PDF to Black and White PDF
Strip the color out of a PDF — cheaper to print, smaller to send.
PDF to Black and White is a free online tool that strip the color out of a PDF — cheaper to print, smaller to send. It runs entirely in your web browser using pdf-lib and pdf.js and Canvas 2D, so files are processed on your own device and never uploaded to a server. There is no sign-up, no file size limit imposed by the site, no watermark and no paid tier.
- Price
- Free — no account, no quota, no watermark
- Category
- Where it runs
- In your browser, on your device
- Files uploaded
- None
- Technology
- pdf-lib, pdf.js, Canvas 2D
- Settings
- 2
- Works offline
- Yes, after the first visit
About PDF to Black and White
PDF to Black and White is one of 17 pdf tools on DuckyTools, and like all of them it runs entirely inside this page. Strip the color out of a PDF — cheaper to print, smaller to send.
How to use it
- Choose a file, or drag it onto the drop zone.
- Set page resolution and jpeg quality.
- Press "Convert to grayscale", then download what comes back.
The 2 settings
| Setting | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Page resolution | Choose from 3: Medium, High, Print. | High |
| JPEG quality | Range 30–98%. | 82% |
Under the hood
| Runs on | pdf-lib — builds and rewrites the PDF structure; pdf.js — renders and reads existing PDF pages; Canvas 2D — does the pixel work |
| Controls | Page resolution, JPEG quality |
Questions
Why would I want a grayscale PDF?
Print shops and office printers often charge several times more per color page. Converting a 40-page report before printing can cut the cost substantially, and the file usually gets smaller too.
Does this keep the text selectable?
No. Removing color requires re-rendering each page as an image, which replaces the text layer. Keep the original if you need to search or copy from it.
What does the page resolution option change?
It offers 3 choices — Medium, High and Print. The default is High, which suits most cases; change it when your input or your destination calls for something specific.
Is there a file size limit?
No imposed limit — there is no server quota to hit. The real ceiling is your device's memory, since the whole file is held in RAM while it is processed. Desktop browsers cope with very large files; phones give up sooner.
What are the limits on jpeg quality?
It accepts 30 to 98%, starting at 82%.