Well folks, just 113 days left: On October 13, Publisher will officially no longer be supported by Microsoft.

And since they announced it in February 2024, panic has ensued.

Because many, many, MANY churches were using it to design their bulletins.

So if "switching the bulletin out of Publisher" is on your to-do list this summer, I rounded up the five main options I see for parishes to use instead.

And then one thing I know you are 100% going to want to do but I am imploring you not to do.

1. Canva

This is the most common option I'm hearing, and since many of us already use it for flyers and other graphic design needs, it makes sense to use it for your bulletin as well!

• Pros
  • Inexpensive/free (Pro version available free through Canva for Nonprofits)
  • Easy to use and learn, even if you don't have a graphic design background
  • Flexible
  • Tons of elements and assets built in
• Cons
  • Not always the best print quality (make sure you do a test run with your printer to make sure they will support it!)
  • Flexibility can make it easy to "break" (i.e. element shifting accidentally) or be designed poorly

(Adobe Express is Adobe's version of Canva. I haven't used it in years, but personally prefer Canva. If you already have Adobe products, the integration is nice though!)

2. Adobe InDesign

InDesign has been around forever and is the gold standard in the graphic design world for laying out print publications.

• Pros
  • Professional standard for print
  • Lots of tools + integrates with other Adobe products
  • Been around for a long time so there are lots of tutorials online
• Cons
  • Expensive (monthly or yearly subscription fee)
  • Steep learning curve if you've never used it before
  • Daunting if you don't have a graphic design background

Note: Adobe has been listed as a donor to Planned Parenthood in the past, but this is unverified since they have not, to my knowledge, responded to requests on if they are actually supporters. From my research, both Canva and Adobe pay for employee travel costs for abortion.

3. Affinity

Affinity has been InDesign's biggest competitor with a similar interface and features. It was bought by Canva a few years ago and is now also offered for free for individuals (enterprise licenses are paid).

• Pros
  • Free
  • Integrates with Canva
  • Professional quality design software
• Cons
  • Steep learning curve (similar to InDesign)
  • Not as widely used, so not as many learning resources available
  • Need to ensure output is acceptable with bulletin printer

4. Bulletin Printer Software

Some bulletin publishers (LPI, Diocesan, etc.) offer bulletin design tools directly in their platform or partner with Canva for additional templates.

• Pros
  • Included in bulletin printing
  • Easy to integrate asset library
  • Definitely compatible with printer
  • Possibly offers some support/training
• Cons
  • If using built-in designer, less templates and flexibility

5. No Print, Only Digital Bulletin

You might decide to use this transition to move to a digital-only bulletin model! But be cautious before making this transition that you've done the research in your parish that this will work for your parishioners.

• Pros
  • Easier to maintain/takes less time
  • Link out directly, so higher likelihood people will actually take action (go to website, register for events, etc.)
  • No printing costs
• Cons
  • Miss out on having something physical to hand out
  • Might not be read by older population, visitors, and those who haven't signed up for emails

So what should we pick?

Personally, unless you have a graphic design background or your main role at the parish is communications, I would recommend switching to Canva. That will likely be the easiest transition. But be sure to do a test run and make sure the print output is accepted by your printer!

If your main role is communications and you have some time to learn a new software, though, InDesign or Affinity are great choices that will allow you to really elevate your bulletin in the transition. Plus, you can do so much more than just bulletins with these software choices — brochures, posters, yard signs...the possibilities are really endless, so learning them would definitely be a worthy investment of your time.

What NOT to do

Now here's the temptation:

I KNOW what your default is going to be.

You're going to pick a new software, learn it, and simply recreate your current bulletin in a new platform.

***Please do not just recreate your bulletin in a new software!!!***

You have a unique chance you might never have again to actually make your bulletin work.

You're starting from scratch anyway; why not take the time to reevaluate the whole bulletin strategy?

It's like when you have to empty a bedroom to paint it: You could just put everything back exactly where it was.

Or you can take the opportunity to sit back and actually think about: Does the bed actually work in this spot, or would it be better on another wall? (The sick list)

And why do we keep that really old dresser that's falling apart that we've hated for a decade? (Random clip art of whatever holiday is coming up)

And when you see it with new eyes, you realize that a mirror over the desk would brighten up the whole room. (Adding in parishioner stories)

What if needing to move to a new bulletin design software wasn't just a hassle — what if it was an opportunity to completely rethink your bulletin so it actually works?

(Aka, people actually take it, read it, and do what it says so you get 50% less calls about "Why didn't I know this was happening?" even though it's been in the bulletin for weeks.)

So I am imploring you, begging you — please don't just recreate your bulletin in whatever software you decide to switch to.

Reinvent it.

And of course, I'm not going to leave in you in the lurch here. I'm going to walk with you as you reinvent it.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be talking LOTS about bulletins.

• How to make it take less time to put together.
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• How to actually get people to submit things on time and according to your guidelines.
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• How to design it so parishioners actually take it, read it, and do what it says.

Lots of tips, a webinar, a bootcamp...keep your eyes peeled in your inbox.

Because get ready: The summer of a better bulletin is coming.

For His greater glory,

Emily

Best Reel of all time? The only acceptable response to someone saying, "But I didn't know about it!" (Watch this if you need a laugh today) Watch the Reel