Convert PDF to Grayscale
Convert PDF to grayscale and print color documents in black and white without surprises. Every page is converted, and nothing is uploaded.
How to convert PDF to grayscale
Drop your PDF into the box.
Pick the DPI. 150 is the default and suits most prints.
Run the conversion and download the grayscale PDF.
How the grayscale conversion works
Each page is rendered as an image at the DPI you choose, turned gray and rebuilt into a new PDF. Colors become clean shades of gray on every page.
A higher DPI gives sharper small print and a bigger file. 150 DPI is a good middle ground for office printing.
Text is no longer selectable
Because pages become images, the text in a grayscale PDF cannot be selected, searched or copied. Keep the color original if you need the text. To make the gray copy searchable again, run OCR PDF on it. If the goal is a smaller file rather than no color, compress the PDF instead, which keeps text intact.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a PDF to grayscale?
Drop the PDF here, choose a DPI and run it. You download a new PDF with every page in shades of gray.
Can I still copy text from the grayscale PDF?
No. Pages are rebuilt from images, so text is part of the picture. Use OCR PDF afterwards if you need searchable text.
What DPI should I choose?
150 DPI works for most printing. Go higher for tiny text or detailed drawings, lower for a smaller file.
Is grayscale the same as black and white?
Not quite. Grayscale keeps shades of gray, so photos and shading still read well. Pure black and white uses only two tones.
Will a grayscale PDF be smaller?
Sometimes, but not always, since pages become images. For a reliably smaller file, see how to reduce PDF file size.