PUB File Extension

What is PUB file?

Files with the PUB extension are document files, created and supported by the Microsoft Publisher program, and one of the Microsoft Office suite programs. PUB are multimedia files, containing text, raster and vector images, diagrams, charts, metadata, etc.. PUB files are used to save documents such as brochures, posters, postcards or leaflets.

Additional information

PUB files are often used in web sites, and also in the process of generating templates for email messages. It is a proprietary format, supported by a limited number of applications – therefore, presenting results within a program may be a problem. A user who would like to display content a PUB file you have created, he would need to have the same application installed. However, such circumstances may be avoided, if following of these hints:

1. After creating a document, you may export the content into the HTML format. Content of the document will be accessible via regular internet browser. What is important, is that a user will not be able to edit the project, but only to display it.
2. If a project is based mainly on text, and it does not contain a lot of multimedia elements, a PUB file can be stored as a DOCX file. Text formatting will remain the same, however graphic or page layout may be not included.
3. However, if an project editing option is necessary to be available, a person which receives a PUB file must install one of the programs which provide full support of this format.

Programs which support PUB file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PUB files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with PUB extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 02/15/2023

How to open file with PUB extension?

Problems with accessing PUB may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with PUB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Adobe InDesign

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PUB files is that no program that can handle PUB files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe InDesign or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Publisher, Office 365) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PUB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Adobe InDesign installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe InDesign

You still cannot access PUB files although Adobe InDesign is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why PUB files are not compatible with Adobe InDesign. The latest version of Adobe InDesign should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PUB files to Adobe InDesign

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PUB files with latest version of Adobe InDesign you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the PUB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe InDesign is installed, check the Always use this app to open PUB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PUB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Adobe InDesign and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PUB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the PUB is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PUB file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the PUB file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PUB file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the PUB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the PUB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with PUB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Adobe InDesign

If the systems has insufficient resources to open PUB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Publisher Document files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PUB files.

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