File Extension Database

Open PUB File

PUB file extension is most commonly used by Microsoft PUBlisher files. These files contain textual and graphical information similar to one found in word processing documents but in a form that is print-ready. Document is called print-ready when layout of all the elements on the page is finalized, colors are proofed and separated etc. Publisher documents lack such interactive features as hyperlinks and clickable table of contents.

First version of Microsoft Publisher for Windows was released in 1991. Since then 8 more versions were released. PUB files can be opened in read-only mode by the trial version of Microsoft Publisher even if the trial period has ended.

Another program that can open PUB files is "Pretty Good Privacy" (PGP) cryptography application. It uses these files for storing public portions of asymmetrical encryption/decryption keys.

Typical PUB application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\MSPUB.EXE %1
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSPUB.EXE" %1

Typical PUB mime types:

application/vnd.ms-publisher

Frequently used application names to open PUB files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Publisher.Document.12
Publisher.Document.14

How Can I Open PUB File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PUB file is to find a PUB file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PUB file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PUB file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PUB file opener then try to search online for "PUB viewer", "application to open PUB file" or "open PUB file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PUB file

How Can I Open PUB File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PUB file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PUB file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PUB file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PUB file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PUB file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PUB file then try to search for "PUB viewer", "application to open PUB file" or "read PUB file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PUB file

How Can I Open PUB File on Android

If you downloaded a PUB file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PUB file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PUB".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PUB viewer", "PUB file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PUB File on iPhone or iPad

To open PUB File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PUB file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PUB". This way you can find apps which can open PUB files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PUB viewer" or "PUB file" online in your favorite search engine.