How to open .PUB files on Mac
To open .PUB files on Mac, if you need accurate layout, transfer the file to a Windows PC and open it in Microsoft Publisher.
Step-by-step instructions
- If you need accurate layout, transfer the file to a Windows PC and open it in Microsoft Publisher.
- Otherwise, try an application that can import Microsoft Publisher files, understanding that formatting may change.
Common issues
The .PUB file won’t open or shows as an unknown format
This usually happens when Microsoft Publisher (or a compatible importer) isn’t installed on the device, or the OS has no associated app for .PUB.
- On Windows, install Microsoft Publisher and open the file from within Publisher (File > Open).
- On non-Windows devices, move the file to a Windows PC with Publisher for the most reliable results.
Layout/formatting changes after opening in another app
Because .PUB is proprietary, importers may not fully support all layout features, fonts, or embedded objects.
- Open the file in Microsoft Publisher to preserve layout and typography as authored.
- If you must use an importer, compare the output carefully (especially text reflow, image placement, and missing fonts).
A tool identifies the file as application/x-mspublisher but your workflow expects another MIME type
Some systems detect .PUB as application/x-mspublisher; assuming an IANA-registered type may cause handling issues in strict pipelines.
- If you control the pipeline, allow application/x-mspublisher for Publisher content where appropriate.
- If you need broader compatibility, open in Publisher and export to a more widely supported format used by your workflow.
Still can’t open your .PUB file?
Recover a deleted or lost .PUB file
If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.
Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.
Wondershare RecoveritWindows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.
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Security note
.PUB is a complex, proprietary format; treat files from unknown sources as potentially risky because document parsers can have vulnerabilities.