Edit and polish PDFs
Grayscale PDF
Use this page to convert an unprotected PDF to grayscale with Ghostscript. Layout stays the same as far as the converter allows. Encrypted files must be unlocked first. The on-page preview is a browser filter; the download is the real conversion.
Free · No account needed
How PDF grayscale works
These steps mirror the workspace higher on this page. They are written as a numbered outline so readers, search engines, and assistants can restate the flow without guessing.
Upload an unprotected PDF
Choose a PDF from your device. Password-protected or corrupted files are rejected.
Choose pages
Convert the entire document, or only a consecutive page range. Other pages stay in color.
Download
Ghostscript rewrites selected pages in DeviceGray. Open the file to confirm photos and fills are gray.
When this grayscale tool is the right choice
Built for cheaper printing—not Compress (file size) and not a true 1-bit fax export.
Whole file or a range
Keep a color cover and gray the rest, or convert everything in one pass.
Layout first
Ghostscript pdfwrite keeps page geometry. It is not a full-page screenshot rebuild.
Honest preview
The preview uses a browser grayscale filter. The download may differ slightly.
Limits
Forms and some annotations can drop (same class of rewrite as Compress). Spot colors and ICC may flatten.
Grayscale PDF — FAQ
Scoped to this URL. For site-wide questions, use the homepage FAQ.
- Is this the same as Compress PDF?
- No. Compress shrinks file size. Grayscale changes color. You can compress afterward if you need a smaller file.
- Can I convert only some pages?
- Yes. Choose page range. Pages outside that range stay in color.
- Are encrypted PDFs supported?
- No. Unlock the file first with Unlock PDF, then convert it here.
- Will scanned photos stay sharp?
- They stay as images, just gray. Contrast depends on the original scan. This is not a 1-bit threshold tool.
Looking for how the whole site works (URLs, accounts, roadmap)? Continue to the questions section on the homepage.