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I have moved over from a PC and was wondering if there was a program that was like MS Publisher that could at read my old publisher files?

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A short update that builds on the suggestions in this thread: there are now practical macOS ways to read and convert many Microsoft Publisher (.pub) files without running a full Windows VM. LibreOffice Draw can import Publisher files (the import work is provided by the Document Liberation libmspub filter), CorelDRAW’s Mac app advertises .pub import, and there are Mac viewer/converter apps and trusted online converters for one-off jobs. For absolute fidelity, running Publisher on Windows (as suggested) still gives the best control, but the native options below avoid a Windows install. (help.libreoffice.org)

Quick, practical workflow to try first: install LibreOffice, open the .pub in LibreOffice Draw to inspect and (often) edit text and graphics, then Export → PDF or save as an ODG for future edits. LibreOffice’s import covers many Publisher versions, but it cannot save back to .pub, so treat the Draw document as your working copy and check fonts/linked images after import. (help.libreoffice.org)

When fidelity matters or you need a different route: CorelDRAW (trial available) commonly preserves layout better for complex files; dedicated Mac apps like “PUB Reader” can open and convert .pub to PDF/Word/ODT on-device; and services such as CloudConvert will convert PUB→PDF online for quick access. If there are many files and you have a Windows/Publisher installation, Microsoft’s guidance is to bulk-export to PDF (they provide an example PowerShell script). (product.corel.com)

Practical cautions and tips: keep the original .pub files; test conversions on copies; collect fonts and linked images before importing; expect some manual clean-up for complex templates (headers, flow-linked text frames and custom styles are common trouble spots). If long-term access is a concern, convert important archives to PDF/ODG/ODT now—Microsoft itself recommends converting Publisher files before the announced changes to Publisher in October 2026. (support.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for Marcia Brehmer

I have the same question. I have many old Publisher files that I need, but since I got my new Mac (OS X 10.4.11) I can no longer use my virtual computer program that let me access all my old MS Publisher files. HELP!

Member Avatar for John A

Currently there is no program that exists on the Mac platform capable of doing this. The only way you could possibly accomplish this is to install Windows on your Mac (either via Boot Camp if you're running a newer Mac, or using virtualization technology), and then run Publisher from there and export it to PDF (I think there's also an Adobe converter which will convert Publisher files to PageMaker, but again, Windows-only).

Member Avatar for Marcia Brehmer

Thanks, John, I'll check that out and see what I can find that will work. We did have a virtual Windows on our older Mac, but that didn't work with the newer Mac.
Blessings,
Marcia

Member Avatar for John A

Thanks, John, I'll check that out and see what I can find that will work. We did have a virtual Windows on our older Mac, but that didn't work with the newer Mac.
Blessings,
Marcia

Most likely that's because of the change of architecture in the newer Macs. Traditionally, Macs have used the PowerPC processor (made by IBM and Motorolla). About two years ago, Apple started putting Intel processors into their Macs, and as a result, there are some compatibility issues with older software.

Two of the best commercial virtualization technologies out there for Intel Macs include Parallels Workstation and VMWare Fusion. They both work very well, and I'd highly recommend them. Alternatively, you can also use a freeware emulator, such as Q.

Member Avatar for jaxjason

There is no way that I know of to keep the object structure in your publisher files, the pdf will lock in everything to a static pdf file. You will have to recreate the structure (text boxes image objects etc...) in another program. What I use at home is iworks Pages program. It has both a word processor capability, but was originally designed as a page layout program like publisher and keeps those roots.

Jason

Member Avatar for jeeepster2001

Is there an Application for the Mac with OS X that is as easy as MS Publisher to create or make changes to a Web Page.

I made my first Web page with Publisher and it was very easy to use.

Would like to do all of my Web work on my Mac and not go back and forth.

Thank you

Member Avatar for sesdemarco

I have moved over from a PC and was wondering if there was a program that was like MS Publisher that could at read my old publisher files?

I do not think they have a MS Publisher for Mac. However I do have MS Office for Mac and I have Illustrator CS3 for Mac and there is virtually nothing I can't do. I can get to Clip Art through Word and Google. I can download to IPhoto and do it all. Publisher would have been the less expensive way to go but tried to order it through a software company and couldn't.

Susan

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