Microsoft Publisher is a user-friendly desktop publishing application for creating professional-looking print and web-ready publications like newsletters, brochures, and greeting cards. It provides design tools focused on page layout, text wrapping, and graphics, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses without dedicated design staff. Publisher offers a wide range of templates and "building blocks" and allows users to export designs as PDFs or HTML, with planned discontinuation in October 2026.  

• Focus on Layout:

  Unlike Microsoft Word, which prioritizes text and editing, Publisher emphasizes page design and placing elements like text and images. 

   

   

• Building Blocks:

  Offers pre-made elements like calendars, borders, and sidebars that can be dragged and dropped into your designs. 

   

   
• Image and Text Tools:

  Features tools that simplify placing pictures and wrapping text around them, enhancing the visual appeal of publications. 

   

   
• Mail Merge:

  Includes a mail merge feature to send publications to a list of customers or contacts. 

   

   
• Export Options:

  Allows users to save their work as PDF documents, for commercial printing, or as HTML web pages. 

   

   

• Non-Profits and Organizations:

  Well-suited for organizations like PTAs and clubs to create materials for their members. 

   

   

• Planned Discontinuation: Microsoft has planned to discontinue Publisher in October 2026.