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Action required before 1 October 2026

Preserve your Publisher files before 1 October 2026

Keep each original Publisher file and create a PDF preservation copy before Microsoft 365 access to Publisher ends.

Microsoft 365 subscribers can continue using Publisher until 1 October 2026. After that date, they will no longer be able to access Publisher or open and edit Publisher files in the application.

Support for perpetual Publisher versions ends on 13 October 2026. Installed perpetual versions may continue to operate, but they will be unsupported and will not receive future updates.

What Publisher users need to do

Complete the following preservation work before 1 October 2026, while important files can still be opened in Publisher.

  • Identify important historic documents created in Publisher.
  • Retain the original Publisher files as part of the historic record.
  • Open each important file in Publisher and save or export it as a PDF. PDF is suitable for preserving, viewing, printing and distributing a completed document.
  • Consider an editable Word copy where future editing will be necessary. Microsoft Word can open and convert many PDFs without Adobe Acrobat, but complex formatting and graphics may not be reproduced exactly.
  • Use the Excel summons template for future Craft Lodge summonses. Replace all fictional example information and carefully check every detail before issuing the summons. Chapter Scribes may adapt the workbook for Chapter use if they wish.

Downloads

Use the detailed guidance for preserving existing Microsoft Publisher documents and the revised Excel workbook for preparing future Craft Lodge summonses. The workbook contains no external links and includes fictional example information that must be replaced before use.

Complete, export and print the summons

The workbook contains two visible worksheets: Front & Back and Centres. The Master and Secretary details on Centres are drawn from Front & Back. The workbook uses A4 landscape pages so that double-sided printing and folding produce an A5 booklet.

  1. Complete the template

    Update both Front & Back and Centres. Replace all example information, including officers, ranks, contact details, meeting information, notices and images.

  2. Review the summons

    Check every name, office, date, venue, ceremony, item of business, notice, subscription, contact detail and image.

  3. Export and check the PDF

    Export the entire workbook, not only the active worksheet. Open the PDF and confirm that both sides are present, readable and correctly ordered.

  4. Print and fold

    Print on A4 paper using double-sided printing and flip on short edge. Check a test copy before folding it into an A5 booklet.

Using the Excel summons template

Before publication:

  • Replace all fictional example information with the correct Lodge details.
  • Check the names, offices, dates, times, venue and contact information.
  • Complete and review all required worksheets.
  • Export the finished workbook as a PDF and check the resulting layout carefully.
  • Print a test copy and confirm the page order, orientation and folding before producing the final copies.

Frequently asked questions

This page is intended to remain the centrally maintained source for the guidance and template. Return here for future revisions rather than relying on a separately circulated copy.

Will every installed copy of Publisher stop working?

No. Microsoft 365 subscribers will lose access to Publisher after 1 October 2026. Installed perpetual versions may continue to operate after their support ends on 13 October 2026, but they will be unsupported and will not receive future updates.

Should I delete the original Publisher files after creating PDFs?

No. Retain the original Publisher files as part of the historic record, alongside the PDF preservation copies and any editable Word versions you create.

Do I need Adobe Acrobat to create an editable Word copy from a PDF?

No. Microsoft Word can open and convert many PDF files. Check the result carefully because complex layouts and graphics may change during conversion.

Can Chapter Scribe E’s use the current Excel workbook?

Yes. Although the workbook has been created specifically as a Craft Lodge summons template, Chapter Scribes may adapt it for their own use. This will principally involve changing the executive, meeting and Chapter-specific details. It should not be presented as a purpose-built or formally approved Chapter template.

Where can I find the latest guidance and workbook?

Use the Downloads section on this page. It provides the centrally maintained copies and can be amended when the guidance or template changes.

Read Microsoft’s official Publisher retirement guidance.