Convert ODG to PUB

A Microsoft Publisher workflow or existing Publisher template may require a .pub file when the source artwork is an OpenDocument Graphics .odg file. The practical method is to export the drawing to an importable graphic format, place it in Publisher, and save the publication as .pub.

ODG and PUB formats

.odg is the OpenDocument Graphics format used primarily by LibreOffice Draw and Apache OpenOffice Draw. It is an XML-based drawing file that can contain vector shapes, text, connectors, images, layers, and one or more drawing pages.

.pub is the proprietary Microsoft Publisher publication format. It stores Publisher page layouts, text boxes, images, and publication-specific settings, so it is useful when a recipient must continue editing the layout in Microsoft Publisher or use an existing Publisher template. Publisher does not open ODG files and LibreOffice does not create native editable PUB files.

Microsoft has announced the retirement of Publisher in October 2026. Keep the original .odg file and export a PDF for long-term access instead of relying on PUB as the only archival copy.

Choose a usable intermediate format

• SVG retains vector paths and is the best option for logos, diagrams, and line art if the installed Publisher version supports SVG insertion.
• PNG is the safest general-purpose choice for Publisher compatibility. Export at the final placed size; for print, use roughly 300 pixels per inch.
• TIFF is suitable for print workflows that specifically request TIFF.
• PDF is appropriate for proofing, sharing, and archiving, but it is not a dependable editable import format for Publisher.

Create the Publisher file

1. Open the source in LibreOffice Draw with File → Open.
2. Check page size, linked images, fonts, and page breaks. Replace unavailable fonts before export, because a substituted font can reflow labels and text boxes.
3. Export the required page with File → Export, then select SVG, PNG, or TIFF. Use File → Export as PDF to create a reference or archival PDF.
4. Open Microsoft Publisher on Windows and create a blank publication or open the required template. Set the publication page size before placing the artwork.
5. Use Insert → Pictures → This Device (or Insert → Picture → From File in older releases) to insert the exported image. Size it using the corner handles; avoid enlarging a raster PNG beyond its exported dimensions.
6. Use File → Save As and save the publication as .pub.

If text, tables, or individual shapes must remain editable in Publisher, recreate them as Publisher text boxes and objects. An inserted PNG, TIFF, or PDF is flattened artwork; an inserted SVG may remain partly editable, but Publisher can alter unsupported SVG features.

Online conversion and compatibility limits

CloudConvert and Zamzar can be used to convert an ODG file to PNG, JPG, or PDF when LibreOffice is unavailable. Download the resulting graphic, inspect it at 100% size, then insert it into Publisher; do not expect an online ODG-to-PUB service to produce a fully editable Publisher publication. Avoid uploading confidential drawings to third-party services.

Complex ODG features can change during export, especially unavailable fonts, transparency, gradients, filters, embedded objects, and multi-page drawings. Export each required Draw page separately for image placement, compare the Publisher proof against the original, and retain the source ODG plus a PDF copy.