Buzz
Even though Microsoft Publisher isn't available for macOS, opening PUB files on your Mac is still possible. If you just want to view the file quickly, converting it to PDF using an online converter is a convenient option. For editing purposes, installing LibreOffice, a free office suite compatible with PUB files, is recommended. We'll guide you through several hassle-free and cost-free methods to open PUB files on your Mac.
Steps
Converting PUB to PDF
Visit a PUB to PDF conversion website. The fastest way to open a PUB file on your Mac is by converting it to PDF using an online converter. There are numerous free and secure converters available, all yielding similar results. Here are a few popular choices:
- https://www.zamzar.com/convert/pub-to-pdf (supports files up to 50 MB)
- https://www.publishertopdf.com (no file size restrictions)
- https://online2pdf.com/convert-publisher-to-pdf (supports files up to 100 MB)
- You can also search for 'PUB to PDF Converter' to discover more converters.
Upload your PUB file to the chosen online converter. The process may vary slightly depending on the converter's interface. Typically, you can either drag and drop the PUB file to a designated area labeled 'Drag & drop files' or use an 'Add Files' or 'Choose file' button to select the file with the .pub extension.
Click on the Convert button. This action will initiate the conversion process, transforming your PUB file into a PDF format that you can download.
Download the converted PDF file. If the download doesn't commence automatically, you might need to click on a 'Download' button to save the file to your Mac.
Open the downloaded PDF file by double-clicking it. Once the file is downloaded, you can typically locate it in your Downloads folder. Double-clicking the file will open it in Preview for viewing.
Editing PUB Files Using LibreOffice
Download and install LibreOffice on your Mac. LibreOffice is a free suite of office applications capable of opening and editing various document formats, including PUB files. You can obtain LibreOffice from https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download. Follow the on-screen instructions after downloading the file that starts with 'LibreOffice' and ends with '.dmg' to complete the installation process.
Launch LibreOffice Draw. Locate this application in your Launchpad or within the Applications folder.
Access the File menu and choose Open. This action will prompt a file picker window to appear.
Select the PUB file and click Open. This action will open the selected PUB file in LibreOffice Draw for editing.
Edit the file according to your requirements. Utilize the features available in Draw to modify the content of the Publisher file.
- To move objects within the document, use the arrow tool located on the toolbar.
- To insert text, navigate to the Insert menu and choose Text Box.
Change the file format. Although Draw cannot save files in PUB format, you have several options for saving in other formats:
- Save as ODG: This format allows continued editing in LibreOffice Draw, but it's less common. Go to File, choose Save as, and select ODF Drawing (*.odg).
- Export as PDF: Ideal for sharing without editing capabilities. Click File, then Export as, and choose Export as PDF.
- Save as DOC or other: While you can't directly save in other formats, you can copy elements into Word, Pages, or LibreOffice Writer. Paste into the new document and save as preferred.
Converting PUB Files to Different Formats
Request conversion from a Windows user. If the sender uses Microsoft Publisher, they can convert the file to a compatible format for your Mac.
- To keep it editable, ask for a Word .DOCX file, compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Pages.
Save as a .DOCX file. For editing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, or LibreOffice Writer, request the file in Word DOCX format.
- To save, go to File, choose Save as, select Word Document, then click Save.
- Upon receipt, double-click to open in your default word processor, or right-click and select Open with to choose a specific app.
Export as PDF. Another option is requesting a PDF for easy sharing and viewing across platforms.
- To export, go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document > Create PDF/XPS. Choose Save as type, select compression, click OK, then Publish.
- For printing, select High Quality Printing or Commercial Press (best quality) as the compression format.
