There is a lot of confusion surrounding Microsoft Publisher. \u201cPublisher is being discontinued\u201d is not entirely accurate, but neither is \u201cnothing is changing\u201d. What happens depends entirely on how you purchased Publisher. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re printing labels today using Publisher, now is the time to do two things: check which scenario applies to you, and back up your existing designs. Both will take less time than you might think. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The two scenarios: which one applies to you?<\/h2><\/div>\n- You have Publisher as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription<\/strong>: Microsoft has stated that Publisher will no longer be part of Microsoft 365 after October 2026, and that subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit their files in Publisher after that date. In the explanatory notes accompanying that announcement, Microsoft specifies 1 October 2026. If this applies to you, the application will be removed from your suite. <\/li>\n
- A perpetual licence (Office 2021, Office LTSC or a standalone version)<\/strong>: In this case, support will simply end on 13 October 2026. The software will continue to work and your files will remain accessible. However, you will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical support. It is therefore a stopgap, not a solution. You still have some time, but it is not unlimited.
<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nHere\u2019s how to find out which of the two applies in 30 seconds<\/strong>:<\/em>Open Publisher and go to File Account<\/encoded_tag_closed>. Does it say \u2018Microsoft 365\u2019 or \u2018Subscription product\u2019? If so, scenario 1 applies. Does it show a year, such as \u2018Office Professional 2021\u2019? If so, scenario 2 applies. <\/p>\nDo this this week, whatever you decide<\/strong><\/em>Search your PC, network drive, OneDrive or SharePoint for files with the .pub<\/em> extension and save them as PDF files via File Save As<\/encoded_tag_closed>. This way, you\u2019ll keep a visual reference of each design even when Publisher is no longer available. <\/p>\n<\/div>What you decide to do next is important<\/h3><\/div>Microsoft refers users to Word for labels. That\u2019s sufficient for an address sticker, but if you\u2019re printing labels that need to be scanned, checked or archived, you\u2019ll run into the same limitations in Word as you do in Publisher: no control over your label printer, no link to your database or ERP system, no quality control for your barcodes, and no record of who changed which design and when. <\/p>\n
Anyone who is currently rushing to convert everything to Word simply because they have to will end up doing the same work all over again within a certain period of time.<\/p>\n
So this isn\u2019t a problem you need to solve, but rather an opportunity to resolve an issue that has been around for some time. Companies that make the switch to proper labelling software can then print directly from their own systems, with barcodes that are formatted correctly and operators who can no longer accidentally tamper with the design. <\/p>\n<\/div>
Try out the labels for yourself<\/span>Ask for advice<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>About the pdf-files<\/h2><\/div>Those PDFs are important, but make sure you understand what they’re for. Label software cannot import .pub or PDF files and convert them into an editable label template. This applies to every software package on the market.<\/p>\n
Your PDF therefore serves as your visual reference: proof of what your label looked like, with the correct dimensions, text and layout. Based on this, each template is recreated once in the new software. <\/p>\n
That sounds like a tedious job, and as a one-off task, it certainly is. But that\u2019s exactly when you start to see a return on your investment: in Publisher, you often end up with ten separate files containing variable fields, with the data coming from your Excel spreadsheet or database. The time you invest once pays for itself every week thereafter. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Just give it a go for 30 days for free<\/h2>\n<\/div>You don\u2019t have to take our word for it. Both Loftware NiceLabel and BarTender offer a full 30-day trial version. No installation fees, no credit card, no upfront payment, and no obligation afterwards.<\/a>Brady Workstation is also an excellent option here; please contact us <\/g>for more information. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Ask trial Nicelabel<\/span>Go to Loftware<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Ask trial Bartender<\/span>Go to BarTender<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>What we can do for you<\/h2>\n<\/div>Most companies don\u2019t struggle with the software itself, but with finding the time to make the switch. That\u2019s why we take care of most of the work: <\/p>\n
\n- We\u2019ll set up your trial version<\/strong> based on an analysis of your situation<\/li>\n
- We’ll convert your designs.<\/strong> You won’t have to redraw your templates yourself. Often, ten variations are combined into a single template with variable fields. <\/li>\n
- We set up the integration <\/strong>with Excel, your database, ERP or WMS, so that nothing needs to be retyped.<\/li>\n
- We advise on licences <\/strong>and the edition that suits your volume, so that you don\u2019t pay for features you don\u2019t use.<\/li>\n
- We train your staff<\/strong>, one-to-one, in English or Dutch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"BLOG](\"https:\/\/ilabel.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/BLOG-ilabel.be-Microsoft-Publisher-stopt-op-1-oktober-2026-2.png\" "\\"BLOG")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Can\u2019t make the 1 October deadline? No problem. Secure your files as soon as possible and then carry out the migration at a pace that suits you. Feel free to call or email us to discuss what needs to be prioritised. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What\u2019s free, and what isn\u2019t<\/h2><\/div>The trial versions, the consultation, and our assistance in choosing the right package are all free of charge. A quote is, of course, also free.
We do charge for services such as customizing your templates, integrating with your systems, and training your employees. We always provide a quote upfront, so you know exactly what to expect before we begin. Plus, it\u2019s a one-time cost: once your templates are set up, you manage them yourself. <\/p>\n
Would you rather do everything yourself? That\u2019s perfectly fine. Download the trial version, get started, and give us a call if you get stuck. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Which labelling software is right for your application?<\/h2><\/div>There is no single \u2018right\u2019 labelling software. It depends on what you\u2019re printing, how many people are involved, and whether you need to import data from another system. <\/p>\n
Do you mainly print to order: signs, cable labels, safety signage, small batches? <\/strong>
That\u2019s the closest you\u2019ll get to what you do with Publisher today, and you won\u2019t need a heavy-duty platform. Brady Workstation is made up of apps designed specifically for those tasks and works directly with your Brady printer. Ask us about Brady Workstation and we\u2019ll help you work out which apps you need and which you don\u2019t. <\/p>\nDo your labels need to retrieve data from Excel, a database or your ERP system? <\/strong>
In that case, you\u2019ll need proper labelling software, and there are two excellent options:<\/p>\n\n- Would you like to design, print and manage everything in a single environment? Take a look at Loftware Nicelabel<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Do you operate multiple branches and want to manage them centrally via the cloud? Discover Loftware Cloud Automation<\/a> or Bartender Cloud<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Do your operators need to print flawlessly without altering the design? Take a look at Loftware Forms<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Are you looking for a powerful design platform with comprehensive barcode support? Discover BarTender<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not sure which one you need? That\u2019s exactly why we offer all three platforms. Download the trial versions and compare them for yourself, or let us take a look and save yourself the hassle of figuring it out. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- \n
- You have Publisher as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription<\/strong>: Microsoft has stated that Publisher will no longer be part of Microsoft 365 after October 2026, and that subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit their files in Publisher after that date. In the explanatory notes accompanying that announcement, Microsoft specifies 1 October 2026. If this applies to you, the application will be removed from your suite. <\/li>\n
- A perpetual licence (Office 2021, Office LTSC or a standalone version)<\/strong>: In this case, support will simply end on 13 October 2026. The software will continue to work and your files will remain accessible. However, you will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical support. It is therefore a stopgap, not a solution. You still have some time, but it is not unlimited.
<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nHere\u2019s how to find out which of the two applies in 30 seconds<\/strong>:<\/em>Open Publisher and go to
File Account<\/encoded_tag_closed>. Does it say \u2018Microsoft 365\u2019 or \u2018Subscription product\u2019? If so, scenario 1 applies. Does it show a year, such as \u2018Office Professional 2021\u2019? If so, scenario 2 applies. <\/p>\n Do this this week, whatever you decide<\/strong><\/em>Search your PC, network drive, OneDrive or SharePoint for files with the .pub<\/em> extension and save them as PDF files via
File Save As<\/encoded_tag_closed>. This way, you\u2019ll keep a visual reference of each design even when Publisher is no longer available. <\/p>\n<\/div> What you decide to do next is important<\/h3><\/div>
Microsoft refers users to Word for labels. That\u2019s sufficient for an address sticker, but if you\u2019re printing labels that need to be scanned, checked or archived, you\u2019ll run into the same limitations in Word as you do in Publisher: no control over your label printer, no link to your database or ERP system, no quality control for your barcodes, and no record of who changed which design and when. <\/p>\n
Anyone who is currently rushing to convert everything to Word simply because they have to will end up doing the same work all over again within a certain period of time.<\/p>\n
So this isn\u2019t a problem you need to solve, but rather an opportunity to resolve an issue that has been around for some time. Companies that make the switch to proper labelling software can then print directly from their own systems, with barcodes that are formatted correctly and operators who can no longer accidentally tamper with the design. <\/p>\n<\/div>
Try out the labels for yourself<\/span>Ask for advice<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>About the pdf-files<\/h2><\/div>
Those PDFs are important, but make sure you understand what they’re for. Label software cannot import .pub or PDF files and convert them into an editable label template. This applies to every software package on the market.<\/p>\n
Your PDF therefore serves as your visual reference: proof of what your label looked like, with the correct dimensions, text and layout. Based on this, each template is recreated once in the new software. <\/p>\n
That sounds like a tedious job, and as a one-off task, it certainly is. But that\u2019s exactly when you start to see a return on your investment: in Publisher, you often end up with ten separate files containing variable fields, with the data coming from your Excel spreadsheet or database. The time you invest once pays for itself every week thereafter. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Just give it a go for 30 days for free<\/h2>\n<\/div>
You don\u2019t have to take our word for it. Both Loftware NiceLabel and BarTender offer a full 30-day trial version. No installation fees, no credit card, no upfront payment, and no obligation afterwards.<\/a>Brady Workstation is also an excellent option here; please
contact us <\/g>for more information. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Ask trial Nicelabel<\/span>Go to Loftware<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Ask trial Bartender<\/span>Go to BarTender<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>What we can do for you<\/h2>\n<\/div>
Most companies don\u2019t struggle with the software itself, but with finding the time to make the switch. That\u2019s why we take care of most of the work: <\/p>\n
- \n
- We\u2019ll set up your trial version<\/strong> based on an analysis of your situation<\/li>\n
- We’ll convert your designs.<\/strong> You won’t have to redraw your templates yourself. Often, ten variations are combined into a single template with variable fields. <\/li>\n
- We set up the integration <\/strong>with Excel, your database, ERP or WMS, so that nothing needs to be retyped.<\/li>\n
- We advise on licences <\/strong>and the edition that suits your volume, so that you don\u2019t pay for features you don\u2019t use.<\/li>\n
- We train your staff<\/strong>, one-to-one, in English or Dutch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Can\u2019t make the 1 October deadline? No problem. Secure your files as soon as possible and then carry out the migration at a pace that suits you. Feel free to call or email us to discuss what needs to be prioritised. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What\u2019s free, and what isn\u2019t<\/h2><\/div>
The trial versions, the consultation, and our assistance in choosing the right package are all free of charge. A quote is, of course, also free.
We do charge for services such as customizing your templates, integrating with your systems, and training your employees. We always provide a quote upfront, so you know exactly what to expect before we begin. Plus, it\u2019s a one-time cost: once your templates are set up, you manage them yourself. <\/p>\nWould you rather do everything yourself? That\u2019s perfectly fine. Download the trial version, get started, and give us a call if you get stuck. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Which labelling software is right for your application?<\/h2><\/div>
There is no single \u2018right\u2019 labelling software. It depends on what you\u2019re printing, how many people are involved, and whether you need to import data from another system. <\/p>\n
Do you mainly print to order: signs, cable labels, safety signage, small batches? <\/strong>
That\u2019s the closest you\u2019ll get to what you do with Publisher today, and you won\u2019t need a heavy-duty platform. Brady Workstation is made up of apps designed specifically for those tasks and works directly with your Brady printer. Ask us about Brady Workstation and we\u2019ll help you work out which apps you need and which you don\u2019t. <\/p>\nDo your labels need to retrieve data from Excel, a database or your ERP system? <\/strong>
In that case, you\u2019ll need proper labelling software, and there are two excellent options:<\/p>\n- \n
- Would you like to design, print and manage everything in a single environment? Take a look at Loftware Nicelabel<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Do you operate multiple branches and want to manage them centrally via the cloud? Discover Loftware Cloud Automation<\/a> or Bartender Cloud<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Do your operators need to print flawlessly without altering the design? Take a look at Loftware Forms<\/a> <\/li>\n
- Are you looking for a powerful design platform with comprehensive barcode support? Discover BarTender<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not sure which one you need? That\u2019s exactly why we offer all three platforms. Download the trial versions and compare them for yourself, or let us take a look and save yourself the hassle of figuring it out. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- Do you operate multiple branches and want to manage them centrally via the cloud? Discover Loftware Cloud Automation<\/a> or Bartender Cloud<\/a> <\/li>\n
- We’ll convert your designs.<\/strong> You won’t have to redraw your templates yourself. Often, ten variations are combined into a single template with variable fields. <\/li>\n
- A perpetual licence (Office 2021, Office LTSC or a standalone version)<\/strong>: In this case, support will simply end on 13 October 2026. The software will continue to work and your files will remain accessible. However, you will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical support. It is therefore a stopgap, not a solution. You still have some time, but it is not unlimited.