Changing a Picture Into Gray Scale?

It is easy to convert a color image into gray scale using standard photo editing applications that come pre-installed on both Windows and Mac computers. Windows users can use the Microsoft Office Picture Manager software to perform the color to gray scale conversion. Mac users can use the iPhoto application to complete the same task. Both applications, Picture Manager and iPhoto, are equipped with a color “saturation” adjustment tool that you can use to remove all of the color saturation from a photo. The result is a black and white -- or gray scale -- image.

Using Microsoft Office Picture Manager (For Windows Computers)

1. Import or scan the picture you want to change to gray scale into your computer. Refer to applicable user guides for instructions on how to import or scan.
2. Navigate to the directory on your computer where the image you want to modify is stored. Right click on the image file. Point to “Open With” in the shortcut menu. Select “Microsoft Office Picture Manager.”
3. Go to the “Picture” menu. Select “Color.”
4. Slide the “Saturation” slider all the way to the left. Or type “-100” in the saturation box. Your image now appears in gray scale.

Using iPhoto (For Mac Computers)

1. Import or scan the picture you want to change to gray scale into your computer. Refer to applicable user guides for instructions on how to import or scan.
2. Launch the iPhoto application. Go to the “File” menu. Select “Import from Library.” Navigate to the directory on your computer where the image you want to modify is stored. Click on the image file. Click “Import” to import the image into your iPhoto album.
3. Browse through your iPhoto album to locate the photo you want to modify. Click on the photo to select it. Click the “Edit” button in the toolbar to view the photo in edit view.
4. Go to the “Adjust” tab at the top of the edit pane. Slide the “Saturation” slider all the way to the left. Your image now appears in gray scale.