Make a PDF black and white
Turn a PDF into shades of grey or pure black and white, for all pages or only the ones you choose. The converted pages become pictures.
Files never leave your device
The converted pages become pictures. Each page is drawn, turned grey and saved as a picture, so the words on it can no longer be selected, copied or searched. Pages you leave out stay exactly as they were. To get the words from a picture, use Image to Text.
Move right if thin lines or pale text disappear, left if shaded areas turn black.
Only want grey on paper? Your printer or print dialog may have a "print in grayscale" setting. It keeps the text as text and leaves your PDF unchanged. Use this tool when you need a black and white PDF file.
Working…
Keep this tab open. Large files can take a little while on a phone.
Done
Send it
Opens your phone's share menu — pick any app.
These open in a new tab. Your file is downloaded first; you attach it there yourself.
Your file is downloaded — attach it in the chat or email.
Found PaperPDF useful? Tell a friend
How to use it
- Step 1: Tap the box and choose a PDF.
- Step 2: Choose all pages or only some, then shades of grey or pure black and white, and how sharp the pages should be.
- Step 3: Tap Make it black and white and download the new PDF. The page shows the size before and after.
Your files never leave your device
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server, so your documents and photos stay private. It is free, has no watermark and needs no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Does the text stay selectable?
No. Each converted page is drawn, turned grey and saved as a picture, so its text can no longer be selected, copied or searched. Pages you leave out are copied as they were, with their text. If you need the words from a converted page, run the original through Image to Text. Bookmarks, links and form fields are not carried over to the new file, so keep the original if you need them.
Why does the tool turn pages into pictures?
Changing the colour of every shape, font and photo inside a PDF reliably is very hard, and a mistake can leave colour behind or change the look of the page. Drawing the page and turning every pixel grey always gives the result you see on the screen.
Which style should I choose for printing?
Shades of grey keeps photos and stamps readable. Pure black and white gives the smallest files and sharp text, like a photocopy, but photos turn into dots. If you only want grey on paper, your printer may have a print in grayscale setting that leaves the PDF unchanged.
Why is the new file bigger than the original?
Pages that were text and vector shapes are now pictures, and pictures can take more space. The page shows the size before and after. Choose a lower sharpness, use Pure black and white for text pages, or run the result through Compress PDF.
Can I convert only some pages?
Yes. Choose Only some pages and type them, for example 1-3, 5. The other pages are copied unchanged.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The pages are drawn and converted inside your browser, on your device. The PDF never goes to our servers or anyone else.
Read the guide: How to Convert a PDF to Black and White for Printing →