How to open a .pub file without Publisher
A .pub file is a Microsoft Publisher document. Publisher has been retired and never existed for Mac or the web, so double-clicking one may do nothing. The file itself is fine. You just need something else to read it.
The quick way
Open PubOut, drop your file on the page, and it appears in your browser. You can read every page, copy the text, and save it as a PDF. It works on Windows, Mac and Chromebook, and the file stays on your computer.
Your options compared
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| PubOut (this site) | Opening and saving files without installing anything, on any computer | Needs a modern browser. Files from Publisher 2000 or earlier are not supported yet |
| LibreOffice Draw | Free desktop app that opens .pub files for editing | One file at a time, and layouts can shift, especially tables and linked columns |
| Other browser viewers | Quick reading | Check whether they upload your file, and whether clip art and PDF export are included |
| An old copy of Publisher | The most accurate result, if you have one | Perpetual copies keep working but no longer get security updates |
| Online converters | Quick one-off conversions | Your file is uploaded to someone else's server, so check before sending anything private |
Questions
Can I open a .pub file on a Mac?
Yes. Publisher was never made for Mac, but PubOut runs in Safari, Chrome or Firefox on a Mac and reads the file directly.
Can I edit a .pub file without Publisher?
You can edit in LibreOffice Draw, or use PubOut Pro to turn it into an editable PowerPoint file, which also opens in Canva and Google Slides.
Will opening it change my file?
No. PubOut only reads the file. Your original is never modified.