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PdfDady

Convert a PDF to grayscale

Save colour ink, or meet a “black and white only” rule for submissions. Choose grayscale for photos and charts, or pure black and white for crisp text.

1. Add a PDF

2. Colour

Convert to
Quality

Shades of grey, good for photos and charts. Pages are redrawn as images, so text can no longer be selected or searched. The file may get bigger or smaller.

Add a PDF to convert.

How to convert a PDF to black and white

  1. Add your PDF

    Choose one PDF, up to 100 MB.

  2. Choose the look

    Grayscale keeps shades of grey; Black & white makes every pixel black or white.

  3. Choose the quality

    150 DPI for everyday printing, 300 DPI for small text.

  4. Download

    Save grayscale.pdf.

What you can do with this tool

  • Grayscale or pure B&W

    Shades of grey for photos, or crisp black and white for text.

  • Every page converted

    Text, images and drawings all lose their colour, guaranteed.

  • Two quality levels

    150 or 300 DPI.

  • Preview

    See roughly how page 1 will look before downloading.

  • Stays on your device

    Your PDF is not uploaded. Free, no sign-up.

Limits and what you get

InputOne PDF, up to 100 MB
ModesGrayscale, black & white
Resolution150 or 300 DPI
TextNot selectable afterwardsPages become images
File sizeMay go up or down
Outputgrayscale.pdf

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PDF to black and white?

Add the PDF, choose Black & white (or Grayscale) and download the converted copy.

Will I still be able to select text?

No. Pages are redrawn as images to make sure every colour is removed, so text can't be selected or searched.

Grayscale or black and white?

Grayscale keeps shades, good for photos. Black and white is crisper and cheaper to print for text-only documents.

Will the file get bigger?

It can. Image pages are often larger than text pages, especially at 300 DPI. Try 150 DPI, or Compress PDF afterwards.

Can I just print in grayscale instead?

Yes, if your printer offers it. Converting helps when you must submit a black-and-white file.

Is my PDF uploaded?

No. Pages are converted in your browser.

Browse more pdf tools or see all tools.