PUB File Extension
Publisher Document
- File Type pub
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Publisher
- Category Document Files
- Format Binary
What is a PUB file?
Publisher Document, identified by the PUB extension, is a Document Files type and includes 969 files.
The Publisher Document (PUB) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
PUB file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. To open a PUB file, you can choose from 5 programs such as Microsoft Publisher, LibreOffice Writer and Microsoft Office.
MIME types
- application/x-mspublisher
Programs that support PUB files
How to open a PUB file?
If you cannot open a PUB file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with PUB files, Microsoft Publisher, LibreOffice Writer and Microsoft Office are the top choices for users. To install the updated version of Microsoft Publisher, simply go to the Microsoft site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
After installation, your operating system should automatically open PUB files with Microsoft Publisher.
Set Microsoft Publisher to open PUB by default
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right click on your PUB file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- Find the Microsoft Publisher application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening PUB files.
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired PUB file to access the file’s context menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
- In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Microsoft Publisher and check the box next to "Always open in the application."
Easy PUB Troubleshooting
There are some common issues with PUB files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.
Why does Microsoft Publisher stop responding or crash intermittently?
The likely cause of Microsoft Publisher crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
What are the best practices for repairing a PUB file that has gone bad?
Open the corrupted PUB file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged document files.
How do I know if my PUB file is corrupted?
Common indications of damaged PUB document files are:
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Editing the archive in Microsoft Publisher results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft Publisher or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the PUB file;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
How to edit a PUB file?
To edit PUB files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the document files. Online PUB editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Publisher Document.
List of Top PUB editors 2026
Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available PUB editors.
| PUB Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Publisher | Microsoft | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (46 reviews) |
Convert to and from PUB
If obstacles arise while working with a PUB file, you may convert it to formats like PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, CDR or other similar types for smoother handling.
Keep in mind that converting a PUB file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Several applications, including Microsoft Publisher, can convert PUB files offline without quality loss.