Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ArcReader VS Microsoft Publisher

Compare ArcReader VS Microsoft Publisher and see what are their differences

ArcReader logo ArcReader

ArcReader is a free, easy-to-use desktop mapping application that allows you to view, explore and print maps & globes. View high-quality interactive maps authored by ArcMap and published with the ArcGIS Publisher extension.

Microsoft Publisher logo Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing solution.
  • ArcReader Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-19
  • Microsoft Publisher Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-21

ArcReader features and specs

  • Free to Use
    ArcReader is a free software tool provided by Esri which allows users to view, explore, and print maps created in ArcGIS.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Designed for non-GIS users, ArcReader features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and interact with maps.
  • View Published Maps
    Users can view high-quality, interactive maps that have been published by GIS professionals using ArcGIS Publisher.
  • Robust Map Interaction
    ArcReader allows users to zoom, pan, and query spatial data, providing a reasonably interactive experience without needing advanced GIS skills.
  • Offline Use
    ArcReader does not require an internet connection, which allows users to view maps in locations where internet access is unavailable.

Possible disadvantages of ArcReader

  • Limited Functionality
    ArcReader is primarily a map viewing tool and lacks advanced GIS capabilities such as map editing or spatial analysis.
  • Dependency on ArcGIS Publisher
    Maps must be published by ArcGIS Publisher for them to be viewable in ArcReader, making it dependent on other Esri products for map creation.
  • No Customization
    Users cannot create or customize their own maps; functionality is limited to viewing maps published by others.
  • Lacks Online Sharing Capabilities
    ArcReader does not offer features for sharing maps online or collaborating with other users through web-based platforms.
  • Outdated Technology
    As a more traditional desktop application, ArcReader may not integrate well with modern, web-based GIS solutions, and its features have seen limited updates compared to other Esri products.

Microsoft Publisher features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Microsoft Publisher offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for beginners who need to create professional-looking publications without in-depth design skills.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office Suite
    Publisher integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel, allowing for easy import and export of data and consistency across different types of documents.
  • Variety of Templates
    The software comes with a wide range of pre-designed templates which can be customized according to user needs, saving time and effort in creating publications from scratch.
  • Affordable Pricing
    As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Publisher is affordable, especially for users who already have an Office 365 subscription.
  • Great for Print Publications
    Publisher excels in designing print publications like brochures, posters, and flyers, with precise control over layout and formatting.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Publisher

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While Publisher is excellent for basic projects, it lacks some of the more advanced design and layout features found in professional design software like Adobe InDesign.
  • Windows-Only Software
    Microsoft Publisher is only available for Windows, which limits its usability for Mac OS or Linux users unless they use a virtual machine or dual-boot setup.
  • Not Ideal for Online Publications
    Publisher isnโ€™t optimized for creating digital content like e-books or online magazines, making it less versatile for online publication needs.
  • Limited Graphic Design Tools
    Its graphic design capabilities are not as robust as those in dedicated design software, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced graphic design functionalities.
  • File Compatibility
    Publisher files (.pub) are not widely supported outside of the Microsoft ecosystem, which can cause issues when trying to share files with users who do not have Publisher.

Analysis of Microsoft Publisher

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Microsoft Publisher is a solid choice for those who need straightforward desktop publishing software. It's especially useful for individuals and small businesses seeking cost-effective and easy-to-use options for creating print-ready documents. However, it may not satisfy the needs of professional designers who require more advanced features found in specialized graphic design software.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing application that is part of the Microsoft Office suite. It is considered good because it offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners and small business owners who need to create professional-looking documents without extensive design skills. It provides a wide variety of templates and design tools tailored for creating brochures, flyers, newsletters, and other marketing materials. Additionally, its integration with other Microsoft Office applications ensures smooth workflows for users already familiar with the ecosystem.

Recommended for

  • Small businesses
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Individuals creating personal projects
  • Users familiar with Microsoft Office products

ArcReader videos

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Microsoft Publisher videos

Microsoft Publisher - 2019 Beginner's Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - The Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Publisher

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ArcReader and Microsoft Publisher)
Design Tools
8 8%
92% 92
Graphic Design Software
Image Marketplace
16 16%
84% 84
PDF Editor
100 100%
0% 0

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Reviews

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Microsoft Publisher Reviews

10 Best Adobe Indesign Alternatives in 2025
In 2025, the market is brimming with high-quality desktop publishing tools that cater to a wide range of design needs, budgets, and skill levels. From user-friendly options like Appy Pie Design and Microsoft Publisher to professional-grade platforms like QuarkXPress and Affinity Publisher, these alternatives provide unique features that can suit both beginners and seasoned...
Source: www.appypie.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ArcReader and Microsoft Publisher, you can also consider the following products

Adobe InDesign - Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application.

iBooks Author - iBooks Author, free from the Mac App store, allows you to create beautiful Multi-Touch textbooks โ€” and just about any other kind of book.

Scribus - Scribus is a desktop publishing (DTP) application.

Wondershare PDFelement - All-in-one PDF editor

QuarkXPress - Fully-integrated graphic design and layout software

Marq - Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based design and layout application that enables anyone to create beautiful creatives