Better Greyscale Images

Today class, a simple lesson in achieving a higher quality greyscale image.

If you have an image that is in RGB or CMYK mode and you want it to be a sharp looking B&W, rather then simply going straight to greyscale, first convert it to Lab Colour. Then while in Lab, go to your Channels window and delete the last two channels. Your image will now be in B&W. Now you can convert it to greyscale.

Now I know all you skeptics who just tried it didnt see a lick of difference. The truth is, rarely are you going to see a dramatic change, rather it is very subtle, but the improved quality is there. The greys are a bit richer then before. It also depends on your image as well. This was a tip given to me from a professional PS user, so I just take his word for it. Anyways, just thought I'd share.

Woot thanks for that tech...i'd try it!

I have use this one for a time now...

I notice than theis technique allow you to get mor details of you graysscale (so an image with a lot of sine destaisl really archive better rsul with this technique)

Often the image also look a bit lighter...

You can even improve the quality of the images with chanel mixing (good if the image as predominent color) but its get far more complicated...

Aslo...often than not the difirence of more lcean on printed images!

Lab is the only way to go for sharp color correction of photography, as well.

You can always convert your BW image back to CMYK and tint it, too. Makes for really nice pastel-looking photos.

good tip. Nice to see some advanced lingo.