Restore removed functionality to print from Publisher to a PDF using CMYK settings
In Publisher 2010, one had the option to print using a CMYK colour scheme, which is required by the commercial printer that does the printing of my newsletter. The functionality has worked well for many years. When I upgraded to Office 2013 (on an Office 365 subscription), I see that the feature was removed (i.e. one can only print in RGB format). Why was this feature removed, and can it be reinstated?

54 comments
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Anonymous commented
Microsoft STILL tells you in its support pages how to convert the colour model to CMYK. So, guess what? I wasted weeks on an 80-page book relying on this being true.
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Anonymous commented
This is indeed very stupid. CMYK is the standard required by so many commercial printers. Publisher used to provide it and now MS have removed that functionality. They have shot their own product in the foot.
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A P commented
I just spent the last hour installing publisher only to find out we can't change it to CMYK. I guess I will cancel the subscription immediately!
This is stupid.
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anonym commented
want an example of misleading advertising?
Microsoft website:
"In Publisher everything you add stays exactly the way you’ve designed it, in print, online, or in an email"
reality (Microsoft support):
"unfortunately the feature of converting to CMYK and printing is not available as of now in Publisher"
This means:
- no PDF-export in CMYK,
- no conversion of imported files (vsdx, jpeg, whatsoever) to CMYK
= no professional printing with MS PublisherAdding
- no possibility to enter footnotes or endnotes
- no dynamic index
= no nonfiction/scientific print publishing with MS Publisherthe only thing that saves MS Publisher from being deleted immediately is the possible import of Visio-files which the competitors do not seem to handle yet, the day they do: goodbye MS Publisher
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Anonymous commented
CMYK is desperately needed by those of us who have to prepare stuff for commercial printing. It is insane that Microsoft has removed this facility from Publisher. Please bring it back. Otherwise Publisher cannot be taken seriously for publishing anymore.
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Phil Perry commented
I only use publisher to create flyers for printing and the CMYK format is important. So although I have Office 365, I have to use an old Office 2010 on an old computer to create publisher files in CMYK format. The printing companies I use only accept CMYK format. So Microsoft, please bring back the option for CMYK
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Cathy Law commented
I only bought Office 365 because it said that you could convert to cmyk again (I had retained my publisher 07 before then because it let me do that). The design checker help says you get commercial printing options (specifically changing to cmyk) but I find that that option is now not available. Please listen to these complaints. Without this ability, we just can't have things printed commercially.
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Dale Wallace commented
Pirinting in CMYK isn't obsolete, but I wouldn't mind if Publisher was. I have used 2003 and 2010 with CMYK functionality in the past. And now the new versions are proving themselves totally useless without it. Please bring it back, like hundreds of people have asked here
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Anonymous commented
Why I can not import eps and svg?
In 2010 I could it do. -
Paul Smith commented
I use publisher 2010 and this is the only thing that is stopping me from upgrading to office 365. Microsoft - you are losing revenue because of your insane decision!!
Grow a pair and listen to your customers!
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Tammie Lou commented
Please Bring back this option. I create all my grandchildren's invitations, Christmas cards, flyers, posters, and other family items in Publisher and take to local print shop to print off several copies. With this option removed I can no longer do that. My colors come out all wrong. They do not have RGB printers at those locations only CMYK. WE NEED THIS FUNCTION BACK!!!!!!!!
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Mr. M commented
Please restore the functionality to print from Publisher to a PDF using CMYK settings, I need this to submit viable files to the printing contractor.
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Edwin commented
Microsoft what were you thinking about? Converting a Publisher 2016 file to CMYK is paramount for professionals. My commercial printer has rejected files because they are RGB.
Please put it right guys, ASAP.
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CB commented
I wish I had known this before upgrading to Office 365! It is causing me great concern of how to move forward. I MUST be able to send CMYK files to our commercial printers - they will simply refuse anything else and I don't have the time for some of the workarounds I've found online nor to learn a new program. This is quite irritating!
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Anonymous commented
What was MS thinking by removing CMYK as an option for saving documents for printers. My printers want it, and I am now stuck. Next Google Search: publishing programs that have CMYK
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Nico vd Merwe commented
Dear Microsoft
Nowhere on the planet do you get a commercial printer that will use Red Green & Blue inks. (RGB)
Everyone on the planet can only print in Cyan Magenta Yellow Black. (CMYK)Restore the CMYK conversion functionality!!
(or rename your product to Microsoft Website Graphics and remove any reference to paper sizes - because if it can't do CMYK, it definitely can't be called a Publishing program)
Please support your MS Publisher product manager and dev team. And whomever made the decision to remove the CMYK colour conversion: You sir/madam should be slapped (fired).Microsoft, you have a forum for feedback, but what is the point if customers have been giving the necessary feedback for more than a year, but no one seems to be interested in working on the solution.
And please tell your community of supporters (paying customers) when you start working on a solution, to prevent us from cancelling our 365 subscriptions in future in favor of some other platform.
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Ryszard Boc commented
It is absolutely essential to have CMYK color mode available. Without this feature I will have to phase out using this product.
It is hard to understand why Microsoft is going against industry standards. Quite irresponsible. -
Anonymous commented
This is essential, and I can't believe it's been taken away..!
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Michael Münkle commented
CMYK is essential for commercial printers. Please restore the CMYK function in Publisher 2016 and beyond. I am still using Publisher 2010 because the later Versions lacking CMYK functions are useless.
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DAVID PALMER commented
CMYK is essential for commercial printers.
Although Adobe InDesign is a much more capable program it is expensive and has a steeper learning curve which is why occasional users stayed with Publisher.
Please restore the functionality!.