Continue working with your Microsoft Publisher files in Affinity.
As Microsoft Publisher reaches end of life, Affinity provides native .pub file import, so your organisation's existing layouts remain accessible and editable, with no third-party conversion tools required.
Two licensing dates worth planning for
From this date, Microsoft 365 no longer includes Publisher. It's no longer available to install, and existing .pub files can't be opened or edited within the application itself.
Publisher continues to run under these licences, though it no longer receives security updates from this date. As devices are replaced or reimaged over time, Publisher becomes unavailable to reinstall. Office 2024 does not include Publisher.
Native support for Microsoft Publisher files
This includes files created in Publisher 97 and later. Opening a file converts it into an editable Affinity document that your team can continue working on.
What is Affinity?
Affinity is a professional design app for page layout, vector design and photo editing, all in one file. It opens Publisher files directly, so you keep access to your old files.
- Made by Canva: Backed by an established design platform.
- Made for enterprise: Get a demo(opens in a new tab or window) and explore what Affinity plus Canva can unlock for your organization.
- PC or Mac: Runs on both, including offline, to fit standard device policies
- Actively developed: In continuous development, and we're always adding new features(opens in a new tab or window).
Built for enterprise
Secure SSO access for enterprise and education environments means your team signs in through the identity provider you already use. And Affinity is part of the Canva product suite, meaning it operates under Canva's security and governance practices.
Built for Surface devices
Affinity is deeply optimized for the latest Windows hardware, supporting NPUs and advanced haptics when available. For publication designers, haptics provide tactile confirmation when objects snap to alignment guides, when you select anchor nodes, or when elements lock to your grid. Physical feedback reduces the visual effort of pixel-perfect alignment and keeps your focus on the work rather than the rulers!
Microsoft Publisher is now end of life, but your creative work isn’t going anywhere. Affinity offers native support for Microsoft Publisher files, and will open your existing .pub files directly — no conversion, no rebuilding from scratch. The core Affinity app is also available for free(opens in a new tab or window) - so whether you’re migrating legacy Publisher content or starting your next design project from scratch, Affinity is ready when you are!
FAQs
Yes. As of 1 October 2026, Publisher is no longer included with Microsoft 365. Perpetual licences, such as Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021, continued to run until 13 October 2026, after which they stopped receiving security updates. Office 2024 does not include Publisher.
