print pdf in black and white mac

Save Ink: Print PDF Black & White on Mac

By Joseph LewisJanuary 24, 2026

Looking to print a document in black and white on your Mac? You're in the right place. We'll guide you through the process, ensuring your text and images print in monochrome to save ink and improve readability. Let's dive in.

Before we begin, ensure you have the document you want to print open on your Mac. We'll use the Preview application for this guide, as it's a built-in tool that supports a wide range of file formats.

Accessing Print Settings in Preview

Preview is Apple's built-in PDF viewer and image viewer. Here's how to access its print settings:

How to Print in Black and White Format on Mac macOS 26

what if it all works out? written in black ink on an old newspaper page

1. Open the Preview application. You can find it in Applications > Preview, or use Spotlight Search (press Command + Space, then type 'Preview').

2. With your document open, click on 'File' in the menu bar, then select 'Print' (or press Command + P). The Print dialog box will appear.

an image of a computer screen with the text note pad highlighted in black and white

Changing Print Settings to Black and White

Now that you're in the Print dialog box, let's change the print settings to black and white:

1. In the dialog box, look for the 'Mode' dropdown menu. It's usually in the bottom-left corner, next to 'Copies & Pages' and 'Paper Size & Handling' vignettes.

2. Click on 'Mode' and select 'Black and White' (or 'ColorSync Gray'). Your document will now print in black and white.

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a black and white photo of a cheetah standing in front of a white background

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three black and white images of mouths with teeth

Printing Duplex (Double-Sided) for Further Ink Savings

If you're printing multiple pages, consider duplex printing to save paper and reduce clutter:

1. In the Print dialog box, look for the 'Paper Handling' dropdown menu, usually located next to the 'Mode' dropdown.

2. Select 'Paper Handling', then click on 'Duplex'. Choose either 'Long-Edge Binding' or 'Short-Edge Binding', depending on how you want your pages to be bound.

the front and side view of a race car, with instructions for all parts to be assembled

the back end of a silver car with red lettering on it's tail lights

3. If you want to print an odd number of pages or prefer to see odd-numbered pages on the right side, select 'Automatic'. If you want to flip the direction, choose 'Manual' and select the appropriate flipping option.

Understanding Ink Savings and Readability

Printing in black and white isn't just easy on your ink cartridge; it also improves readability. Black text on a white background is universally accepted as the most readable format, making it ideal for documents like reports, articles, and even images containing text.

Moreover, printing in black and white is more environmentally friendly. It reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing ink usage and paper consumption.

When to Print in Color

While black and white is generally the best option, there are times when color might be necessary. These include:

Design documents, like invitations, logos, or marketing materials.
Documents that rely heavily on visual images or charts, where color distinguishes data.
Projects where you need to match or print specific Pantone colors.

Remember, printing in color uses more ink and depletes your cartridge faster. It's always a good idea to consider if color is truly necessary before printing.

And there you have it! You're now equipped to print documents in black and white on your Mac, saving ink, paper, and the environment. Happy printing!