# Grayscale PDF: Arthize vs Smallpdf

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/smallpdf/grayscale-pdf_

To convert a PDF to grayscale, Arthize offers a free, private grayscale pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Smallpdf. Converting a PDF to grayscale removes colour from every page, which cuts file size and prepares a document for black-and-white printing.

## Arthize's grayscale pdf vs Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a popular freemium web-based PDF toolkit. Smallpdf offers a clean set of web tools on a freemium model with usage limits on the free tier.

**Arthize's approach:** Converting a PDF to grayscale removes colour from every page, which cuts file size and prepares a document for black-and-white printing.

- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- A one-time lifetime option instead of only monthly billing.

## How to convert a PDF to grayscale with Arthize

Grayscale conversion removes colour from every page.

It prepares documents for black-and-white printing.

It can reduce size on colour-heavy scans.

## How to convert a PDF to grayscale with Arthize

1. **Open the tool** — Sign in and open the grayscale tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the colour document.
3. **Convert** — Arthize converts all pages to grayscale.
4. **Download** — Get a grayscale PDF.

## FAQ

### Is Arthize a good Smallpdf alternative to convert a PDF to grayscale?

Yes. Converting a PDF to grayscale removes colour from every page, which cuts file size and prepares a document for black-and-white printing. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. Smallpdf is a well-designed option, especially for occasional one-off conversions.

### How do I convert a PDF to grayscale?

Converting a PDF to grayscale removes colour from every page, which cuts file size and prepares a document for black-and-white printing. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Will grayscale reduce my PDF's file size?

Converting a PDF to grayscale removes colour from every page, which cuts file size and prepares a document for black-and-white printing. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.