PDF to Greyscale
Convert a colour PDF to black-and-white greyscale for printing or archiving.
About this tool
PDF to Greyscale removes colour from a document while keeping it readable. Vector mode rewrites the colour instructions inside the PDF — text and vector graphics turn grey but stay sharp, selectable and searchable, and images are converted to greyscale too. The file usually gets smaller.
Raster mode renders every page into a greyscale picture. It always gives a 100% grey result, even for gradients and unusual colour spaces, but text is no longer selectable (run OCR afterwards if you need it).
Use it before sending a document to a black-and-white printer, to save colour toner, or to meet submission rules that require greyscale. Processing happens entirely on your device.
Engines: pdfjs · canvas · pdf-lib
How to use
- 1
Upload the colour PDF.
- 2
Choose Vector (keeps text) or Raster (guaranteed grey).
- 3
Click Convert to greyscale and download the new PDF.
Use cases
Save colour ink
Print drafts in grey so the printer never touches the colour cartridges.
Submission rules
Courts, universities and agencies sometimes require greyscale documents.
Preview print results
See how charts and colour-coded text will look on a black-and-white printer.
Frequently asked questions
Some parts are still in colour.
Vector mode cannot convert gradients, some special image encodings or annotation appearances. Use Raster mode for a guaranteed greyscale result.
Will text stay searchable?
Yes in Vector mode. In Raster mode pages become pictures.
Does it convert to pure black and white?
No, it uses shades of grey so photos and charts remain legible.
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