The .pub file extension
Updated
The .pub extension marks a Microsoft Publisher document. To open one today, use Publisher on a Windows PC, LibreOffice Draw, a free desktop program you install on your computer, or convert it here to PDF, Word or PowerPoint.
| .pub | |
|---|---|
| File type | Microsoft Publisher publication |
| Made by | Microsoft Corporation |
| MIME type | application/x-mspublisher |
| Inside the file | Binary data in an OLE2 container, an older Microsoft way of packing several parts into one file |
| Versions | Publisher 1 to Publisher 2016-2019 (UK National Archives format list) |
| Opens in | Microsoft Publisher (Windows only), LibreOffice Draw, this site (any browser) |
| Converts to | PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), PNG |
| Also used by | SSH public keys, such as id_rsa.pub (a different, text-only file) |
Is it a Publisher file or an SSH key?
A Publisher file is binary: in a text editor it shows unreadable characters. If your .pub file opens as a single line of readable text, it is probably an SSH public key. Publisher and this converter cannot open those.
Renaming does not convert
Changing .pub to .pdf or .docx in the file name does not convert the file, and renaming another file to .pub does not make it a Publisher file. The content has to be converted.
Convert a .pub file here
Upload the file below to see page 1 and download page 1 as a PDF for free. A paid download costs $9 for one file, or $19 for up to 25 files in one upload. It gives you every page as PDF, Word, PowerPoint and PNG.
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Questions
What is the MIME type of a .pub file?
application/x-mspublisher.
What opens a .pub file on a Mac?
Publisher does not run on a Mac: Microsoft lists it as for PC only. Use LibreOffice Draw or convert the file here.
Can I rename a .pub file to .pdf?
No. Renaming changes only the name. Convert the file instead.
Sources
- The National Archives (UK), PRONOM: Microsoft Publisher 1 format
- The National Archives (UK), PRONOM: Microsoft Publisher 2016-2019 format
- Microsoft Support: Microsoft 365 subscriptions compared ("Access and Publisher (for PC only)")
- OpenBSD manual: ssh-keygen (public key files end in .pub)
- The Document Foundation: LibreOffice comes to the rescue of Microsoft Publisher users (2026-10-14)
- LibreOffice: download
More guides: Publisher to Word, Publisher to PDF, Publisher to PowerPoint, Publisher to Canva, Open .pub without Publisher, .pub on Mac, Publisher alternatives, Publisher retirement, Bulk convert, Converter comparison, What is a .pub file, .pub viewer, .pub on phone or Chromebook, Publisher file in Word, Publisher open/save errors