How to Convert Color Images to Grayscale

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As a computer user, you may occasionally encounter tasks that you think you might need to buy or download software to complete, when the software necessary to do so is actually on your computer already. Many simple image editing tasks fall under this category. If have a color image that you would like to convert to grayscale for artistic effect or easier printing, you can use the Paint application included with Windows to accomplish this task without the need for additional software.

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Step 1

Click the blue Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu.

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Step 2

Click in the box labeled "Search programs and files" at the bottom of the menu and type the word "paint."

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Step 3

Click "Paint" under the "Programs" category when Windows completes the search. The Windows Paint application appears.

Step 4

Click the blue button in the upper-left corner of the Paint window and select "Open" on the drop-down menu that appears.

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Step 5

Navigate to the location where you are storing the color image that you would like to convert to grayscale. Double-click the image. The picture appears in the Paint window.

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Step 6

Click the blue button in the corner of the window a second time and select "Properties" on the drop-down menu.

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Step 7

Select the "Black and White" radio button under the "Colors" category on the right side of the window.

Step 8

Click "OK" twice. Paint converts the color image to grayscale.

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Step 9

Click the blue button and select "Save As." In order to retain the original color image, type a different name for the converted grayscale image before clicking the "Save" button.

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