Convert PUB to PMD

Understanding PUB and PMD file formats

PUB files are created by Microsoft Publisher, a desktop publishing application used for designing brochures, flyers, newsletters, and other print materials. These files contain formatted text, images, and layout information specific to Publisher.

PMD files are associated with Adobe PageMaker, an older desktop publishing program. PMD files store similar content—text, images, and layout—but are only compatible with PageMaker, which has been discontinued and replaced by Adobe InDesign.

Why convert PUB to PMD?

Converting PUB to PMD may be necessary if you need to edit Publisher documents in Adobe PageMaker or share files with users who only have access to PageMaker. However, direct conversion is challenging due to the proprietary nature of both formats and the discontinuation of PageMaker.

How to convert PUB to PMD

There is no direct converter that transforms PUB files to PMD format. The best approach is to use an intermediate format that both applications can handle, such as PDF or RTF. Here’s a step-by-step method:

1. Open your PUB file in Microsoft Publisher.
2. Export the document to PDF by selecting File → Export → Create PDF/XPS Document.
3. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and export it as an RTF or Word document using File → Export To → Microsoft Word or File → Export To → Rich Text Format.
4. Open Adobe PageMaker and import the RTF or Word file using File → Place.
5. Save the imported document as a PMD file.

This process preserves most of the text and images, but you may need to adjust the layout manually in PageMaker.

Recommended software for conversion

• Microsoft Publisher – for opening and exporting PUB files.
• Adobe Acrobat – for converting PDF to RTF or Word.
• Adobe PageMaker – for importing and saving as PMD.

For users without access to these programs, online converters like Zamzar or CloudConvert can help convert PUB to PDF, but manual steps are still required to reach PMD format.

Important considerations

• Some formatting and layout elements may not transfer perfectly between formats.
• PageMaker is discontinued and may not run on modern operating systems.
• Always keep backup copies of your original files before conversion.