Publishing guides · Microsoft Publisher migration
Keep creating with your Publisher annual report. Open your .pub file, edit the text, pictures and layout, and save an editable Megal master for the next edition.
Create and edit in a desktop or laptop browser. No card required to start. Professional printing and export from £5.99/month. See the relevant editing tools.
After the October 2026 deadlines
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.
Open your Publisher annual report in Megal Publisher and carry on with the next edition. Update the text, pictures and layout, then save an editable .mpub master to return to later. Keep the original .pub file with your project records.
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.
Practical workflow
Separate content, structure and proofing decisions so a late correction does not undo earlier work.
Choose the .pub file for your annual report and open it in Megal Publisher. Keep the original as a backup and give the new edition a clear name. Have your updated cover and reporting period, leadership overview, activities and outcomes, financial or performance information and governance, contacts and acknowledgements ready so you can move straight into the changes that matter to your readers.
Megal Publisher reads your .pub file directly and brings its page objects into the editor. Select text to update the wording, replace a picture, adjust a shape or arrange the layout for your next edition. You can work in your browser without installing Microsoft Publisher.
Establish chapter openers, text pages, data pages and case-study modules before flowing the final approved content. Refresh cover and reporting period, leadership overview, activities and outcomes, financial or performance information and governance, contacts and acknowledgements and use the formatting controls to keep headings, body text and practical details consistent. Add new pictures or use Megal AI to help with text and imagery. Review the updated content against your brief so every change supports the goal to present an accountable narrative supported by approved evidence and financial or performance data.
Save an editable .mpub working file and reopen it whenever you need another update. Keep the original .pub file with your project records. When the edition is ready, use Print Preview, then create the required PDF or print proof with Professional. Preflight page count, contents references, running headers, colour, images and signed-off figures in the exact final PDF. Archive the approved output with its editable master for the next edition.
Use before sign-off
Frequently asked questions
Font availability and some advanced or older Publisher features can affect imported layouts. Missing fonts may change line breaks, and complex effects or page objects may need adjustment. Inspect linked stories, tables, charts, masters, sections, page numbers, footnotes and picture crops after Publisher import. Keep the original .pub file and compare important publications with an original PDF or printout before final output.
Yes. Save an editable .mpub project and reopen it in Megal Publisher for the next update. Full editable Microsoft .pub export is not currently available.
Continue the workflow
Move to the next production decision or compare the same task for another publication format.
Browse the complete library by publication format and production stage.
Continue this annual report project with checks for planning and editorial structure.
Continue this annual report project with checks for content preparation.
Continue this annual report project with checks for page size, margins and structure.
Continue this annual report project with checks for readable text hierarchy.
Continue this annual report project with checks for image selection and placement.
Continue this annual report project with checks for accurate repeated information.
Continue this annual report project with checks for repeatable revision workflow.
Foundational references: Microsoft Publisher alternative · Direct PUB import evidence · Megal Publisher instruction manual.
Put this guide into practice: arrange your words and pictures, check the layout and keep an editable .mpub master for your next update. Create and edit for free; subscribe when you need printing, PDF or export.
