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Why Can’t I Make an Image Black and White in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 23, 2022 @ 8:54 pm

There are a few different ways to convert an image to black and white in Photoshop, but they all have their own specific use cases. The most common way to convert an image to black and white is to use the desaturate command, which can be found under the image menu.

This will desaturate the image, but it won’t actually change the color values of the pixels themselves.

To truly convert an image to black and white, you need to use one of the following methods:

PRO TIP: If you are trying to make an image black and white in Photoshop, and it is not working, it is likely because you are not in the correct mode. Make sure that you are in RGB Mode, and not CMYK Mode.
  • Create a new channel
  • Use the levels or curves adjustment layer
  • Use the black and white adjustment layer

Each of these methods will give you different results, so it’s important to understand what each one does before you start using them. The most important thing to remember is that you can’t just “make an image black and white” in Photoshop – you need to use one of these methods to actually change the color values of the pixels themselves.

Why can’t I make an image black and white in Photoshop

The simple answer is that you need to use one of three specific methods in order to change an image from color to true black and white. The most common method is called desaturate, but this will only remove color from an image without changing the actual color values of each pixel.

Morgan Bash

Morgan Bash

Technology enthusiast and Co-Founder of Women Coders SF.