{"id":44502611,"url":"https://github.com/rmellis/open-publisher","last_synced_at":"2026-05-30T06:01:17.992Z","repository":{"id":337762454,"uuid":"1155098049","full_name":"rmellis/open-publisher","owner":"rmellis","description":"A free desktop publishing tool that makes it easy to create documents, flyers, brochures, and fun designs. 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This is a lightweight desktop publishing tool that allows you to create documents, flyers, brochures, and fun designs. Originally built for the web, version 4.0.0 brings Open Publisher directly to your desktop as a native application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. We are constantly tweaking and improving the app based on your feedback to make the workflow as smooth as possible.\n\n## 📑 Table of Contents\n1. [The Native Desktop Experience (New)](#1-the-native-desktop-experience-new)\n2. [The Interface Overview](#2-the-interface-overview)\n3. [File Management \u0026 Importing](#3-file-management--importing)\n4. [Core Editing \u0026 Workflows](#4-core-editing--workflows)\n5. [Working with Text](#5-working-with-text)\n6. [Working with Images \u0026 Graphics](#6-working-with-images--graphics)\n7. [Page Design \u0026 Layout](#7-page-design--layout)\n8. [Multi-Page Documents \u0026 Printing](#8-multi-page-documents--printing)\n9. [Templates](#9-templates)\n10. [Ribbon Reference (Detailed Tab Breakdown)](#10-ribbon-reference-detailed-tab-breakdown)\n11. [Keyboard Shortcuts](#11-keyboard-shortcuts)\n\n---\n\n## 1. The Native Desktop Experience (New)\n\n\nWith version 4, we focused on making Open Publisher feel at home on your computer, no matter what operating system you use. \n\u003cimg width=\"1327\" height=\"729\" alt=\"Screenshot of the app running as a desktop window on Windows/Mac/Linux\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2feeb211-3047-417d-b8cc-0f02af03664c\" /\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd width=\"20%\"\u003e\n      \u003cimg src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/05794797-4857-4235-9eff-4f679b320f17\" alt=\"Screenshot of the Windows Installer or Windows Start Menu icon\" width=\"100%\" /\u003e\n    \u003c/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd width=\"80%\"\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWindows:\u003c/strong\u003e Available as a standard \u003ccode\u003e.exe\u003c/code\u003e installer that handles Start Menu shortcuts and file associations, or as a portable \u003ccode\u003e.zip\u003c/code\u003e that runs completely isolated without needing administrator privileges.\u003c/li\u003e\n      \u003c/ul\u003e\n    \u003c/td\u003e\n  \u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\n* **macOS:** Enjoy a true Mac experience with tools mapped directly to the native macOS menu bar at the top of your screen. It includes a custom splash screen and safe exit warnings so you don't lose unsaved changes.\n\u003cimg width=\"1767\" height=\"461\" alt=\"Screenshot of the native macOS Menu Bar showing Insert tab\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4e37e84b-db0c-4be2-aa77-cd581bb4fdc4\" /\u003e\n\n* **Linux:** Deep system integration available via `.deb`, `.rpm`, and standalone `AppImage`. File associations and taskbar icons work right out of the box.\n\n---\n\n## 2. The Interface Overview\n\nIf you’ve spent any time on a computer over the past 20 years, this layout will feel instantly familiar—it’s inspired by Microsoft's Office, back when it looked its best.\n\n\u003cimg alt=\"Open Publisher's Main Window\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/125fbb24-5c75-425d-9eb8-12afe8a55d0a\" /\u003e\n\n* **Title Bar:** Displays the document name (click to rename), Undo/Redo controls, and mouse coordinates.\n* **Ribbon Menu:** The tabbed area at the top containing all tools. *Note: Contextual tabs will automatically appear here when you select specific items like images or tables.*\n* **Sidebar (Left):** Shows thumbnails of your pages. Use this to add, delete, or switch pages.\n* **Canvas \u0026 Rulers (Center):** Your workspace. The rulers are hardware-accelerated, measure in true Centimeters/Millimeters (matching MS Publisher), and dynamically track your page's exact physical dimensions.\n* **Zoom Controls (Bottom Right):** Quick toggles for zooming (60% - 150%). The ruler and canvas will gracefully scale without blurring or losing lines.\n\n---\n\n## 3. File Management \u0026 Importing\n\nEverything related to opening, saving, and exporting your work is located in the **File Tab**. If you are using the desktop version, clicking Save or Open will safely bring up your operating system's native file dialogs.\n\n\u003cimg alt=\"File Tab\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/155dd626-7e75-4436-837e-7ea29baebef0\" /\u003e\n\n### Saving Your Work\n* **Save Document:** Click Save to save your project as an `.opub` file (our new native format). **This is your \"Master File.\"** Keep this to edit your text or move objects later.\n* **Save as PDF:** Renders your pages as a high-quality PDF document.\n\n### Opening \u0026 Importing Documents\nYou can click **Open** or simply **Drag and Drop** files directly onto the canvas. On Windows, macOS, and Linux, you can also just **double-click an `.opub` file** to launch the app and open your document instantly. We currently support:\n* **Open Publisher Saves (`.opub`, `.json`):** Restores your previous working sessions.\n* **Images (`.png`, `.jpg`, etc.):** Drops the image directly onto your page.\n* **Publisher Files (`.pub`, `.pubx`):** Experimental import for legacy Publisher files.\n* **Word Documents (`.doc`, `.docx`):** Because Word layouts can be tricky, dropping a Word file opens an import menu with two choices:\n  1. **Editable Text Mode:** The engine will extract the text, fonts, and colors, turning them into editable boxes. \n  2. **Flattened Image Mode (Safe Mode):** Best for strict forms or highly complex medical tables. It renders the document as a high-res, uneditable background image to guarantee 100% layout accuracy.\n\n---\n\n## 4. Core Editing \u0026 Workflows\n\u003cimg alt=\"Home Tab\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/f0b3003f-6ae2-4c37-9173-162e034035ba\" /\u003e\n\n* **Selection \u0026 Marquee:** Click once on any object to select it. Click and drag on the blank paper to draw a **Marquee Selection Box** and select multiple items at once.\n* **Grouping:** Once multiple items are selected, right-click and choose **Group** to lock them together.\n* **Movement \u0026 Resize:** Drag an object to move it, or drag the white square handles to resize. Dragging a handle past the opposite edge will \"flip\" (mirror) the object.\n* **Contextual Ribbons:** When you select an image, shape, or table, keep an eye on the top ribbon. A special highlighted tab (e.g., \"Picture Tools\") will appear with specific tools for that object.\n* **Right-Click Context Menu:** Right-click anywhere on the canvas or on an object to quickly access layer arrangements, background formatting, cropping, grouping, and more.\n\n---\n\n## 5. Working with Text\n\n### Inserting \u0026 Formatting\nGo to the **Insert Tab** and click **Text Box**. You can format text using the Ribbon, or by using the **Floating Toolbar** that appears next to your selection. \n\n\u003cimg alt=\"insert tab\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/bf325747-25fc-460a-a0c0-edfc8df3e696\" /\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"text box\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/56bc2b2f-8757-4c61-849b-eca83796879a\" /\u003e\n\n* **Text Fit:** Right-click a text box and select **Text Fit: Best Fit** to automatically scale your font to perfectly fill the box.\n* **Drop Cap:** Right-click and select **Drop Cap** to stylize the first letter of a paragraph.\n\n### WordArt\nFor headlines, go to **Insert \u003e WordArt** to access a gallery of 200 pre-styled graphical text effects. You can stretch, resize, and swap WordArt styles on the fly without breaking the layout.\n\u003cimg alt=\"WordArt Gallery\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2304554f-852c-410c-88c1-618c79139287\" /\u003e\n\n---\n\n## 6. Working with Images \u0026 Graphics\n\nGo to the **Insert Tab** to upload pictures or utilize our built-in vector Clipart, Shapes, and Ad Stickers.\n\nWhen an image is selected, the **Picture Tools** tab appears:\n\u003cimg width=\"678\" height=\"477\" alt=\"picture tools\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2a66cd21-0c7e-49a8-ae2d-ff9cac537f07\" /\u003e\n\n* **Crop \u0026 Shape Crop:** Click Crop to trim the image, or right-click the image and select **Crop to Shape** to instantly cut your photo into a circle, star, or triangle.\n* **Recolor \u0026 Filters:** Apply grayscale, sepia, color tints, or drop-shadows.\n\n---\n\n## 7. Page Design \u0026 Layout\n\nUse the **Page Design Tab** to change the look of the paper itself.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Page Design tab\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/acda488d-cd65-470e-871a-d6de0b849725\" /\u003e\n\n* **Size \u0026 Orientation:** Switch between A4/Letter and Portrait/Landscape.\n* **Page Borders:** Apply standard lines or **Fancy Borders** (Art Deco, Floral, Certificate) to the page edge.\n* **Themes \u0026 Backgrounds:** Click a color swatch in the ribbon, or right-click the blank paper and select **Format Background** to pick a custom hex color.\n\n---\n\n## 8. Multi-Page Documents \u0026 Printing\n\n### Managing Pages:\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd width=\"300\" valign=\"middle\" style=\"border:none;\"\u003e\n      \u003cimg alt=\"Sidebar\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/f15996ab-d8a9-4b74-98eb-369738c2eebf\" width=\"100%\" /\u003e\n    \u003c/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd valign=\"middle\" style=\"border:none;\"\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eSidebar Navigation:\u003c/b\u003e Click a thumbnail to switch pages.\u003c/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdd Page:\u003c/b\u003e Click \u003cb\u003e+ Add Page\u003c/b\u003e to create a blank sheet.\u003c/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eDelete Page:\u003c/b\u003e Hover over a thumbnail and click the \u003cb\u003eRed X\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeaders \u0026 Footers:\u003c/b\u003e Every page has a dedicated Header and Footer area. Text typed here is specific to that page.\n          \u003cul\u003e\n             \u003cli\u003e\u003ci\u003eToggle visibility via Page Design \u0026gt; H/F Toggle.\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n          \u003c/ul\u003e\n        \u003c/li\u003e\n      \u003c/ul\u003e\n    \u003c/td\u003e\n  \u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\n### Perfect Printing\nWe have completely overhauled the print spooler to ensure a seamless physical printing experience. \n* Click **Print** in the File tab.\n* **Zero Spillage:** We use a special mathematical \"zoom box\" to ensure your document never triggers an extra blank page at the end.\n* **Color Accuracy:** Background colors, forms, and text-halos are forced to render exactly as they appear on screen.\n\n---\n\n## 9. Templates\n\nNeed inspiration? Go to **File \u003e Templates**. Browse categories like Resumes, Flyers, Menus, and Certificates.\n\u003cimg width=\"850\" height=\"774\" alt=\"Templates Gallery\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/530c5a1e-11e1-47aa-8545-5a8191ccc789\" /\u003e\n\n\u003e 📝 **Note:** Loading a template will replace the content of your **currently selected** page.\n\n---\n\n## 10. Ribbon Reference (Detailed Tab Breakdown)\n\n### 🏠 Home Tab\n* **Common:** Shortcuts for PDF Export and Saving.\n* **Clipboard:** Paste, Copy, Cut.\n* **Font:** Font Family, Size, Bold, Italic, Underline, and Color Picker.\n* **Editing:** Select All.\n* **Arrange:** Bring to Front, Send to Back, Delete.\n\n### ➕ Insert Tab\n* **Illustrations:** Text Box, Picture (Upload), Clipart (Gallery).\n* **Graphics:** Shapes (Solid \u0026 Outlines), WordArt.\n* **Marketing:** Ad templates and stickers.\n* **Tables:** Grid picker to insert editable tables.\n\n### 🎨 Page Design Tab\n* **Page Setup:** Margins Toggle, Orientation, Size.\n* **Layout:** Borders (Basic \u0026 Fancy), Header/Footer Toggle.\n* **Themes:** Background color/pattern selector.\n\n### 👁️ View Tab\n* **Zoom:** Presets (60%, 75%, 100%, 150%).\n* **Show:**\n    * **Margins:** Visual print guides.\n    * **Rulers:** Hardware-accelerated measurement rulers (CM/MM).\n    * **Grid:** Graph paper overlay.\n    * **Baselines:** Notebook line overlay.\n\n### 🔎 Review Tab\n* **Proofing:**\n    * **Spelling:** Turn on the red squiggly lines for spellcheck.\n    * **Thesaurus:** Opens external reference.\n\n---\n\n## 11. Keyboard Shortcuts\n\n| Shortcut | Function |\n| :--- | :--- |\n| **Ctrl + Z** | Undo |\n| **Ctrl + Y** | Redo |\n| **Ctrl + C** | Copy |\n| **Ctrl + V** | Paste |\n| **Delete** | Delete selected element(s) |\n| **Ctrl + Wheel** | Zoom In / Out |\n| **Esc** | Deselect all |\n| **Ctrl + A** | Select All |\n| **Ctrl + 0** | Reset Zoom |\n","project_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Frmellis%2Fopen-publisher","html_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/projects/github.com%2Frmellis%2Fopen-publisher","lists_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Frmellis%2Fopen-publisher/lists"}