Convert PDF to black and white
Convert a PDF to grayscale or pure black and white for printing and forms. Sharp 200 dpi pages, smaller scans. Free, in your browser, no upload.
Use the interactive tool to choose your files and create a download. JavaScript is required for local processing. No account needed.
How to convert a PDF to black and white
- Choose a PDF up to 300 MB and 200 pages.
- Pick Grayscale for photos and shading, or Black and white for crisp text with no grey.
- For a faint scan in black and white, choose darker ink. Then press Convert PDF and download.
Each page is redrawn at 200 dpi, which prints sharply. Black and white uses one bit per pixel, so scanned documents often become much smaller and cleaner. Because pages become pictures, text search, links and forms are removed; run OCR PDF afterwards to make the text searchable again.
Before you get started
How do I convert a PDF to black and white?
Choose the PDF above, pick Black and white and press Convert PDF. Every page becomes pure black ink on white paper, with no grey.
What is the difference between grayscale and black and white?
Grayscale keeps every shade of grey, so photos and highlights still show. Black and white keeps only black and white, which is best for text, forms and signatures and makes the smallest files.
My scan has a grey background. How do I remove it?
Choose Black and white. WaterPDF picks the level that separates ink from paper on each page, so a grey or yellowed background turns white. Choose lighter ink if shading still shows, or darker ink if thin lines disappear.
Will the text stay selectable?
No. Pages are rebuilt as pictures. Use OCR PDF on the result to add searchable text again.
Are my documents uploaded?
No. Selected file contents are processed in your browser. Normal page requests still reach the hosting provider. Use a trusted device and keep your originals.