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#2

Microsoft Publisher is ranked #2 in the Desktop Publishing Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Microsoft Publisher Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Microsoft Publisher pricing starts at $5 (Per User, Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$5
Pricing Model
Per User, Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Microsoft Publisher is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Microsoft Publisher:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Microsoft Publisher Benefits and Insights

Why use Microsoft Publisher?

Key differentiators & advantages of Microsoft Publisher

  • Cost-Effective Solution: Microsoft Publisher is part of the Office suite, making it a budget-friendly option for businesses already using Microsoft products.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design and familiar Microsoft Office layout reduce the learning curve, allowing users to quickly create professional documents.
  • Customizable Templates: A wide range of pre-designed templates helps users produce high-quality brochures, newsletters, and flyers without needing advanced design skills.
  • Seamless Integration: Publisher integrates smoothly with other Microsoft Office applications, enabling easy import of text and data from Word and Excel.
  • High-Quality Print Output: The software supports high-resolution printing, ensuring that documents look professional and polished when printed.
  • Versatile Export Options: Users can export documents in various formats, including PDF and XPS, making it easy to share and distribute publications.
  • Advanced Typography Tools: Publisher offers extensive font and text formatting options, allowing for precise control over the appearance of text.
  • Mail Merge Capabilities: The mail merge feature simplifies the creation of personalized documents, such as form letters and labels, by merging data from Excel or Access.
  • Design Consistency: Master pages and style guides help maintain a consistent look and feel across multiple pages and documents.
  • Image Editing Tools: Built-in tools for cropping, resizing, and enhancing images eliminate the need for additional graphic design software.
  • Collaboration Features: Publisher supports comments and markup, facilitating team collaboration and feedback during the design process.
  • Accessibility Options: The software includes features to create accessible documents, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
  • Time-Saving Automation: Automation tools, such as auto-correct and auto-fit text, streamline the design process and reduce manual adjustments.
  • Professional-Looking Results: Even users with limited design experience can produce visually appealing documents that enhance their brand image.
  • Resource Library: Access to a library of clip art, shapes, and design elements provides additional creative resources for document creation.

Industry Expertise

Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing application that is best suited for individuals and small businesses who need to create professional-looking marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and newsletters, without needing extensive design training.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Microsoft Publisher reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Microsoft Publisher is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to create professional-looking documents.
  • Cost-Effective: Publisher is a more affordable alternative to other professional design software, making it a budget-friendly option for businesses.
  • Professional Quality: Create professional-quality marketing materials and documents such as brochures and newsletters.
  • Templates: Publisher offers a wide variety of templates to help users get started quickly and easily create visually appealing designs.
  • File Conversion: Easily convert your Publisher files into other formats, such as images (JPEG, PNG) and PDFs for sharing and printing.

Cons

  • Limited Features: It lacks the robust design features found in professional design software, making it unsuitable for complex design projects.
  • Compatibility Issues: It is limited to Windows 10, hindering collaboration with businesses using other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Unsuitable for Professional Design: It may not meet the needs of professional designers who require advanced features for high-end design work.

Researcher's Summary:

Is Microsoft Publisher still a viable tool for desktop publishing, or is it yesterday's news? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. While many appreciate its user-friendliness and affordability, some find its limited features a deal-breaker. Many users highlight Publisher's intuitive interface as a major strength, especially for beginners. For instance, one reviewer raved about how easy it was to create professional-looking brochures and flyers, even without prior design experience. This ease of use stems from its drag-and-drop functionality and vast library of templates, making it a breeze to whip up marketing materials or event invitations. However, this simplicity comes at a cost. Several users pointed out that Publisher lacks the advanced design and customization options found in professional-grade software like Adobe InDesign. This limitation can be frustrating for experienced designers or those needing intricate layouts or advanced typography controls.

The lack of cross-platform compatibility is another recurring gripe. Publisher is exclusively available for Windows, leaving Mac and Linux users out in the cold. This limitation can be a significant obstacle for teams working across different operating systems. Despite its drawbacks, Microsoft Publisher remains a popular choice for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability over advanced features. Its intuitive interface and extensive template library make it a godsend for creating visually appealing documents without the steep learning curve of professional design software. However, for complex design tasks requiring fine-grained control and cross-platform compatibility, alternatives like Adobe InDesign or Affinity Publisher might be a better fit.

Key Features

Notable Microsoft Publisher features include:

  • Intuitive Interface: The user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and quick access to tools and features.
  • Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Simplifies the design process by allowing users to easily move text boxes, images, and other elements.
  • Pre-Designed Templates: Offers a wide range of professionally designed templates for brochures, newsletters, flyers, and more.
  • Customizable Layouts: Users can adjust layouts to fit their specific needs, including resizing and repositioning elements.
  • Mail Merge Capabilities: Integrates with Microsoft Excel and Outlook to personalize bulk mailings efficiently.
  • High-Resolution Image Support: Supports high-resolution images, ensuring that printed materials look sharp and professional.
  • Advanced Typography Tools: Provides a variety of font styles, sizes, and effects to enhance text appearance.
  • Graphic Design Tools: Includes tools for creating shapes, lines, and other graphic elements to enhance designs.
  • Color Schemes and Palettes: Offers predefined color schemes and the ability to create custom palettes to maintain brand consistency.
  • Master Pages: Allows users to create and apply consistent design elements across multiple pages of a document.
  • Print Preview and Adjustments: Provides a detailed print preview and options to adjust print settings for optimal output.
  • Export Options: Supports exporting documents in various formats, including PDF and XPS, for easy sharing and printing.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office Suite: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
  • Design Checker: Analyzes documents for potential design issues and provides suggestions for improvements.
  • Online Picture Integration: Allows users to insert images directly from online sources such as Bing and OneDrive.
  • Customizable Rulers and Guides: Helps users align elements precisely by providing adjustable rulers and guides.
  • Text Wrapping: Offers various text wrapping options to flow text around images and other objects seamlessly.
  • Background Removal Tool: Enables users to remove backgrounds from images to create cleaner, more professional designs.
  • Table Creation and Formatting: Provides tools for creating and formatting tables to organize information effectively.
  • Hyperlink Insertion: Allows users to add hyperlinks to text and images, making digital documents interactive.