How to Convert a Color Photo to Black and White in PhotoShop

Many digital cameras now have setting that allow you to take photographs in black and white. If you want to convert a color digital image to black and white you can do that in many graphic editing programs, including Adobe Photoshop. When you convert the image, and properly save the new file, you will end up with two images - one in color and one in black and white.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Open the digital image you want to convert. In Photoshop, you will click on "File" and then on "Open". A window will open showing the files and folders on your computer. Find the image file and click on its thumbnail to open.

2. 

   Click on "Image" in the menu bar at the top of the screen. In the drop down menu that appears, click on "Adjustments" to open a new window.

3. 

   Click on "Desaturate" in the new menu that opens. This will convert the color picture to black and white.

4. 

   Save the new image by choosing the "Save As" option under "File", and give the file a new name. If you use the "Save" command or keep the orignial file name, you will copy over the color picture and will then have just the black and white version.

[tclough]

on 8/18/2009 Good explanation. Thanks for writing this.