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Open Megal Publisher
Launch the online editor. Open PUB files and edit publications on the Free plan.
HomeOpen a PUB file online
PUB file opener and editor
How to open a .pub file online—and keep editing it
No card required. Professional printing and export from £5.99/month.
Change a date, replace a photo or give your brochure a fresh look. Open your .pub file in Megal Publisher and edit its text, pictures and layout in your desktop browser. Save an editable .mpub project and pick up your next update whenever you need it.
Retirement guidance updated .
Open your original .pub file directly. No Microsoft Publisher installation or PDF conversion needed.
Output access: 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.
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.
Your .pub files remain yours. Open them in Megal Publisher, update the text, pictures and layout, then save an editable .mpub project for your next edition. You do not need Microsoft Publisher installed.
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.
Five clear steps
Open and edit your Publisher file
You do not need Microsoft Publisher installed. Use a current desktop browser and start with a copy of the file you want to bring into Megal Publisher.
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Choose the PUB option
On the welcome screen, select “Open Microsoft Publisher file .pub”.
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Select your file
Choose your .pub file. Megal opens it as an editable publication, ready for your next update.
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Make it your own
Select text to change the wording or font, replace pictures and arrange the page for your next edition.
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Save an editable copy
Save the working publication as an .mpub file so future edits stay in Megal Publisher.
What is inside a PUB file?
A PUB file is more than a page image
Microsoft Publisher documents can contain positioned text frames, linked stories, pictures, tables, shapes, grouped objects, page settings and font information. That is why simply renaming the file or opening it in a generic text editor does not work.
Megal Publisher opens the original .pub file directly, bringing text, pictures and page-layout elements into an editing workspace. Select an object to work on it, just as you would when creating a new publication.
Explore Megal's direct PUB import technology and how it makes ongoing editing possible.
This is more useful than a viewer or static conversion when you need to change a telephone number, update an event date, replace a photo, rewrite a newsletter or repurpose an old brochure.
Keep your next edition within reach.
Save your publication as an editable .mpub project, then return to it for next month's newsletter, updated prices or a new event.
What can you do after opening the file?
- Edit text and work with text boxes.
- Move, resize, layer and group page objects.
- Replace or add images, shapes and tables.
- Work across multi-page publications.
- Review page sizes, print settings, bleed and colour preparation.
- Save an editable Megal Publisher .mpub file.
- Continue using Megal Publisher as the editable home for the publication.
Why not stop at a static conversion?
A static file can preserve the appearance of a finished page, but it does not give you a useful replacement for Publisher. It cannot become next month’s newsletter, accept a new price, replace a photo or update an event date.
Open the original .pub file in Megal Publisher, make your changes and save an editable .mpub master. Your publication becomes the starting point for every future edition.
Build your next edition
- Open the publication you want to update.
- Refresh names, dates, prices and contact details.
- Replace pictures and personalise the colours and fonts.
- Use Megal AI for help with wording and new images.
- Save an editable .mpub project for the next edition.
- Use Professional printing and export when you are ready to share.
Common questions
Opening Publisher files without Publisher
What program opens a .pub file?
Microsoft Publisher is the original application. Megal Publisher offers a browser-based import and editing route when you do not have Publisher installed.
Can I keep editing the imported publication?
Yes. Update the text, pictures and layout, then save an editable .mpub working master for future editions.
Can I open a PUB file on a Mac?
Yes. Open Megal Publisher in a modern browser on your Mac desktop or laptop, import the .pub file and save your work as an editable .mpub project. The editor is designed for desktops and laptops; phone and tablet editing is not supported.
Do I need to convert the PUB file to PDF first?
No. Open the original .pub file directly. Megal's own import engine works without Microsoft Publisher or a PDF conversion step.
How does Megal Publisher make the file editable?
The Megal PUB import engine turns text, pictures and layout elements into separate objects you can select and edit. Save your ongoing work as an .mpub project; this is Megal's editable format rather than a new Microsoft .pub file.
What should I know about PUB compatibility?
Font availability and some older Publisher effects can affect imported layouts. Missing fonts may change line breaks, and complex WordArt, groups or proprietary features may need adjustment. Keep your original .pub file and compare important publications with an original PDF or printout before final output. You can open and edit your file free.
Give your Publisher file its next edition
Open your publication, make your changes and save an editable project you can keep using.