Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Publisher: A capable Windows publishing tool, but its scheduled retirement limits its long-term fit. Ranked #8 of 29 in Desktop Publishing Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for windows users needing familiar publication tools.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forWindows users needing familiar publication tools
- Free planNo
- EPUB exportNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Precise layouts with templates, master pages, and reusable design elements
- PDF/XPS export includes CMYK, spot-color, and print-oriented settings
- Connects with OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, with no listed support for other platforms
- No free plan; access is tied to Microsoft 365 Business Standard plans
- Microsoft plans to retire Publisher in October 2026
Our verdict on Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Publisher is a Windows-only desktop publishing application for creating arranged layouts with text, pictures, borders, calendars, newsletters, labels, greeting cards, and marketing materials. It is aimed at Windows users who need familiar tools for print publications, email publications, and business collateral without moving to a broader design workflow. Templates cover common formats, while precise object styling supports more controlled page composition.
Its strongest area is publication production. Master pages provide reusable headers, footers, page numbers, and borders, and the application supports print publication creation and sharing. PDF and XPS export includes print-oriented output settings, with CMYK, spot-color, process-color, and PANTONE support in PDF output. OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint integrations also fit organizations already working within Microsoft's storage and collaboration environment. These features make Publisher a practical match for structured newsletters, labels, cards, and marketing materials that need consistent layouts and color-aware output.
The main buying consideration is lifecycle. Publisher is included in Microsoft 365 Business Standard plans, including the no-Teams version, with desktop, web, and mobile Microsoft 365 apps and 1 TB of cloud storage per user. The published starting price is 10.79, and a 30-day trial is available; there is no free plan. Microsoft states that Microsoft 365 access ends after October 1, 2026, and perpetual-version support ends October 13, 2026. Choose Publisher for an existing Windows and Microsoft 365 workflow with near-term publication needs. Choose an alternative if long-term availability, cross-platform access, or continued investment matters more than its current layout and print features.
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Microsoft Publisher pricing
All 2 Microsoft Publisher plans and prices →
Microsoft Publisher fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | windows |
| PDF export | Yes |
| EPUB export | No |
| Master pages | Yes |
| Preflight tools | Not verified |
| Color management | Yes |
| Collaboration level | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days · card required |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Phone, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Publisher integrations
Microsoft Publisher lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- OneDrive
- OneDrive for Business
- SharePoint
Alternatives to Microsoft Publisher
- AffinityA broad desktop publishing suite for design, editing, layout, and print output without a subscription.9.4
- Adobe InDesignA focused choice for multipage layouts, typography, prepress, and PDF production.9.2
- QuarkXPressA full-featured desktop publisher for teams producing print and digital content.8.9
See all Microsoft Publisher alternatives →
Microsoft Publisher vs the competition
- Microsoft Publisher vs Affinity
- Microsoft Publisher vs Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Publisher vs QuarkXPress
- Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus
- Microsoft Publisher vs VivaDesigner
- Microsoft Publisher vs Megal Publisher
Compare Microsoft Publisher with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Publisher is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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