Open a Publisher file on a Chromebook
Publisher never ran on ChromeOS, and the Files app and Google Drive can't open .pub files. Drop one here in Chrome to see every page free and download a PDF. To edit it, get a .pptx that opens in Google Slides, Canva or PowerPoint on the web.
Two or more files? and convert as many as you like.
Payments go to LeDuc Systems LLC in Phoenix, Arizona, through Stripe. Questions before you pay: tyler@leducsystems.com.
Drop your Publisher file and preview every page free.
Pay once and download it for PowerPoint, Word, Canva, Affinity or InDesign.
Open it and keep editing where you left off.
Questions
Why can't my Chromebook open a .pub file?
Publisher is a Windows program, and nothing built into ChromeOS reads its format. Google Drive shows a .pub file but only lets you download it.
Can I just install LibreOffice?
Only by turning on the Linux development environment, which many school and work Chromebooks block. If you can, LibreOffice Draw opens most .pub files. This page needs nothing but Chrome.
Where do I edit it afterwards?
Upload the .pptx to Google Drive and open it with Google Slides, upload it to Canva, or open it in PowerPoint on the web if you have a Microsoft account. All three run in Chrome.
I just need to print it or send it.
Get the PDF ($4.99). It opens in the Chromebook's built-in viewer, prints from there, and attaches to any email.
Why did my .pub files stop opening?
Microsoft retired Publisher. It was removed from Microsoft 365 in October 2026 and support for the standalone versions ended the same month. Word and PowerPoint can't open .pub files, so without Publisher they no longer open at all.
Is the PDF free?
The preview of every page is free, no account needed. The clean PDF, with the page pictures, is $4.99 per file, and it's included free with the editable versions ($12) or the $19 pass.
What do I get if I pay?
Three editable files for $12: a PowerPoint file (.pptx) for PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides or Keynote, an IDML file for Affinity or Adobe InDesign, and a Word file (.docx). Every page, text box, picture, shape, line and table comes across as an object you can edit. You see a preview of every page before you pay.
I have a lot of files. Is there a better deal?
Yes. The 30-day pass is $19 and covers every file you convert in those 30 days, every file type each. It pays for itself at two files. After you pay you get a pass link; open it on any computer to use the pass there.
What if it doesn't come out right?
Email tyler@leducsystems.com within 30 days and I'll refund you in full, no questions asked. If you can, attach the .pub file so I can fix the converter for the next person.
Which should I use?
If you have Microsoft 365, PowerPoint is the easiest: it's already installed and works well for flyers, newsletters, cards and brochures. Canva is good if you'd rather work in your browser. Affinity (free from Canva) and InDesign are full layout programs and keep articles linked from column to column.
How do I open it in Canva?
In Canva, choose Upload and pick the .pptx file. Canva imports it as an editable design.
How do I open it in Affinity or InDesign?
Choose File > Open and pick the .idml file. It opens as a normal document you can edit and save.
What about fonts?
Your text keeps the fonts it used in Publisher. If the computer you open it on doesn't have one of them, the app will substitute another, and text can reflow slightly.
Which Publisher versions work?
Publisher 98 through Publisher 365. Files from Publisher 95 and earlier, and password-protected files, aren't supported.
What happens to my file?
Your file is converted on my server, used only to make your download, and deleted automatically within 24 hours, or within 7 days once paid, so you can download it again. I never look at it or share it.
Is this made by Microsoft, Adobe or Canva?
No. I'm an independent developer. Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint are trademarks of Microsoft, InDesign of Adobe, and Canva and Affinity of Canva.
Not affiliated with Microsoft, Adobe or Canva. Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint, InDesign, Canva and Affinity are trademarks of their owners. Payments are handled by Stripe.