Open a Publisher file without Publisher installed
If you've ended up with a PUB file and no way to open it, converting it to PDF with Zamzar means you can read it straight away in any PDF viewer, without installing Publisher or any other specialist software.
Why convert a PUB file to PDF when you don't have Publisher?
Microsoft Publisher (PUB) only runs on Windows, so if you're on a Mac, using Linux, or setting up a new computer without an Office suite installed, a PUB file is effectively unreadable. Converting it to PDF with Zamzar gives you an immediately accessible version of the file without needing to install anything or buy a Publisher licence.
The situation comes up more often than you'd think. A colleague sends over a PUB newsletter, a client shares a brochure template, or you've switched to a Mac and found a folder of old PUB documents you still need to reference. None of those files will open natively on a non-Windows machine, and Publisher isn't available through macOS or most alternative office applications. Upload the PUB file to Zamzar and you'll get a PDF back that opens in Preview, Adobe Reader, or any browser, on any device.
Liana left feedback for Zamzar after running into exactly this problem: “Just needed a Microsoft publisher document converted to use my Mac... quick & easy!” That's often how it goes. You don't need a workaround or a Windows virtual machine. You just need the content in a format that your computer can open, and PDF handles that reliably across every major platform.
Read any PUB file without buying or installing Publisher
Microsoft Publisher isn't included in most Microsoft 365 plans and it's never been available on Mac or Linux, so if someone sends you a PUB file you often have no straightforward way to open it. Converting it to PDF with Zamzar takes a couple of minutes online, and once you have the PDF you can open it in any standard PDF viewer at no cost.
Open a Publisher file on a Mac
Publisher has never had a Mac version, so PUB files have always been a problem on Apple computers. With Zamzar you can upload the PUB file from your Mac, convert it to PDF online, and then open the result in Preview or any other Mac PDF viewer without installing anything extra.
Open a Publisher file on Linux when LibreOffice doesn't render it correctly
LibreOffice Draw can open PUB files, but as one of our customers discovered, the graphics and text often end up out of alignment, leaving you with a lot of manual correction to do. Converting to PDF with Zamzar gives you a clean, properly laid-out version of the file that opens in any Linux PDF viewer such as Evince or Okular.
Open the converted PDF on any device
Once your PUB file has been converted to PDF, you can open it on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop without any specialist software. PDF is supported natively on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, so the file is readable wherever you are.
Frequently asked questions
Will the PDF look the same as the original Publisher file?
For most Publisher documents, the PDF will be a close match to the original layout, with text, images, and design elements in the right places. Very complex designs with many overlapping elements may shift slightly, but newsletters, flyers, and certificates generally convert cleanly.
Is it safe to upload a PUB file to convert it online?
Zamzar uses secure uploads and deletes files after a set period, so your document isn't stored indefinitely. If your PUB file contains confidential information, it's worth reviewing Zamzar's current data retention policy before uploading.
Do I need to create an account to convert a PUB file?
You can convert a PUB file without creating an account, though there are limits on file size and the number of conversions for unregistered users. Signing up gives you higher limits and the ability to manage your converted files in one place.
Can I open a PUB file on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks don't have Publisher, but you can convert your PUB file to PDF using Zamzar and then open the PDF in Google Drive's built-in viewer. The whole process works without installing any apps.
Should I keep the original PUB file after converting it?
It's a good idea to keep the PUB file if you think you might need to work with the original layout again. The PDF is a read-only snapshot of the design, so having the source file means you're not locked into the converted version.
What if someone sends me a new version of the PUB file? Do I have to convert it again?
Yes, you'd need to convert the new version separately, since each PUB file produces its own PDF. The process is quick though, so converting an updated version takes the same couple of minutes as the first time.
Can I convert a PUB file on my phone?
Zamzar works online, so you can upload a PUB file and download the converted PDF directly on your phone. It's the same process as on a desktop, without needing to install an app.
What if the PUB file was made in a very old version of Publisher?
Zamzar can handle PUB files from older versions of Publisher, including documents going back to Publisher 2000. If the file uses legacy formatting or very old fonts, some elements may not translate perfectly, but the main content should come through.
Can I convert multiple PUB files at once?
Zamzar supports batch conversion, though the exact number of files you can convert at once depends on your account plan. If you've got a folder of PUB files to convert, it's worth checking your plan limits before you start.
Will the PDF open in Apple Preview on a Mac?
Yes, the PDF produced by Zamzar is a standard PDF that opens in Apple Preview without any extra plugins or settings. You can read, zoom, and scroll through it just like any other PDF on your Mac.