How to Make an Image Black and White in Photoshop

Turning an image black and white in Photoshop is one of the simplest yet most powerful edits you can make. It strips the photo down to the essentials—light, contrast, shape—bringing out drama, mood, and texture that color can sometimes hide.

Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Method 1: Use the Black & White Adjustment Layer (Best Practice)

This is the most flexible and non-destructive method. You can tweak every color range to control how each shade converts to gray.

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and open your image (File > Open).

Step 2: Add a Black & White Adjustment Layer

Go to the Layers panel. At the bottom, click the Adjustment Layer icon (a half-filled circle), and select Black & White.

Step 3: Adjust the Sliders

Photoshop auto-converts the image, but you can fine-tune each color using the sliders (Reds, Yellows, Greens, etc.). This lets you decide how bright or dark different colors appear in black and white.

Step 4: Optional – Add Contrast

Want more pop? Add a Levels or Curves adjustment layer on top and tweak the highlights, midtones, and shadows.

Method 2: Desaturate the Image (Quick & Dirty)

This works fast, but offers no fine control.

Step 1: Select Your Image Layer

Make sure your image layer is selected.

Step 2: Desaturate

Hit Shift + Ctrl + U (Windows) or Shift + Command + U (Mac).
Done.

Method 3: Convert to Grayscale Mode (Permanent)

This one permanently deletes all color data, so it’s not reversible.

Step 1: Convert

Go to Image > Mode > Grayscale.

Photoshop will warn you that you’re discarding color info—click Discard.

Use this method only if you’re prepping final art and don’t need the color version anymore.

Which Method Should You Use?

• Use Method 1 if you care about quality and want creative control.
• Use Method 2 for fast edits or mockups.
• Use Method 3 if file size matters or color is irrelevant.

Final Tips

• For standout results, experiment with contrast after converting.
• You can also combine Black & White with Gradient Maps or Blending Modes for artistic effects.

Black and white isn’t just a filter—it’s a style. And with Photoshop, you control the look.

Need help with another Photoshop edit? Drop a comment below or shoot me a message.