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Publishing guides · Microsoft Publisher migration

Move a Publisher magazine into Megal Publisher

Keep creating with your Publisher magazine. 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

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.

Open your Publisher magazine 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

Work through the publication in a fixed order

Separate content, structure and proofing decisions so a late correction does not undo earlier work.

Start with your Publisher file

Choose the .pub file for your magazine 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 issue identity, contents and front matter, feature stories, recurring departments and credits, contacts and next issue ready so you can move straight into the changes that matter to your readers.

Work with editable text, pictures and layouts

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.

Make the next edition your own

Build a page architecture with masters and recurring modules, then let feature openings vary within that system. Refresh cover and issue identity, contents and front matter, feature stories, recurring departments and credits, contacts and next issue 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 create a varied issue that still has dependable navigation and editorial hierarchy.

Save a reusable Megal master

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. Proof spreads and single pages, verify pagination and binding margins, and agree bleed and colour requirements with the printer. Archive the approved output with its editable master for the next edition.

Use before sign-off

A short working checklist

Publisher migration checklist

  1. Keep the original .pub file and a reliable visual reference.
  2. Confirm imported page size, orientation, count and order.
  3. Compare fonts, overflow, columns and linked text on every page.
  4. Check images, crops, transparency, shapes, borders and tables.
  5. Save and reopen an editable .mpub working file.
  6. Approve a new PDF or printed proof before distribution.
Keep the source and proof together. Megal Publisher can keep the page objects editable in an .mpub project. Preserve the source facts and the approved output as separate records so later changes can be checked.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about your Publisher file

What should I know about PUB compatibility?

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. Check facing pages, master items, linked stories, multi-columns, image crops, TextArt and folios after Publisher import. Keep the original .pub file and compare important publications with an original PDF or printout before final output.

Can I save the publication and keep editing later?

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

Related magazine guides

Move to the next production decision or compare the same task for another publication format.

Data for a magazine

Continue this magazine project with checks for accurate repeated information.

Foundational references: Microsoft Publisher alternative · Direct PUB import evidence · Megal Publisher instruction manual.

Make your magazine with Megal Publisher

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.

Try your PUB file in Megal