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What is PUB?

Microsoft Publisher (PUB) is a desktop publishing format used for creating professional layouts, newsletters, flyers, and marketing materials.

What is ABW?

AbiWord (ABW) is an open-source word processing format used by the AbiWord application, providing cross-platform document compatibility.

When Should You Use PUB vs ABW?

Use PUB When...

Reach for PUB when your priority is desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use ABW When...

Reach for ABW when your priority is open-source word processing, cross-platform docs — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

PUB vs ABW: Key Differences

  • •PUB and ABW diverge on compression: lossy compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
  • •The switch from lossy compression to lossless compression means you preserve full quality at the expense of larger file sizes.
  • •Transparency: N/A
  • •PUB files are typically 500KB to 50MB with images while ABW files range 50KB to 5MB
  • •Primary audience: PUB is built for desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters scenarios, while ABW focuses on open-source word processing, cross-platform docs — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of PUB

  • ✓PUB uses lossy compression tailored for Desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters.
  • ✓PUB is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
  • ✓PUB files are compact and quick to transfer, even over slow connections.
  • ✓PUB integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Advantages of ABW

  • ✓At its core, ABW relies on lossless encoding — a design choice that makes it perfect for Open-source word processing, cross-platform docs.
  • ✓You won't run into compatibility issues with ABW — it's a universal standard across platforms.
  • ✓File size management with ABW: larger files guaranteed to match the original exactly.
  • ✓Every major application in the Open-source word processing, cross-platform docs space supports ABW natively.

Common Use Cases for PUB to ABW Conversion

  • Project proposals
  • Invoice and billing documents
  • Onboarding materials
  • Policy and procedure manuals
  • Grant applications
  • Case studies and whitepapers

Industry Applications

Financial ServicesHuman ResourcesSupply Chain ManagementInsuranceReal EstateRegulatory Compliance

Best Practices for PUB to ABW Conversion

  • →Before converting PUB to ABW, review the document structure — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and floating images behave differently across formats
  • →Export a PDF preview alongside the ABW file so you have a reference of how the document should look
  • →Check that hyperlinks and cross-references survived the PUB to ABW conversion — some formats handle links differently
  • →Run a spell check before conversion to avoid propagating errors into the final document
  • →Keep the original editable file in case the conversion introduces layout shifts
  • →Test the output on at least two different applications or devices

Troubleshooting PUB to ABW Conversion

  • !PUB to ABW formatting looks off → complex layouts with tables and columns may shift between formats
  • !Fonts render differently in ABW → embed fonts or use standard web-safe fonts before converting
  • !Images missing from the ABW output → ensure images are embedded in PUB, not linked externally
  • !Tracked changes disappeared after converting PUB to ABW → some document formats don't support revision tracking

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Convert PUB to ABW Online - Free & Fast

Convert PUB files to ABW online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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About PUB and ABW

PUB

PUB (Publisher PUB) - Microsoft Publisher, desktop publishing format. Best for desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters.

ABW

ABW (AbiWord ABW) - AbiWord, open-source word processing document. Ideal for open-source word processing, cross-platform docs.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters to open-source word processing, cross-platform docs
File Size~50KB to 5MB after conversion

FAQs

Is converting PUB to ABW free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of PUB to ABW for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert PUB to ABW?

Most PUB to ABW conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is ABW best used for?

ABW is ideal for open-source word processing, cross-platform docs. AbiWord, open-source word processing document

Does converting PUB to ABW lose quality?

No, converting PUB to ABW does not cause additional quality loss — ABW uses lossless compression. However, any artifacts already present in the original PUB file will persist in the ABW output.

What file size should I expect after converting PUB to ABW?

ABW files are typically 2-5x larger than equivalent PUB files because ABW preserves all pixel data. This is expected and necessary for lossless quality.

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