Microsoft Publisher Support Ends: What's Next for Graphic Designers?

Microsoft has announced that it is winding down support for Microsoft Publisher, a graphic design app that has been around for 35 years. The decision means that users with a Microsoft 365 subscription will lose access to the app on October 1, and those with non-subscription versions of the app can continue using it until October 13 but without future security updates.

The good news is that there are many alternatives available, and PCMag has identified eight options that offer varying levels of functionality and ease of use. For those who want an easy transition, Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Docs are recommended for their familiarity and capabilities.

For community organizations, non-designers, and social media creators, Adobe Express and Canva are suitable alternatives that are just as easy to use but offer more features and flexibility. Microsoft Designer is also a free option that offers AI-assisted design capabilities, although it may not be ideal for those requiring specific branding color formulations or print-ready files.