Yes. Choose “Open Microsoft Publisher file .pub” in the app and select your file. You can then work with the publication in the editor and save an editable .mpub project.
Is Megal Publisher free?
Create and edit for free, then subscribe when you need finished output. 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/month or £59.99/year and includes 1,000 monthly credits for optional AI tools. You do not need an extra AI subscription to use the publishing tools. See plans and subscribe. Review the billing and cancellation terms in 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 behind the scenes?
No. Megal Publisher uses its own PUB import engine to read the original .pub file and create editable text, pictures and layout objects. Microsoft Publisher does not need to be installed.
Can I use it on a Mac?
Yes. You can use Megal Publisher in a supported modern browser on a Mac desktop or laptop, as well as on Windows PCs and supported Chromebooks. Editing is not supported on phones or tablets.
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.
Make your next publication with Megal
Bring a Publisher file or start a fresh design. Make it your own with familiar layout tools and Megal AI. Create and edit free; subscribe when you are ready to print or export.