How to convert an image or vector into black and white with Illustrator in 2024

By Muhammad Atif

How to convert an image or vector into black and white with Illustrator in 2024

Introduction

Adobe Illustrator is an excellent tool for graphic designing and modifying images. Converting a color image to black and white can enhance its visual impact and make it look more refined.

In this article, we will guide you on using Adobe Illustrator to transform a colored image into a stunning black-and-white masterpiece.

If you are facing a problem trying to recolor any vector in Illustrator, which automatically turns into grayscale color, find here Why Color Turns into Grayscale Color in Illustrator?

Overview

Select the image and go to Edit > Edit Colors > Convert to Grayscale in Illustrator to make a photo black and white. Alternatively, you can render the image black and white using the saturated tool to reduce the saturation to zero.

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To make an image black and white using Adobe Illustrator, you can follow these steps:

Open your image in Illustrator
Select the image
Apply the black and white color mode
Adjust the color balance
Save the modified image

Open your image in Illustrator

Launch Adobe Illustrator
Choose the image you want to turn black and white by choosing “File” > “Open.”

Select the image

To choose an image from the canvas, click on it.

Apply the black and white color mode

Go to the ‘’Edit’’ menu.
Select ‘’Edit Colors’’ then choose ‘’Convert to Grayscale’’.

Adjust the color balance

Select Edit Colors from the drop-down list under the Edit menu on the main toolbar, then click Adjust Color Balance.
Check the Preview and Convert options in the window that appears, and then use the slider to change how much of your image is dark. Click OK when you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Save the modified image

When you’re finished creating the black-and-white version of the image, you may save it by selecting “File” > “Save” or “File” > “Save As.” Suppose you haven’t saved your file before.

That’s it! You should now see your image in black and white. With this technique, the image is directly converted to grayscale mode, thus removing its color information and turning it into a black-and-white image.

Different Ways to make an Image black and white in Illustrator

Here are following 3 ways to make an image black and white in Adobe Illustrator

Convert to grayscale
Desaturate
Adjust the color balance

Method 1: Convert to Grayscale

The first method for converting an image to black and white in Illustrator is to select it using the Selection Tool and go to:

place-image-in-illustrator — Place an image in Illustrator using Shift + Ctrl + P

Open adobe illustrator
Choose the image by clicking ‘’File’’> ‘’Open’’. or use the shortcut “Shift+COMMAND+P” (MAC) “Shift+Ctrl+P” (Windows).
Go to the edit menu, select ‘’Edit Colors’’ then choose ‘’Convert to Grayscale’’.

This is perhaps the quickest and most straightforward method for converting images to grayscale.

It should be noted that this technique is not limited to images alone; it also functions with vector objects.

Method 2: Desaturate an Image or Vector Artwork using the Saturate Option

Click ‘’V’’ to activate the selection tool. To select your image, click it, then choose “Embed”. Select “Edit,” “Edit Colors,” and then “Saturate…” The “Intensity” slider should be adjusted after selecting the preview box. Click “OK” for the final step.

There is a new option In Edit > Edit Color > Generative Recolor in Illustrator that you should try to recolor your artwork. Adobe Firefly’s Generative Recolor (Beta) feature allows easy vector artwork recoloring through simple prompts in Illustrator on a desktop.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1

By selecting “File” > “Place,” you can import the image you want to convert to black and white into Adobe Illustrator.

Step 2

To select an image or vector artwork, locate and choose the Selection tool from the toolbar on the left side of your screen. Alternatively, you can use the “V” keyboard shortcut for quick access. This method works for both Image and Vector artwork selection.

Step 3

Select “Edit,” then “Edit Colors” from the taskbar at the top of the screen, and then select “Saturate”.

Step 4

Select the preview box.

Step 5

To adjust the saturation of an image or vector artwork, use the Intensity slider in the “Saturate” option.

Moving the slider to the left will desaturate the image and turn it grayscale while moving it to the right will increase the intensity of the colors and make it more saturated.

Step 6

Select “OK” by clicking when the color saturation of your image meets your standards.

Method 3: Adjust color balance

You have more control over this option’s level of black in your image than any other. This technique automatically transforms your image to monochrome and lets you customize the color tones.

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