Open old Publisher 98 and 2000 files
A newsletter from the late 1990s can outlive the program that made it. PubOut can now read .pub files saved by Publisher 98 and Publisher 2000 in your browser, with nothing to install and no account.
How much this has been tested
So far, two sample files: one saved as Publisher 98 and one as Publisher 2000, both holding the same short document. We compared them with the same document saved in a later format. The pages, text, fonts, sizes, colors, text boxes, table and rectangle all matched.
That is a small test. Treat this as a new feature and check anything that matters.
What may look different
- Table borders and cell shading are not drawn yet.
- Pictures have not been tested, because the sample files have none.
- Lines, ovals and other shapes have not been tested. Some shapes may appear as plain boxes.
- Text that flows between linked boxes has not been tested.
- If your computer does not have a font, PubOut warns you and uses the closest match.
Try your file
- Go to PubOut.
- Choose your .pub file. Your browser reads it on your own computer, and the tool does not upload its contents or its name.
- Check every page, then copy the text or save a PDF.
If it does not open
Files from Publisher 97 or earlier still cannot be read, and PubOut will say so. LibreOffice Draw may be able to open them. Whatever happens, keep your original file: a future tool may read it better.
Questions
How can I tell which version made my file?
The name usually will not tell you. The quickest way is to try it.
Will opening it change my file?
No. PubOut only reads the file.
Does it cost anything?
Opening a file and saving it as a PDF is free.