As soon as you open up a new document in Photoshop, you’re automatically working in color mode. But what if you want to switch to black and white?
Whether you’re working on an image or creating a new one from scratch, it’s easy to change from color to black and white — and back again if you change your mind. Here’s how.
To switch an image from color to black and white:
- With your image open in Photoshop, go to the Image menu at the top of the screen and select Mode. (If you don’t see the Mode option, make sure you have your layer selected. )
- A drop-down menu will appear. Select Grayscale. Photoshop will ask if you want to discard the color information in your image.
- Click Discard. And that’s it! Your image is now in black and white.
To create a new document in black and white:
- Go to the File menu at the top of the screen and select New. A new document window will open up.
- In the New Document window, make sure “Black & White” is selected under “Document Mode”.
- Then click “Create. “
To switch an image from black and white back to color:
(This is helpful if you’re working on an image and decide that you actually do want it in color after all.)
PRO TIP: If you are working in Photoshop and you want to get out of black and white mode, be sure to save your work first. Otherwise, all of your changes will be lost when you switch back to color mode.
- With your image open in Photoshop, go to the “Image” menu at the top of the screen and select “Mode.” (If you don’t see the “Mode” option, make sure you have your layer selected.)
- (Select “RGB Color.”) Photoshop will ask if you want to”discard” the”grayscale” information. Click “Yes.” And that’s it! Your image is now in color.
- It’s also easy to create a brand new document in black and white from scratch. Go to File > New > “Document Mode” > Select “Grayscale.” Then click “Create.”
That’s it! These three steps will help ensure that your images are always exactly how you want them — whether that’s in glorious color or beautiful black and white.
