how to print not colored

How to Print in Black and White

By Ashley MillerJanuary 31, 2026

Are you looking to save on ink or perhaps print content for visually impaired individuals who prefer text in certain colors or grayscale? Then you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll show you how to print documents without any color. Here's how you can do it right, whether you're using a printer or printing to PDF.

Understanding how to print documents without color is essential in various scenarios. You might want to keep your printer ink usage to a minimum, or perhaps you need to print content for someone with a visual impairment who prefers text in a specific style or color.

Modifying Printer Properties for Grayscale or Black and White

Most printers allow you to change their default settings to print in grayscale or black and white only. This option is usually found in your printer's properties or preferences. Here's how you can do it:

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1. First, open your document you wish to print. Navigate to the 'File' menu, then 'Print'.

For Windows Users

1. Click on the 'Properties' button (usually located at the bottom of the dialog box).

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2. In the 'Color Options' section, select 'Grayscale' or 'Black and White' depending on your printer's options.

For Mac Users

1. MacOS offers an 'And Other Options...' button in the print dialog box. Click on it.

2. Under the 'PDF' heading, tick the box next to 'Black and White'.

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Using Adobe Acrobat or Preview to Print Black and White

If you're working with PDF documents, you can also use Adobe Acrobat or Preview to print in black and white. Here's how:

1. Open your PDF document.

Using Adobe Acrobat

1. Click on 'Print' or press Command + P.

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2. In the 'Color Management' section, choose 'Grayscale' from the drop-down menu.

Using Preview on MacOS

1. Open your PDF, then click on 'Print' or use the shortcut Command + P.

2. Click on the 'Show Details' button. In the 'Color/Matching' section, select 'Black and White'.

Adjusting your printer settings or using software like Adobe Acrobat or Preview allows you to conserve ink and opt for black-and-white prints when necessary. Now you know how to print without color, you're ready to make that savings in both ink and cash.

Remember, it's always a good idea to set your printer back to its default settings once you're done to avoid accidental color-less prints in the future. Happy printing!