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Goodbye, Microsoft Publisher !

Hello,  
Adobe InDesign 
________ 
Affinity Publisher 
________ 
Canva 
________ 
Microsoft Create 
_________ 
???

After 35 years, Microsoft (MS) Publisher will be retiring.  This means that you will be unable to create, edit, or open existing MS Publisher documents come October 2026.  You need to save everything as a pdf to be able to view the document. 

We at the ACC know this may be a difficult transition and we’re here to help.  After reviewing results from our MS Publisher Survey, there was a clear desire for a general information session on products to replace MS Publisher.

General Information Session for Microsoft Publisher's Replacement

On Tuesday, November 11th, we held a general information on possible replacements for MS Publisher.  The goal of this information session was to provide an overview of Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Canva, and Microsoft Create. We discussed the pros and cons of each and key points to take into consideration for parishes and schools.

Missed the General Information Session?  Contact Mission Support to view the recording.

Next Steps: Product Specific Training

Thank you to all who filled out the interest form.  Based on survey results we will be offering product specific training.

What?  Join this 3-hour practical virtual training to learn how to create, design, and export a bulletin from scratch.  While the training will focus specifically on a bulletin, the elements learned will carry over to the many other applications and uses for parishes and schools.

Where? Virtual

Cost?  The Archdiocese is subsidizing these sessions.  The cost for a participant’s first session is $49.  The cost for participants attending a second session on a different product is $99.

When? Scroll down for products, dates, and registration.

This will be hands-on training.  If you do not already have an account with the product you desire training on, please create an account prior to training.  You will need to be logged into your account at the start of the training session.

Hello,
Adobe InDesign !!!

Hello, Affinity Publisher !!!

Hello,
Canva !!!

Thursday, February 12th
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday, February 2nd
9:00 am – 12 Noon
Tuesday, February 3rd
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Survey results showed less
 Tuesday February 24th
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday, February 23rd
9:00 am – 12 Noon
interest in Adobe InDesign,
so only one training was scheduled.
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed
Registration Closed

A flyer with a QR code to the information above is available for you to print and share with others.

Note: Microsoft Create did not receive enough interest to host a training session.

Preparation: Product Specific Training

This will be hands-on training.  Please read the following carefully before the training day to ensure you can participate fully without technical delays.

We look forward to working with you and appreciate your help in preparing in advance.

Before the Training Day – Final Checklist

Please ensure that:

  1. The correct software opens on your device.
  2. You are logged into the correct account.
  3. You can create a new file or design.
  4. You have a strong and stable internet connection.
  5. As the date of the session approaches:

a. You will receive an email from Mission Support with a link to download project files and assets (e.g. graphics, text) that will be used in the session. Please download these files in advance and save them in a place that is easy to access.

b. You will receive a Zoom link for the Virtual Session.

What to do if you have problems

If you experience any access or installation issues, please:

  1. Try restarting your computer.
  2. Check that you are logged into the correct account.
  3. Contact your IT support before the training day.

If issues remain unresolved, notify MissionSupport@archspm.org as early as possible so alternatives can be arranged.

Optional:

The sessions are designed to be practical and allow you to emulate the demonstrations of the presenters.  While not required, we recommend that you have two screens available as this will help you to follow the guidance from the presenters and also practice on your own application. 

Adobe InDesign is a desktop application and must be installed on your machine in advance if you do not already use Adobe products.

Minimum system requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 or macOS 12+ (Ventura or newer preferred)
  • RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended for serious work)
  • Hard Disk: 3.6 GB for installation

Option A: Desktop App (Recommended)

If you already use Adobe products:

  1. Ensure Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop is installed.
  2. Sign in using your Adobe account.
  3. Open Creative Cloud and confirm that InDesign is installed and launches correctly.
  4. Update InDesign to the latest available version if prompted.  The latest version is InDesign CC 2025 (version 21.0).

Option B: Temporary Access (If you do not already have InDesign)

  1. You may use a 7‑day Adobe free trial (adobe.com/creativecloud/free-trial-download.html).
  2. Download Creative Cloud and start the trial at least 1 day before the training.
  3. You will need an Adobe ID and payment method to activate the trial (you can cancel afterwards if needed).

Affinity Publisher is a desktop application and must be installed on your machine in advance.

Licensing options

Canva and Affinity Publisher are owned by the same company.  To download the free Affinity Publisher, you need to have a free Canva.  You can use either a personal or Canva Pro account to log in to Affinity.  If you do not already have a Canva Account, go the “Canva” tab for instructions on how to create a Canva Account.  Note: Using a personal free account may exclude certain AI features.

Note:  Affinity updated their software at of the end of January.  Please be sure you have Version 3.0.3.

Required steps

  1. Go to https://www.affinity.studio/ and select Get Affinity in the top right of your window.
  2. Sign in with your Canva Account to get the download.
  3. Download the App for Mac or Windows depending on your computer (*see download notes for Windows below if you are unsure which download option to accept).
  4. Install the App once it is downloaded.*
  5. Open the App and check that it has launched successfully.

Minimum system requirements

Check this site if you are unsure your machine has the correct requirements:  https://www.affinity.studio/en_gb/help/introduction-system-requirements/

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
  • Processor: x64-based (Intel/AMD) or ARM64 (Apple Silicon/Snapdragon X Elite) with SSE2 support
  • RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB+ recommended for better experience
  • Storage: 2.5GB free space

*Affinity Download and Installation Notes for Windows:

If you are using a Windows PC, you will need to select from a choice of installation types:

    • Windows (Intel/AMD): this is the recommended installer for Windows devices with Intel/AMD processors.
    • Windows (ARM): this is the recommended installer for Windows devices with ARM64 processors.
    • Enterprise (Intel/AMD)
    • Enterprise (ARM)

Windows (Intel/AMD) and Windows (ARM) are the recommended options depending on your computer.

      • The Windows (Intel/AMD) installer is for Intel/AMD-based PCs (the most common systems).
      • The Windows (ARM) installer is intended for ARM-based Windows devices.

How to Know If Your Windows PC Uses Intel/AMD or ARM

        1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Settings.”
        2. Open the Settings app.
        3. Go to System > About.
        4. Under Device Specifications, find System Type.  It will tell you which of these you have:
          • x64-based processor: Your computer uses a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor.
          • ARM-based processor: Your computer uses an ARM processor (ARM64).

Note: Only use Enterprise (Intel/AMD) and Enterprise (ARM) installers if:

      • You encounter issues with the MSIX version.
      • You’re installing on an Education or Enterprise network that restricts MSIX.
      • Contact your technical support person in the event of any issues on this topic.

Canva is browser-based and does not require software installation.

Steps – If You Already Have an Account

  1. Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari.
  2. Go to canva.com and click “log in.”  Enter your credentials.
  3. Before training day, check that you can:
    1. Create a new design.
    2. Edit text and images.
    3. Access templates.

Minimum system requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 or macOS 12+ (Ventura or newer preferred)
  • RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended for serious work)
  • Hard Disk: 3.6 GB for installation

Steps to Create an Account

  1. Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari.
  2. Go to canva.com, click “sign up” and follow the steps to create an account.
  3. To receive Canva Pro for non-profits (free), go to www.canva.com/nfp-signup and do not “x” out of the pop-up; click “Get Started.”
  4. Canva will ask:
    1. Type of nonprofit: Select “Registered nonprofit organization”
    2. Country: Select “United States”
    3. Organization name or ID: Use your church or school’s 9-digit nonprofit ID number (see your finance person if you do not know this).
    4. Click “Continue.”
  5. Enter your first name, last name, and email address.  Use your church or school email address.  Click “Submit.”
  6. Canva will review your application and respond within 7 to 10 days of submission.
  7. Before training day, check that you can:
    1. Create a new design.
    2. Edit text and images.
    3. Access templates.
Questions?  Contact Mission Support.

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