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How to Make PDF Black and White: 3 Easy Ways

How to Redact a Legal Document to Ensure Confidentiality

Reena Cruz

How to Convert PDF to Excel Offline

How to Redact PDF without Adobe (on Web, Desktop, and Mobile)

How to Edit PDF Metadata 

E-Signatures Are Now Available For Xodo Mobile Apps

Learn how to make a PDF black and white to reduce file size up to 80% and lower printing costs. This guide covers how to do it using Xodo PDF Studio on Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as using quick print settings on Windows.

Your 50MB color PDF just bounced back from email again. The attachment limit struck, and now you’re scrambling to find a solution that doesn’t involve cloud storage links or multiple emails.

Turning your PDF to black and white solves this problem instantly. The process greatly reduces document size and lowers printing costs by as much as 60%.

Whether you’re preparing documents for professional archiving, reducing ink expenses, or improving accessibility for users with color vision deficiencies, black and white PDFs offer measurable benefits.

Convert PDFs to black and white in Xodo PDF Studio

Print black and white PDFs from Xodo PDF Studio

Print in black and white on Windows 10 or 11

Understand the benefits of black and white PDFs

The following tutorials walks you through each method, starting with the most comprehensive solution.

How to Convert PDF to Black and White using Xodo PDF Studio

Follow these simple steps to convert a PDF to black and white using Xodo PDF Studio:

 you wish to convert (text, images, vector graphics) and specify 

Choose one of the pre-defined ICC color profiles (for example, 

Xodo PDF Studio supports ICC color profiles for precise grayscale conversion, making it ideal for organizations that require consistent and accurate document formatting.

Beyond grayscale conversion, it includes advanced features like PDF validation, batch processing, redaction, and document security. As a full-featured 

, Xodo PDF Studio offers over 60 professional tools for editing, printing, and managing PDFs.

How to Print Black and White PDF using Xodo PDF Studio

To print a PDF in black and white using Xodo PDF Studio, follow these steps:

 to convert all colors to grayscale during printing.

The preview section shows exactly how the PDF will look after printing, so you can fine-tune settings before creating the final file.

 tool to apply the same print settings across all documents. This batch processing capability saves significant time when printing large document collections for archiving or distribution.

 that checks PDFs against print standards, ideal for ensuring files meet professional printing requirements before final output.

Use the Print Function on Windows to Make PDF black and white

To make a PDF black and white using the print function on Windows 10 or 11, follow these steps:

 your PDF in the default Windows viewer (eg, Microsoft Edge).

 and enter a new file name to avoid overwriting the original, then click 

: If Microsoft Print to PDF is missing, go to 

 and make sure it is installed. Reinstall it if necessary.

This method uses Windows’ built-in features to convert any color PDF to black and white without any third-party software.

Benefits of Converting PDFs to Black and White

Converting a color PDF to black and white offers several practical benefits:

Converting PDFs to grayscale can reduce file size by 70-80%. For example, a 50 MB color PDF may shrink to 10–15 MB. This is especially useful for schools, healthcare providers, and other organizations that manage large archives of image-heavy documents.

Printing in grayscale reduces color ink and toner usage, which helps cut production costs. This is ideal for internal reports, reference materials, and other high-volume print jobs.

Improve Accessibility and Device Compatibility

Grayscale PDFs are easier to read for users with color vision deficiencies. They also reduce formatting issues and ensure consistent display across older printers and various devices.

Black and white formatting supports compliance with legal and archival standards in sectors such as government, law, and finance. It ensures a professional, uniform appearance across all business documents and records.

Tips for Converting Color PDF to Black and White

Use these tips to improve results when converting a color PDF to black and white:

Use Xodo PDF Studio to divide large files into smaller sections. Convert each section to black and white individually, then batch merge them back into a single file.

 If the converted PDF appears too dark, too light, or inconsistent, review the color management settings and ICC profiles. Use a profile suited to your document’s content to get better grayscale output.

Low-quality or pixelated images may result from excessive compression. Adjust compression and image quality settings to strike the right balance between file size and visual clarity. Refer to Xodo PDF Studio’s 

Make sure you have permission to access the file. Enter the correct password when prompted to unlock and turn the PDF to black and white.

How do I convert a PDF to black and white online for free? 

You can easily convert a PDF to black and white online for free using Xodo’s PDF editor. Just follow these steps:

Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.

Choose your desired page range and set the color option to 

 to generate the black and white version.

What’s the difference between grayscale and black and white?

A grayscale PDF contains multiple shades of gray, preserving subtle details in images and maintaining visual depth.

A black and white PDF contains only pure black and pure white pixels, resulting in a high-contrast, binary format that often produces smaller document sizes.

To print a PDF in grayscale, open the PDF in your operating system’s default viewer and access the print dialog.

In the color settings, select the Grayscale option. This converts the document’s colors to shades of gray during printing without altering the original file.

How do I maintain image quality when converting to grayscale?

To maintain image quality while converting to grayscale, use a professional PDF editor like Xodo PDF Studio that offers control over color and compression settings.

In Xodo PDF Studio, you can adjust the ICC Color Profiles before converting to grayscale and choose higher-quality options for images as needed. These settings help preserve image clarity while reducing file size.

Is it possible to convert only specific pages to black and white?

Yes, you can convert specific pages or a page range to black and white with Xodo PDF Studio.

Both the Print function and the Convert Colors tool support selective conversion. You can choose individual pages, a custom page range, or convert only even or odd pages as needed.

What file formats can I convert to black and white besides PDF?

You can convert MS Office files like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to black and white files using Xodo PDF Studio. 

You can also convert color JPG, PNG, and other supported image formats to black and white. 

During the conversion, these files are first converted to PDF. Then, you can simply apply the black and white conversion. 

How much smaller will my PDF file become after conversion?

After conversion, PDF files containing color images can shrink up to 80%, while text-heavy files usually reduce by 20-30%.

Scanned PDFs with large color images often see the greatest file size reduction. The exact decrease depends on the content and complexity of the original file.

Can I reverse a black and white PDF back to color?

No, once a PDF is converted to black and white, the color information is permanently lost and cannot be restored. Always keep a backup of the original PDF if you may need it later. The conversion process is irreversible.

Easily Make Any PDF Black and White for Print or Archiving

Converting PDFs to black and white helps you streamline workflows, reduce printing costs, improve accessibility, and preserve essential document clarity.

Xodo PDF Studio offers a complete solution for professionals and teams who need advanced color management, secure offline conversion, and batch processing, without the cost of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Start optimizing your PDF workflow today with powerful tools built for professional use.

Easily convert PDFs to editable Word files without Adobe Acrobat using Xodo tools. Available offline on Windows, Mac, Linux, and online in your favorite browser.

Converting a PDF file to Word makes it easier to edit text, adjust formatting, and work seamlessly within Microsoft Word. This allows for faster and more flexible document editing without the hassle of dealing with static PDF files.

However, you might want to avoid Adobe Acrobat if you're trying to save on subscription costs or are using an operating system like Linux where Acrobat isn't supported.

There are better alternatives to Adobe for converting PDFs to Word.

Xodo is a powerful and cost-effective solution that allows you to convert PDF to a Microsoft Word document on any device or operating system.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily convert PDF to an editable Word document:

Offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops

Convert PDF to Word offline without Adobe

Follow these simple steps to convert a PDF to Word offline using Xodo PDF Studio:

Specify the output file name and click on 

Your PDF will be quickly converted to an editable Word (.docx) file without losing its original formatting.

Beyond offline PDF to Word conversion, Xodo PDF Studio lets you seamlessly edit, organize, OCR, secure, sign, and 

Here’s how to quickly convert a PDF to Word using Xodo's online converter:

OCR is automatically applied to convert scanned PDF.

Xodo’s intuitive interface makes it easy for first-time users to export PDF to Word without hassle. Plus, the converter works in any web browser, on any device, and across all operating systems - no need to install Adobe Acrobat or additional software.

You can convert one PDF file for free each day, with limited access to features like batch conversion. 

 and premium features. You can cancel at any time.

Convert PDF to Word on mobile without Adobe

Easily convert PDFs to Word on Android and iPhone devices with the Xodo app:

Choose the file you want to convert and tap on 

: PDF to Word conversion is a premium feature. Start a free trial to unlock this and other premium features, including PDF redaction, batch conversion, advanced file compression, reading mode annotations, and more.

Benefits of using Xodo over Adobe Acrobat

Xodo offers several advantages over Adobe Acrobat Pro when it comes to converting PDFs to Word:

: Xodo is significantly more affordable than Adobe Acrobat, with subscription costs reduced by up to 50%. It offers excellent value for your money and volume discounts, making it an ideal solution for 

: Xodo tools are available online, on Windows, Mac, Linux desktops, and Android and iOS mobile, offering flexibility for both individual and business users.

: Xodo PDF Studio offers offline PDF to Word conversion, prioritizing privacy and security. This essential feature reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, making it ideal for industries with strict data protection requirements.

Yes, you can convert a PDF to Word for free using Xodo's online PDF to Word converter. You can automatically convert one file per day at no cost.

Can I edit a PDF without converting it to Word?

If you prefer editing your PDF directly rather than converting it to Word, you can use Xodo PDF Studio or Xodo's 

 to modify and update your document without the need for Microsoft Word.

Is it possible to convert a scanned PDF to Word?

Yes, Xodo tools include a built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) engine that allows you to convert scanned PDF files into an editable document on any platform.

Can I export PDFs to Word without losing formatting?

Yes, you can use any of Xodo's tools to accurately export PDF into Word without losing the original formatting, ensuring that the document's layout and structure are preserved.

How can I convert multiple PDFs to Word at once?

You can use Xodo's online conversion tools and mobile apps to batch convert multiple PDF files into Word documents quickly and efficiently.

After converting your PDF file to Word using any of Xodo’s tools, simply open the converted .docx file in Microsoft Word to begin editing.

If you don’t have access to MS Word, you can use Xodo’s online editor to 

Converting PDFs to Word documents without Adobe Acrobat is quick, efficient, and hassle-free with Xodo tools.

Whether you prefer offline desktop software, quick online conversions, or working on the go with your mobile device, Xodo provides a versatile solution for accurate document conversion.

Simply choose the Xodo tool that best suits your workflow and start converting and editing your files today:

For all-in-one access to Xodo’s suite of tools, subscribe to the Xodo Document Suite and enjoy a single subscription for everything. Visit our 

How to Convert PDF to Word without Adobe Acrobat

Discover how to extract important data from PDF to Excel without losing formatting using Xodo PDF Studio – a fast, secure, and accurate offline PDF converter.

Imagine you’ve just received an important financial report in PDF format. You need to extract the numbers and analyze them in Microsoft Excel, but copying and pasting just messes up the formatting.

You could try using an online converter, but you don’t want to upload confidential data to external servers.

Many professionals and businesses face this frustration daily. Whether you’re dealing with invoices, budgets, or research data, accurately converting PDFs to Excel is a must.

a powerful PDF to Excel converter you can use completely offline on all major operating systems.

Follow these simple steps to convert a PDF into Excel in seconds with Xodo PDF Studio:

 on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.

Xodo PDF Studio is powered by a business-grade 

, enabling you to precisely convert PDF files to XLSX spreadsheets locally, no data leaves your computer.

Additionally, Xodo PDF Studio solves common challenges, such as extracting PDF tables from scanned documents using advanced OCR technology, and converting multiple files in one go.

How to convert scanned PDF into editable Excel with OCR

To convert a scanned PDF into fully editable spreadsheet, follow these steps:

Choose an output folder and name your new XLSX file.

The original column and row structure is preserved – no manual data entry required.

Xodo PDF Studio utilizes an advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) engine to transform your scanned PDF document into an editable Excel file. 

Here's how to convert several PDF files into editable Excel spreadsheets:

 and download your converted Excel files.

By opening each file in a new tab, you can easily switch between them and convert them in just a few clicks – making the process quick and manageable for files that aren't in large batches.

While this is not a bulk conversion feature, this method allows you to efficiently convert multiple PDFs one at a time. 

Why choose Xodo PDF Studio for PDF to Excel conversion?

When converting PDFs to Excel, you need a tool that’s accurate, efficient, and safe. 

Xodo PDF Studio is designed to meet these needs, making it a top choice for professionals and businesses who require precise data extraction.

: Your data stays on your device, ensuring privacy.

: Maintains formatting and structure for seamless Excel analysis.

: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux for ultimate flexibility.

: Convert large PDFs to Excel without restrictions.

: Edit, redact, OCR, optimize, and sign documents – all offline.

: Try free for 7 days before you buy to experience the benefits firsthand.

With Xodo PDF Studio, you gain full control over your documents while ensuring the highest level of accuracy and security. 

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about converting PDFs to Excel and how Xodo PDF Studio can help streamline the process.

How can I keep formatting when converting PDF to Excel?

With Xodo PDF Studio, you can preserve the original formatting when converting PDFs to Excel, ensuring that columns, fonts, and cell structures remain intact 

Yes. With Xodo PDF Studio you can export PDF to Excel locally, 100% offline, ensuring your important data stays private on your computer.

How do I copy from PDF to Excel manually?

You can manually copy from a PDF to Excel by following these steps:

Select the table in your PDF using your mouse.

Open your Excel spreadsheet and select the target cell.

: This method often requires manual adjustments to fix formatting issues. 

For a faster and more accurate conversion, we recommend using a PDF to Excel converter like Xodo PDF Studio, which preserves table structure and formatting automatically.

Yes, you can convert Excel back to PDF with Xodo PDF Studio. Just follow these steps:

Alternatively, in Microsoft Excel, you can go to 

How to convert PDF to Excel without Adobe?

You don’t need Adobe Acrobat to convert PDFs into Excel. With Xodo PDF Studio, you can accurately convert PDF files to Excel without losing formatting.

, Xodo PDF Studio offers equally powerful tools to convert, edit, and manage your PDFs on Windows, Mac, and even Linux.

Can I convert PDF to Excel online for free?

Xodo PDF Studio is an offline PDF to Excel converter, meaning it only works locally on your device without an internet connection.

However, you can use our web-based tool to 

. The online PDF tool allows one free conversion per day. 

Convert your files securely offline with Xodo PDF Studio

a fast, secure, and accurate tool available on all major platforms.

Whether you're handling financial reports, complex tables, or scanned PDFs, Xodo PDF Studio ensures precise conversions while keeping your data protected and private.

Ready to simplify your workflow? Download the free demo of Xodo PDF Studio and see how it handles your PDF files with ease!

Learn how to easily extract text from PDF files using Xodo’s PDF to Text converter tool. With just a few clicks, you can convert native and scanned PDF documents into editable text files instantly.

Believe it or not, being able to extract all text from PDFs is a skill worth having. While the task may seem simple, getting it accurately done is key.

Are you dissecting academic papers? Analyzing reports? Investigating data? Converting PDF to text will give you the flexibility to focus solely on the data you need.

Well, our guide below will take a detailed look at converting PDF to text the easy way. We’ll show you how to convert PDF to text online and how to convert scanned PDF to text, as well.

Join us as we go over the easiest way to transform your PDFs into editable text files and take your document management workflow to the next level!

It only requires a few clicks to convert PDF to TXT with Xodo online – it's that simple. Follow these steps:

4. Once the conversion is done, click on the 

button to save your file to your device. Or select to save your text files to Google Drive or Xodo Drive.

Scanned PDFs are essentially images of text, rather than actual text itself. As such, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is required to analyze and then

Fortunately, Xodo’s PDF to Text tool has the advanced 

 technology built right in, which means you can get a seamless and accurate conversion of scanned PDFs to text right on the spot.

To do so, just follow the same steps above, but with a scanned PDF. The quality of the output will depend on the quality of the scanned document itself, though. 

So, when converting scanned PDFs, ensure the image PDF contains clear text, readable fonts, and that the text is properly aligned on the page.

The best part about using Xodo is that unlike other quick upload and convert tools online, Xodo is a platform that provides you with an online workspace for  converting, managing and working with your documents. Here’s a look.

Customize how you work in the Xodo interface

You have a few ways to tailor how you work with Xodo, the conversion set up, your files. You can:

List and Grid view options let you visually work. Toggle the view option icon in the right-hand corner to work with your files as icon thumbnails or as a list.

Do a last-minute check to see if the file you uploaded is, indeed, the right one. Click on the Eye icon to get a good quick look at the pages in the file.

 Realized you accidentally uploaded the wrong PDF? No problem. Just click on the Garbage icon to remove it.

You also get to decide the order in which your files are converted. Just click and drag the file icon or click on the double-line handle to move the file where you want it.

 Need to convert more than one PDF? A Xodo Pro account will let you upload multiple files at once. Simply drag and drop them in or click on 

Save and access your digital documents with Xodo Drive

Included with Xodo is, of course, a cloud storage space – Xodo Drive. Here you can store any of the files you work with or process with Xodo’s tools your files.

You can do a number of things to manage your uploaded and processed files:

Instantly open your file in any of Xodo’s tools

View your documents directly while in Xodo Drive

Share a copy of your file via a sharing link

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