Quick answer: open the file in the Free Pub Editor, click Export PDF, then choose Save as PDF as the printer. That's it.
Step by step
- Go to the editor and click Open, then choose your .pub file (or drag it onto the page).
- Look through the pages using the thumbnails on the left. This is a good moment to update dates, prices or names.
- Click Export PDF in the top right.
- In the print window, set the destination to Save as PDF (in Chrome and Edge) or choose PDF then Save as PDF (on a Mac).
- Make sure margins are set to None and scale is 100% or Default, then save.
Turn on Background graphics in the print window if coloured backgrounds come out white.
Why convert to PDF?
- Anyone can open it. Phones, tablets and every computer can read a PDF; almost none can read a .pub file now.
- It looks the same everywhere. Fonts and pictures are built into the PDF, so it prints the way you see it.
- Print shops prefer it. Most printers ask for PDF files.
- It's a safe archive. PDF is an open standard that will still open in decades.
A PDF is a finished copy. If you'll want to change the publication again, also click Save in the editor to keep an editable copy alongside the PDF.
Printing to a print shop
If your design has colour running to the edge of the page, ask the print shop whether they need bleed. In the editor, tick Show 3 mm bleed line on the page panel and stretch background boxes out to that line before you export.
Common questions
Is there a watermark on the PDF?
No. The PDF is made by your own browser, with no watermark, page limit or sign-up.
Will the PDF be the right page size?
Yes. The PDF uses the publication's own page size, whether that is A4, A5, Letter, A3, a DL leaflet or a business card.
Can I convert many .pub files at once?
Not yet: open and export each file in turn. Each one takes under a minute.
Is the text in the PDF selectable?
Yes. Text stays as real text, so it can be searched, copied and read by screen readers, and it prints sharply at any size.