Convert Images to Black and White in the GIMP Application

Edited by Freya, VisiHow, Eng

You're watching VisiHow. In this tutorial, we're going to show you how to apply the grayscale effect on an image in GIMP in Windows 7.

Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas109 01.jpg

Steps

  1. 1
    You should have the program open and an image ready to use
    .
    You can refer to our other tutorials to find out exactly how to do that before we proceed.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas7 162.jpg
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  2. 2
    First, click "Colors" at the top of the window
    .
    You may need to move the "Toolbox" window to see the menu.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas43 047.jpg
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  3. 3
    Then, click "Desaturate..."
    .
    Its icon on the left is grey and blue. A dialogue box will appear with a preview of the default saturation.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas50 287.jpg
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  4. 4
    If you're satisfied with the selections, click "OK"
    .
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas69 291.jpg
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  5. 5
    You can choose how you want your image to be desaturated from the options
    .
    The selections are "Lightness, "Luminosity", and "Average". Those vary slightly, depending upon on what part you would like to focus your desaturation.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas85 911.jpg
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  6. 6
    Ensure that the "Preview" box is checked
    .
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas97 388113.jpg
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  7. 7
    Once you are satisfied with the chosen saturation, click "OK"
    .
    This will apply your changes.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas101 691.jpg
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  8. 8
    You can also click "Reset" to reset the settings
    .
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas104 368113.jpg
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  9. 9
    Then, edit brightness and contrast if needed
    .
    There are other VisiHow tutorials on how to do that.
    Greyscale an image on GIMP.mp4-canvas120 148113.jpg
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This is a VisiHow tutorial, and we've just shown you how to use the greyscale effect on an image in GIMP in Windows 7. If you have any questions or comments regarding this tutorial or the program used, just add them to the section below. Thank you for choosing VisiHow!

Video: Convert Images to Black and White in the GIMP Application

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Categories : Software

Recent edits by: VisiHow, Freya

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