Printing in Grayscale

Grayscale is a method of expressing an image using only shades of gray, ranging from white (the lightest) to black (the darkest).

What distinguishes grayscale from simple “black and white” or “monochrome” is the richness of its tonal range.

Digital images typically express gradation from black to white in 256 levels. By using these abundant intermediate gray tones, grayscale can reproduce smoothness, depth, and texture similar to a color photograph, even though it is monochrome.

Benefits of using Grayscale

• Cost reduction in printing: Since it can be printed using only black ink (K),printing costs can be reduced compared to full-color printing.
• Reduced file size: A full-color (RGB) image often contains 24 bits of information per pixel, whereas grayscale generally requires only 8 bits. This results in smaller file sizes.
• Expressiveness: Grayscale can render subtle shading and tonal variation that cannot be expressed with simple black-and-white graphics.

Main Uses

• Printing black-and-white photographs or illustrations: Used in magazines or books when reproducing photographic tonal quality in monochrome.
• Scanning: Useful when scanning materials where you want to retain shading in photographs while keeping data size small.
• Design groundwork: Helpful when checking contrast or brightness in a layout without the influence of color.
  
  

We apologize for the inconvenience, but the method for configuring grayscale (monochrome tonal) settings varies depending on the software and version being used.

Therefore, we kindly ask that you follow one of the methods below.

【During data creation】
Please create and adjust your data using the appropriate grayscale settings for the software you use.

【At the time of order】
If your data requires special handling, please be sure to mention this in the special instructions section when placing your order.

When preparing data for the reverse side in monochrome (1C)

If the reverse side will be printed in monochrome (one-color printing),please ensure that all data is converted to K100% (black only).

Please note that CMYK rich black or black specified in RGB may appear black on screen but are treated as four-color CMYK data.

【How to Convert to Grayscale (Monochrome)】 (Using Illustrator)

1. Unlock everything
   • Unlock all layers
   • Unlock all objects
2. Please make sure that both “Unlock All” and “Show All” are grayed out, indicating that nothing remains locked or hidden.
3. If the file contains placed images, please embed them or replace them with images already converted to grayscale.
4. Select “Select” → “Select All”, or use the Selection Tool to select the necessary objects.
   • For versions up to CS2: “Filter” → “Colors” → “Convert to Grayscale”
   • For CS3 and later: “Edit” → “Edit Colors” → “Convert to Grayscale”
     
     

Caution
Once a file is saved in grayscale, it cannot be restored to its original colors.
We recommend backing up your data before converting.
Depending on the version, the conversion may not occur correctly, so please be sure to check the results carefully.

【How to Convert to Grayscale (Monochrome)】 (Using Photoshop)

• To convert to grayscale, select “Image” → “Mode” → “Grayscale”.
• If your layers have not been merged, an alert may appear.
• Even if you choose “Do Not Merge”, conversion to grayscale is still possible, but please reopen the file afterward and confirm that the design is correct.
• A prompt will appear asking “Discard color information?”. Please select “OK”.
  
  

Caution
Once a file is saved in grayscale, it cannot be restored to its original colors.
We recommend backing up your data before converting.
Depending on the version, the conversion may not function correctly, so please check the result carefully.