How to convert a .pub file to Word

Publisher and Word are built differently, so no tool can turn a .pub file into a perfect Word document. The most reliable route goes through PDF, which is also the route Microsoft suggests.

The method that works best

1. Convert your .pub file to PDF with the PubToPDF converter. It runs in your browser and does not upload the file.
2. Open Microsoft Word, choose File, then Open, and pick the PDF. Word offers to turn it into an editable document. Click OK.
3. Fix anything that moved. Text-heavy pages come through well. Pages with lots of shapes and layered pictures usually need some cleanup.

No Word? In Google Drive, upload the PDF, right-click it, and choose Open with, then Google Docs. It makes an editable copy, again with some cleanup needed.

What to expect

• Text usually comes across, though line breaks can be odd.
• Pictures usually come across but may shift position.
• Fancy design effects such as WordArt, layered shapes and special borders often do not survive.

If the design matters

For flyers and newsletters with a strong design, it is often faster to rebuild the page in Word, PowerPoint or Canva and use the PDF as your guide. Copy the text from the PDF and place your pictures again.