Convert a PDF to grayscale
Turn colour pages into clean black and white, for cheaper printing or submissions that require it.
A fresh start for your PDFs.
Drag a PDF file here and let’s make something happen.
Only on your device. Always in your control.
How to convert a PDF to grayscale
- 1
Choose the colour PDF.
- 2
Press Convert to grayscale.
- 3
Download your black and white PDF.
About this tool
pdfy renders each page at 144 DPI and converts it to grayscale using perceptual luminance, so contrast stays natural. The result is image based, which is ideal for printing and scans.
Save ink
Print in true grayscale without fiddling with printer settings.
Meets submission rules
Some courts and exam portals require black and white files.
Often smaller
Grayscale scans usually take less space than colour ones.
Grayscale PDF FAQ
Will text still be selectable?
No. Pages are converted to images. Keep your original if you need to copy text later.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. pdfy processes your files inside your browser using your own device. Local tools do not upload documents. If you choose Save draft, that draft is stored only in this browser. You can confirm it in your browser's network panel: no file is ever sent.
Is it really free? Are there limits?
Yes, it is free with no sign up, no watermark on your output and no daily task limit. Because your device does the work, the only practical limit is your device's memory.