Open Publisher - Desktop Experience

As of version 4, we've focused on making Open Publisher feel like a truly native experience, right at home on your computer, no matter which operating system you use.

Windows Version

Available as a standard .exe installer or a standalone portable .exe.

✨
Native .opub Association: Double-click files to launch your projects instantly.
🔄
Legacy Support: Fully backwards compatible with your older .json save files.
🚀
Better System Integration: Proper Start Menu shortcuts and native window framing.

Portable .EXE

Installer .EXE

MacOS Version

Enjoy a true Mac experience natively built for Apple Silicon and Intel hardware.

🍏
macOS Menu Bar: Tools and options map directly to the native top menu bar.
✨
Native .opub Association: Open files seamlessly straight from Finder.
🛡️
Safe Exits: Custom splash screens and unsaved change warnings protect your work.

Disk Image .DMG

Linux Version

Deep system integration across all major distributions. Taskbar icons work right out of the box.

📦
Multiple Formats: Choose your preferred package: .deb, .rpm, or AppImage.
✨
.opub & .json Ready: Full compatibility with all previous Open Publisher file types.
🐧
Desktop Integration: Proper launcher icons and native file execution on GNOME, KDE, and more.

.Deb Installer

.RPM Installer

.AppImage

User Guide & Documentation

Everything you need to master Open Publisher v4 and above

🖥️ Interface Overview

Inspired by classic productivity suites, the layout is instantly familiar:

Title Bar: Rename documents, Undo/Redo, and view exact mouse coordinates.
Ribbon Menu: Houses all tools. Contextual tabs appear automatically for specific items.
Sidebar: Manage, add, or delete your pages.
Canvas & Rulers: Hardware-accelerated rulers measure in true CM/MM, tracking physical dimensions.
Zoom Controls: Scale the canvas gracefully from 60% to 150%.

📂 File Management

Save natively or export to PDF. You can open files via the menu, or drag-and-drop onto the canvas.

.opub Files: Your master working file.
Legacy Support: Experimental import for .pub files.
Word Docs (.docx): Import as Editable Text or as a Flattened Image for strict layout preservation.

✏️ Core Editing

Selection: Click to select, or drag a Marquee box to multi-select.
Grouping: Right-click multiple items and select Group.
Transform: Drag to move, use white handles to resize, or drag past an edge to mirror/flip objects.
Context Menus: Right-click anything for rapid layer arrangements and formatting.

📝 Working with Text

Insert Text Boxes and format them via the floating toolbar.

Text Fit: Right-click > Best Fit to auto-scale font.
Drop Cap: Stylize the first letter of paragraphs.

Use WordArt to access 200 pre-styled headline graphical effects.

🖼️ Images & Graphics

When an image is selected, the contextual Picture Tools tab appears:

Crop to Shape: Instantly cut your photo into circles, stars, or triangles.
Filters: Apply grayscale, sepia, color tints, or drop-shadows instantly.
Assets: Use built-in Clipart, Shapes, and Ad Stickers.

📏 Layout & Printing

Control the look of the paper via the Page Design tab.

Page Setup: Toggles for Margins, Size, and Orientation.
Fancy Borders: Apply Art Deco, Floral, or Certificate borders to the edge.

Perfect Printing

Zero Spillage: Mathematical zoom-box ensures no accidental blank trailing pages.
Color Accuracy: Halos and backgrounds print exactly as seen on screen.

📄 Pages & Templates

Manage pages via the left sidebar. Add, delete, and manage unique Headers & Footers per page.

Go to File > Templates to browse Resumes, Flyers, and Menus.

📝 Note: Loading a template replaces the content of your currently selected page.

🗂️ Ribbon Reference

🏠 Home Tab

PDF Export, Clipboard, Font styling, Select All, and Layer Arrangement.

➕ Insert Tab

Text Boxes, Pictures, Clipart, Shapes, WordArt, Stickers, and Tables.

🎨 Page Design Tab

Margins, Orientation, Fancy Borders, Headers/Footers, and Background Themes.

👁️ View Tab

Zoom presets, Rulers, Graph Grid, and Notebook Baselines overlays.

🔎 Review Tab

Spellcheck toggles and Thesaurus lookup.

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Function
`Ctrl` + `Z`	Undo
`Ctrl` + `Y`	Redo
`Ctrl` + `C`	Copy
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste
`Delete`	Delete item
`Ctrl` + `Wheel`	Zoom In/Out
`Esc`	Deselect all
`Ctrl` + `A`	Select All
`Ctrl` + `0`	Reset Zoom