To convert an image to monochrome (black and white) in Photoshop, you primarily use the Channel Mixer adjustment.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Open your image in Photoshop.
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Navigate to the Image Menu: Go to the top menu bar and click on "Image."
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Select Adjustments: From the "Image" dropdown menu, select "Adjustments."
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Choose Channel Mixer: In the "Adjustments" submenu, choose "Channel Mixer." This will open the Channel Mixer dialog box.
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Enable Monochrome: At the bottom of the Channel Mixer dialog box, check the "Monochrome" box.
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Adjust the Channels (Red, Green, Blue): This is where you control the tonal range of your monochrome image. Adjust the sliders for the Red, Green, and Blue channels. The sum of the percentages should ideally be 100% to maintain consistent brightness. Experiment to find the look you desire. Different images will require different channel mixes. For instance, if you want to brighten the sky, you might increase the Blue channel.
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Adjust Constant (Optional): The Constant slider allows you to further adjust the overall brightness of the image. Be careful with this slider, as extreme adjustments can clip highlights or shadows.
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Click "OK": Once you are satisfied with the monochrome conversion, click "OK" to apply the changes.
Alternative Methods (Briefly):
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Grayscale Mode:
Image > Mode > Grayscale. This is a destructive method (it permanently discards color information), and doesn't offer as much control as the Channel Mixer. -
Black & White Adjustment Layer:
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Black & White. Similar to Channel Mixer, this is a non-destructive method that allows you to adjust the contribution of each color channel. -
Desaturate:
Image > Adjustments > Desaturate. This simply removes all the color from the image, but often results in a flat, uninteresting monochrome conversion.
The Channel Mixer offers the most control over the final look of your monochrome image.
