Convert PDF to Black and White

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In short

PDF to Black and White on Docmint: Printing a colour PDF on a black and white printer, or a portal asks for a monochrome scan? Convert every page to grayscale or pure black and white here. The file stays on your device. It accepts PDF files, runs entirely in your browser with no upload, and is free for 3 runs a day without an account.

Category
Edit & Optimize
Input
PDF
Processing
On your device, in the browser
Price
Free: 3 free runs a day without an account, 10 with a free account
  • Runs entirely in the browser (no file upload)
  • Free for 3 runs a day, no account needed
  • Processes several files at once
  • Accepts PDF files

Last reviewed

How to PDF to black and white

  1. 1

    Add the PDF

    Drop the colour PDF you want to convert.

  2. 2

    Choose grayscale or black and white

    Grayscale keeps shades of grey, which suits photos. Black and white is pure 1-bit, which suits text and gives the smallest file.

    Tip: For scanned forms and contracts, black and white often reads more crisply than the colour original.

  3. 3

    Convert and download

    Click Convert and download the new PDF. The original is not changed.

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sent to a server. Most online PDF tools upload your document. Docmint does the work in this browser tab, so there is nothing for us to store or lose.

Check it yourself

What people do next

  1. Compress PDFReduce size further
  2. PDF to JPGExport grayscale images
  3. N-up / BookletSave even more paper with multiple pages per sheet

Tips for a better result

Then compress
A black and white PDF compresses far better. Run Compress PDF afterwards if you need to meet an upload limit.
Coloured highlights
Light highlighter colours can disappear in pure black and white. Use grayscale if they matter.
Selectable text
Pages are redrawn as images, so text is no longer selectable. Run OCR PDF afterwards if you need to search it.

Questions about PDF to Black and White

What is the difference between grayscale and black and white?

Grayscale keeps every shade from white to black. Black and white keeps only pure black and pure white, like a fax or photocopy.

Will it save printer ink?

Yes. A grayscale or black and white file prints with black ink only, even on printers that would otherwise mix colours to make grey.

Does it make the file smaller?

Usually, especially in black and white. Colour photos and scans shrink the most.

Is my file uploaded?

No. Docmint reads and processes the file inside your browser. It is never sent to a server, so there is nothing for anyone to store, scan or lose.

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