How to move Publisher files to Canva

Many schools, churches and offices are moving from Publisher to Canva. Canva cannot open .pub files directly, but it can open PowerPoint files. So the trick is to turn each .pub file into an editable PowerPoint first.

Step 1: Convert your .pub file to PowerPoint

Upload your files on our home page. For each file you get one ending in Canva, Google Slides.pptx. In that file every text box stays editable, pictures stay separate, and fonts are swapped for free Google Fonts that Canva already has.

Want it done for you? Upload your .pub files and get a PDF, an editable file for Canva, PowerPoint and Google Slides, and a Word file. Free preview before you pay.

Convert my files

Step 2: Import into Canva

Go to canva.com and sign in.
Click Create a design, then Import file.
Pick the Canva, Google Slides.pptx file.
Canva opens it as a new design. Click any text to change it.

Why not just import a PDF?

Canva can import a PDF, but it often splits text into many small pieces and may not find the fonts. A PowerPoint file keeps whole text boxes, so it is easier to edit.

Tips

Check each page after import. Text may wrap slightly differently if a font was swapped.
For a newsletter you make every month, import it once, fix anything that moved, and save it as your Canva template.