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OPTIMIZE
Turn a color PDF into black and white, for cheaper printing or a cleaner look.
QUICK ANSWER
To convert a PDF to grayscale, add the file, choose a resolution and download. Every page is redrawn in shades of gray at that resolution, so text can no longer be selected; run OCR afterwards if you need to search it. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 8 November 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 8 November 2026 · StackPDF team
Pages will be turned black and white. It stays in this browser.Pages will be turned black and white. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To convert a PDF to grayscale, add the file, choose a resolution and download. Every page is redrawn in shades of gray at that resolution, so text can no longer be selected; run OCR afterwards if you need to search it. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 8 November 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 8 November 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
150 dpi suits most documents. Use 300 dpi for small print or detailed images.
Compare before and after in the preview, then download.
GOOD TO KNOW
Pages are redrawn as gray images. That’s what removes the color, and it has side effects.
| QUESTION | ANSWER | TIP |
|---|---|---|
| Can I still select text? | No. Text becomes part of the page image | Run OCR PDF to make it searchable again |
| Will the file be smaller? | Often, but not always | A lower dpi gives a smaller file |
| Do links still work? | No. Links are lost when pages are redrawn | Keep the color original for sharing |
| Which dpi should I use? | 150 for most documents, 300 for small print | 72 is for quick previews only |
The original PDF isn’t changed.
PRIVACY
Yes. Convert PDF to grayscale runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
Add the PDF, choose a resolution and download. Every page is converted to shades of gray.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. The pages are converted in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device.
Each page is redrawn as a gray image, and an image has no text layer. Run OCR PDF on the result to make it searchable again.
It saves colored ink, because the pages print in black and shades of gray. How much depends on your printer.
Yes. This page works in Safari and Chrome on iPhone and Android.