Convert PDF to grayscale
Every colour in the file becomes its grey: the text and vector drawing rewritten operator by operator, the images re-encoded, the gradients and spot colours recomputed, the annotations included. The pages are not rendered to pictures, so text stays sharp and selectable, and the file usually gets a little smaller. For a print job in black, a photocopy-ready handout, or an archive that shouldn't carry colour.
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- PDF files only
- Up to 15 MB each
- 2 files a run - unlimited with Pro
Frequently asked questions
Does it turn the pages into pictures?
No. The file is rewritten, not rendered: every colour operator in the page content becomes its grey value, images are converted in place, gradients get grey colour functions. Text stays text - sharp at any zoom, selectable, searchable - and bookmarks, links and forms survive.
How is the grey computed?
As the PDF standard recommends: 0.299 × red + 0.587 × green + 0.114 × blue, which is how the eye weighs the three; CMYK goes through the same weights plus the black channel. Dark red and dark blue come out as different greys, as they would on a black-and-white printer.
Does the file get bigger?
Usually a little smaller. JPEG photos are re-encoded at the same size class, and raw images lose two thirds of their bytes as one channel replaces three. A file that carries a JPEG 2000 or 16-bit image keeps it in colour - the tool says so.
Is the PDF uploaded?
Nothing is uploaded: the file is opened and processed inside your browser and never leaves your device. Close the tab and it is gone.
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