Preview or create preview handler for Microsoft publisher PUB files?

3Bit · 11 Jul 2023

Does anyone know if there exists or how to create a preview handler [script] to preview Microsoft publisher PUB files?

Client works with Microsoft publisher and and has a very valid argument as any publisher design is de facto a visual design.
So why can he not have a simple preview in Explorer?
I checked back with Micro$oft and learned that it is another "FU".
Which is kind of ridiculous because many other files you can preview but not publisher which absurdly enough is a visual design app that the user would greatly benefit from being able to file preview.

Any help, advice and solution in this matter is greatly appreciated!

At least would it be possible to create something that when saving publisher files it simultaneously creates a pre-viewable file i.e. JPEG or PDF?

dalchina · 11 Jul 2023

Some technical background:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...eview-handlers
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...review-handler
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ar...eview-handlers
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...eview-handlers
(Note- the download is no longer available).

That's no more than a starter for 10 - immediate conclusion- non-trivial.

Still works:
PreviewConfig tool registers file types for the Preview Pane in Windows 7/Vista >> Winhelponline
Make Windows Vista Explorer Preview Pane Work for More File Types

Side note: PowerToys can add some preview handlers (not pub though):
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi.../file-explorer

At least would it be possible to create something that when saving publisher files it simultaneously creates a pre-viewable file i.e. JPEG or PDF?

There are online conversion options...
PUB Converter - Convert your PUB files for Free Online
PUB to PDF – Convert PUB files to PDF Online