--- title: "Microsoft Publisher Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Microsoft Publisher the right Content Management solution for you? Explore 242 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/233254/Microsoft-Publisher/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-09-28" --- Microsoft Publisher 4.4 (242) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/233254/Microsoft-Publisher/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated September 28th, 2026 # Reviews of Microsoft Publisher Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews JK Jonathan K Chief Marketing OfficerInsurance, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “The interface is familiar, especially if you already use other Microsoft Office apps, and the templates help save a lot of time. While it doesn't offer all the advanced features of professional design software, it provides great value and is more than capable for most everyday publishing projects.“ July 23, 2026 KS Kaitlyn S Executive DirectorNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It feels outdated compared to newer design tools, with limited advanced layout and typography options.“ March 26, 2026 JK Jonathan K Chief Marketing OfficerInsurance, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “It's an easy-to-use desktop publishing tool that works well for creating flyers, brochures, newsletters, business cards, and other marketing materials.“ July 23, 2026 KS Kaitlyn S Executive DirectorNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It’s also not ideal for digital-first design, and exporting for web or social media requires extra steps.“ March 26, 2026 GC Georges Attino C Journaliste International MultimediaTelecommunications, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Microsoft Publisher was particularly useful for creating communication materials such as brochures, posters, or flyers.“ June 9, 2026 CB Cooper B Director of Media MinistriesNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “For a half MacOS and half Windows staff, this makes it so difficult to transfer files from one another.“ February 6, 2025 JS Jill S DirectorChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I use it mainly for my monthly newsletters, but have also used Publisher for more creative projects such as invitations to our pre-k graduation or events at the center throughout the year.“ October 25, 2024 CB Cooper B Director of Media MinistriesNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Publisher is a great software, but the compatibility on Macs is lacking which really makes the usability hurt!“ February 6, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 242 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Furkan A. Founder Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The software that helped me discover my creativity" September 8, 2026 5.0 My overall experience with Publisher is much more than just positive. It was an important part of my early creative journey and one of the applications that helped me learn how layouts, typography, images and printed materials could work together. Over the years, I always found it easy to return to because the interface was familiar and the tools were focused on getting things created rather than making the process unnecessarily complicated. For the amount of functionality it offered as part of the Microsoft ecosystem, I always considered the value very good. I rarely needed customer support because most of the tools were understandable on their own, and I did not experience many bugs that seriously interrupted my work. It may no longer be the most modern publishing application, but I will always have a lot of appreciation for it. Pros Microsoft Publisher has a special place for me because it was one of the first tools that really allowed me to express my creativity digitally, around 15 years ago. I created some of my earliest layouts and visual materials with it, and at the time it felt incredibly empowering. Even without professional design experience, I could experiment with text, images, page layouts and templates and actually turn an idea into something printable. The user interface was approachable, the features were practical, and for content creation like brochures, posters, cards and similar materials, it gave me a lot of freedom without a difficult learning curve. Cons Over time, the interface and some of the features started to feel dated compared with newer design platforms. Large or image-heavy projects could occasionally feel less smooth, and modern collaboration features were never really its strongest point. My biggest disappointment now is simply that Publisher is being discontinued. After using and appreciating it for so many years, I would much rather see it modernized than retired. Review Source Antoine Q. Project Manager Airlines/Aviation Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Publisher performance" August 3, 2025 4.0 It stays in a basic manner but I really liked working with it, the only thing is that this becomes dificult to translate in any other tool. Pros You can be very creative in this tool, this is a lot more open than word for example, a perfect tool for a CV creation with a lot of different features. Cons This tool is not easy to handle, you need to know a lot about it before starting to do really powerfull things. Switched from [Microsoft Word](https://www.capterra.com/p/227146/Microsoft-Word/) I found this tool more powerfull in order to do a nice presentation for a CV for example, ideal for a one pager. Review Source AN Anthony N. Lead Pastor Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not for Mac" October 20, 2025 3.0 Publisher was my go-to software for our all our church printing needs for over 10 years. Most of the time, it got the job done, but older files where not always compatible with new updates. Pros Publisher is laid out very similar to Word, so if you are competent in one, you will enjoy the experience in the other. There are many templates for anything you desire to print, so it is easy to find just the right size for the job at hand. Cons I recently switched to a Mac environment. Publisher did not make the switch with me. It also is not overly easy to collaborate with others. Cloud-based sharing has made improvements, but things still get lost in translation when sharing between users. Review Source JK Jonathan K. Chief Marketing Officer Insurance Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Easy-to-Use Desktop Publishing Software" July 23, 2026 4.0 Overall, my experience with Microsoft Publisher has been very positive. It's an easy-to-use desktop publishing tool that works well for creating flyers, brochures, newsletters, business cards, and other marketing materials. The interface is familiar, especially if you already use other Microsoft Office apps, and the templates help save a lot of time. While it doesn't offer all the advanced features of professional design software, it provides great value and is more than capable for most everyday publishing projects. Pros What I liked most about Microsoft Publisher was how easy it is to create professional-looking documents without needing advanced graphic design skills. The built-in templates, drag-and-drop layout tools, and familiar Microsoft interface make it simple to design flyers, brochures, newsletters, and other marketing materials. It offers a good balance of features and ease of use, especially for small businesses and everyday publishing needs. Cons What I liked least about Microsoft Publisher was that it feels a little outdated compared to newer design software. While it handles basic publishing tasks well, it doesn't have as many advanced design features or collaboration tools as some modern alternatives. It can also slow down a bit when working with larger or more graphics-heavy projects. Review Source KS Kaitlyn S. Executive Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simple to Use" March 26, 2026 4.0 Overall, my experience has been positive. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use tool for creating flyers, newsletters, invitations, and other print materials quickly. While it lacks some modern design features and collaboration tools, it’s efficient for straightforward projects and works well for organizations that need clean, professional layouts without a steep learning curve. Pros I liked how easy it is to create polished flyers, newsletters, and event materials without advanced design skills. The drag-and-drop layout, built-in templates, and simple text/image formatting make it quick to produce professional-looking documents. It’s especially useful for small organizations because it’s straightforward, familiar to anyone using Microsoft Office tools, and great for print-ready layouts. Cons It feels outdated compared to newer design tools, with limited advanced layout and typography options. Collaboration is difficult since files don’t work as smoothly across teams, and compatibility can be an issue when sharing with people who don’t have the software. It’s also not ideal for digital-first design, and exporting for web or social media requires extra steps. Review Source Jake L. Global Marketing Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft Publisher- Steady Entry Level Marketing Materials Production" August 6, 2026 4.0 A really steady option in the microsoft suite for a range of marketing materials, easily adopted for small marketing teams Pros Really easy way to produce print materials in house (as a one-person marketing team). Allows custom creation of materials with very little skills training. The interface is quite intuitive and microsoft has resources to help navigate it successfully all built in! Cons Sadly it will be retired in October 2026 so we will have to look to transition to something else. With regards to the specific product, it doesn't work so well on for web-ready content or more advanced vectr image creation etc... but we don't really need it in the current setting. You may have to upgrade if you need something cutting edge. Review Source EH Eric H. Account manager II Human Resources Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great product " July 31, 2026 5.0 It's been a great experience and being able to create these great visuals for my marketing campaigns have helped me close many deals. Pros I like being able to make stunning visuals to help with marketing products to my clients and closing deals. Cons The only thing I don't like is that Publisher is being discontinued at the end of this year and I don't have anything to replace it with. Review Source FM Fiona M. Clinical Audit Officer Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great software with many functions to create documents." April 22, 2026 5.0 I have no complaints. I've been using the software for over 20 years and has always been easy to use. Pros It's easy to use to create documents such as posters, notices, newsletters etc. The features are great and user friendly. There is help options if you are unsure how to produce something and the templates are easy to adapt. I have no issues. Cons I believe I read that it was being discontinued which is a great shame. It's been around since I was at school so it's my go to software to use for most things. Review Source GAC Georges Attino C. Journaliste International Multimedia Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simple Design for Communication" June 9, 2026 3.0 Pros Microsoft Publisher was particularly useful for creating communication materials such as brochures, posters, or flyers. It offered simple templates to use, which made page layout easier. Cons However, its features remain limited compared to more professional software for a professional activity. Review Source Joshua O. Instructional Designer Facilities Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy tool with limited customization " December 1, 2025 3.0 Easy to use and a great tool for pushing out quick job aids or reference guides or flyers in a pinch. Pros I like the easy of use. I think publisher makes it easy to create designs and to make modifications and changes to objects Cons It’s not the most versatile or creative. It’s very limited in what it can do with object placements and interactions Review Source JB Jeff B. Veterans Project Director Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good For Beginners" January 31, 2025 2.0 From my experience with Microsoft Publisher I would say that it is a very basic program, with relative ease of use but low versatility compared some of the other software available today. Pros As a beginner, it was a good stepping stone. Cons The more I used it, the more I realized the lack of versatility. Review Source AC Anthony C. CEO Telecommunications Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Best" February 24, 2023 5.0 It was great Pros I like the fact that I could youse this software to promote my business especially when I was making flyers and business cards Cons What I least liked about the product was the fact that there wasn't an AI assistant present Review Source GM Grace M. Front Desk Receptionist Manager Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Publisher is great for its design simplicity. " December 4, 2024 4.0 Overall, the system is easy to use and worked well for the many years we used it for student newsletters at our university. Pros Organization is extremely efficient with this system. Cons For years we have used Microsoft Publisher for student newsletters. One thing I would suggest is adding more design features and customization options. Review Source DF Dahlia F. Freelancer Executive Office Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Your Publishing Partner" January 26, 2022 4.0 Publisher is an extraordinary app for making outwardly rich, proficient looking publications without focusing on a cluttered publishing application. You can simplify things like hello cards and marks, or more intricate tasks like yearbooks, indexes, and expert email pamphlets. I can make great, proficient designs without any issue on styling text, calendar, images or borders. One can also effectively plan extraordinary, materials without hassle. Make everything from straightforward hello cards and names to proficient bulletins and advertising materials utilizing Publisher's wide scope of pre-arranged designs. One can also publish in the manner that suits your crowd best. Share pixel-amazing printouts, send proficient quality email distributions, or commodity to industry-standard non-editable arrangements. Pros Publisher is a strong programming application utilized for desktop publishing. It permits you to control various features, for example, page size, text, illustrations, and borders. Its value lies in its capacity to unite text and pictures to make proficient looking flyers, pamphlets, freebees, and bulletins. I especially like the following: Specialized level impacts for texts, shapes, and pictures. Ability to utilize great picture foundations. Itemized ruler and guides for right estimations Personalization tools which allow me to contextualize what I need as I work on flyers and leaflets Inserting new content also is easy. Either one uses a Publisher template or create a design from scratch. You can begin your modification process by adding in your own pictures through the Picture command. It is also good to note a good selection of clip arts from the menu option which allows you to use for the original template. Indeed a one good tool for entrepreneurs or freelancers like me to use for designing stationery or letterheads, make banners or upgrade my website. Cons While I enjoy using Publisher with its specific features as above referred, it has the drawback of not being able to edit much of images. It excludes subject tones or does not allow me to alter shapes which can be present in Powerpoint There is also limited control over file size. When you add images to the Publisher task, the file size enlarges as there is no way to stack. This burden will make it take longer when one transfers it to a website or a printing company who can produce your work. Without a choice also to add sound or video (despite the fact that you can incorporate connections to them), we find there are a few restricted media choices to consider assuming you're utilizing this stage to plan sites. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Manager Food Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A user-friendly publishing tool." October 20, 2023 5.0 I produce professional business cards and programs with Microsoft Publisher. Its simplicity and integration with other Microsoft applications make the job a walk in the park for me. The image editing tools allow me to make quick adjustments and the end result is always a professional-designed document. Pros I like how I quickly got the hang of it thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Its rich library of customizable templates helps save time and effort. Cons While its rich template library and user-friendly interface make it the perfect choice for small businesses and individuals, it's pretty basic and not meant for design professionals. If you're seeking advanced design capabilities, then you need to consider other powerful software. It needs a steeper learning curve to work with complex designs like other high-end software options currently in the market. Review Source AH Angela H. Music & Media Coordinator Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "LOVE Publisher!" March 25, 2022 5.0 We use publisher for our church almost daily to create files, and I use it personally as well to create all sorts of things. Much easier to format things (even easier than Word!). We make banners OFTEN and publisher makes it EASY to make a long banner for our needs. Signage, documents, pamphlets, booklets, etc. - we use it for so many things! Pros I've used publisher for over 15 years and I love it. Being able to import pictures/graphics and design booklets, documents and more. And it's easy to export to PDF and make a PDF of a publisher file too. Cons The only thing I miss is that OLD shortcuts (like hyphenating or turning off hyphens in a paragraph) used to be easily accessible as a shortcut. New versions of publisher changed how to find that feature so I have to search in help if I want to find out how to do certain things, then remember how to access the shortcut on the keyboard to carry out the action. I miss certain features like that which aren't easy to find anymore. It's been YEARS since this changed happened. Review Source AA Amy A. Library Director Information Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I couldn't do my job without it" November 8, 2022 5.0 I use Publisher for work purposes but that said it makes my job fun in many ways. It's a functional tool that lets us (the library staff and patrons) be creative. That's a big deal in my book. No pun intended ;) Pros Publisher is one of those die hard, go to, backbone of your duties, programs. We're a small public library and we have utilized it to create everything from PR posters, to informational documents and so much more. It's easy to navigate which is great not only for staff but for teaching our patrons to use it as well. We help everyone from school kids to retired grandmothers, who may not have a lot of computer skills, to use this to create what they need. In a given day we could help a kid create a poster for class or someone make church brochures for Sunday Service. Publisher is great! Cons Honestly nothing. It's cost effective, easy to navigate and has a good company behind it's creation. Review Source SN Samuel N. IT manager Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Publishing like apro! " May 5, 2023 4.0 It's the best so far! Pros Easier to useLow costCustomization to your taste Cons Limited file size controlLacks compatibility Review Source SW Sharon W. Executive Director Individual & Family Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long time user" May 17, 2023 5.0 As a long time user, Publisher has allowed me to create, store, retrieve documents that can be reused and saves me time in preparation of new materials Pros Allows me to create and publish flyers and promotional items quickly Cons Not always compatible with other programs Review Source Joel B. Administrative Secretary Consumer Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "An "Okay" Tool For Publishing Newsletters, Business Cards" March 3, 2023 4.0 In the beginning, we used it to create our business cards and flyers but as our operations have scaled a bit we use more advanced software. Pros It is really not expensive compared to the other desktop publishing software available. Also, because it is part of the Microsoft suite of products, it is easy to integrate it. Cons Even though it is relatively cheaper, it has some limited features like an auto layout and cloud sharing. Review Source AS Aria S. Design Consultant Media Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Integrated Solution For Personal and Corporate" September 13, 2022 5.0 As described, this software is an "all in one" solution for publishing matter. It can export the result to many formats and can import document contents in many formats too. Pros This software is just like "all in one" solution when it comes to publishing matter. I work with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint. Using Microsoft Publisher can combine document contents way too easy for everyone. Cons Some features are depend on internet connection, and it's not every time I'm working inside the grid. Review Source DF Donna F. Administrative Assistant Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "my goto for creating flyers and documents" November 21, 2023 5.0 I really enjoy using Microsoft Publisher for creating and designing. It is simple and easy to use and helps me to create nice brochures, flyers, invitations, etc... Pros I like the feature of using the entire workspace. I can keep images, text boxes, and other items available for use as I design and create. The drag and drop feature of the workspace is easy to work with. Cons Sometimes connecting text boxes gets a little confusing when the text extends longer than the box. Review Source NT Nidhin T. Marketing Executive Wholesale Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A very easy to use Content creating tool" October 3, 2024 5.0 Its easy for someone new to get into document content management, easy to create flyers etc. Pros Have used this for 4+ years and found it really useful to publish content for our customer and create flyers for sales promotions. Cons Lags a bit when the file exceed 1Gb. There are a few good templates available for Publisher. Review Source Alice Z. Freelance Translator Translation and Localization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The very first product for a good document layout" October 11, 2022 5.0 This is absolutely the very first software I used to make my documents look better and I had a positive experience with it, impressing my audience in many contexts. Pros Publisher offres a variety of features to make your documents look better than simple pages. It has a great numbers of option and everyone is easy to customize in many insights (font, colours, place of objects and text, images etc.). Cons The product is no longer included in the basic version of Microsoft 365 and you need to use the online version of the software to manage your old documents. Review Source JD Josh D. Training Developer Food Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Publisher is a fantastic tool for your business!" December 5, 2023 5.0 I have used it for 3 years in managing data and publishing my documents for peers and it’s always been a pleasurable experience. Pros I like that it is from the Microsoft corporation so there is already a familiarity with things. You know that it will be great quality and a cut above the rest. Cons The occasional crash but this happen infrequently. 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