Black-and-white printing, often called grayscale, tells the printer to avoid full color output. It is useful for drafts, forms, schoolwork, and saving color ink, though some inkjet printers may still use small amounts of color ink for maintenance or richer gray tones.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if you want plain black text, need to stop a document from printing in color, or are confused by grayscale, black ink only, and draft settings.
Print in black and white on Windows
The exact wording depends on the driver, but the option is usually in printer preferences.
- Open the file and press Ctrl + P.
- Choose your printer, then open Printer Properties or Preferences.
- Look for Color, Paper/Quality, or Advanced settings.
- Choose Black and White, Grayscale, or Black Ink Only if available.
- Confirm and print.
Print in black and white on Mac
macOS shows different printer options depending on the driver.
- Open the file and press Command + P.
- Click Show Details if needed.
- Open the printer options dropdown and look for Quality, Color Options, or Printer Features.
- Choose Grayscale, Black & White, or Black Ink Only.
- Print a short test page if the document matters.
More control
Grayscale is not always black ink only
Some inkjets mix color ink to make smoother gray shades. If you want to preserve color cartridges, look specifically for Black Ink Only or Mono if your driver offers it.
Draft mode saves more ink
For internal documents, combine grayscale with draft or economy mode. Output will be lighter but uses less ink.
Some printers require color cartridges installed
Many inkjets refuse to print, even in black, if a color cartridge is empty or missing because the printhead needs all cartridges installed.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Print in Black and White (2025)
- Apple Support – Print from Mac (2025)
- HP Support – Print with Black Ink Only (2025)