Despite the modern photography technology, black-and-white photos aren't going anywhere soon. These photos have been around for centuries and are only becoming more popular nowadays. They capture the timeless charm of in-depth emotion and the artistic touch of any image. Today, many tools can help you create black-and-white photos, including converting your standard smartphone camera photo into a monochrome image. So, we'll help you find the best black and white photo editor by reviewing and comparing several solutions. Simply choose one that aligns with your photography needs.
In this article
Part 1: Black and White Photo Editor
![Black and white photo vs. color](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black1.jpg)
The history of black-and-white photography dates back to the 1820s when the first photoetching was achieved. Since then, the photography industry has significantly changed to include colored 4K photos with ultra-realistic clarity. Still, black and white images reign supreme with their timeless charm that captures raw emotions. It highlights textures and contrasts perfectly, making it a favorite medium in artistic imagery.
Today, you can use a B&W photo editor to transform any standard photo into a black-and-white picture. This has become even more seamless with the AI technology, which allows tools to auto-scan photos and apply B&W filters. So, continue reading to discover why you should include a black-and-white image editor in your photography applications.
Part 2: Why Use an Online Black and White Photo Editor
![Black and white photo vs. color](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black2.jpg)
We can all agree that most photographers still decide to shoot black-and-white photos in this digital era. So, why should you create a B&W photo when you can easily take a crisp-clear colored image? Let's discuss a few reasons below.
- Focus on elements: The main reason for creating a black and white photo is to focus on fewer elements. By taking the colors away, the main elements in your image can take the central focus. This may work brilliantly, especially when taking outdoor or animal photos.
- Create a nostalgic feel: Nostalgia is another reason to use an online black and white picture editor. These photos often carry with them big memories that may act as a visual bridge. So, you can use a B&W image editor to relive the beautiful past moments.
- No downloads: Sometimes your computer may not have enough storage space to install a black-and-white editor. Don't worry because you can still create nostalgic and artistic photo moments with an online solution. Simply fire up your browser to create photos.
- Create photos on any device: It doesn't matter whether you want to create a black-and-white image on your smartphone or computer. Online image editors can add a black and white filter to your photos on any device. Some programs also support cloud editing.
- Easy to use: Gone are the days when you needed full image editing knowledge to create a B&W image. Modern image editing tools are easy to use, especially online options. The user interface is designed with beginners in mind.
Part 3: Top Free Online Black and White Photo Editors
Now you have every reason to start creating monochrome photos. Next, let's discuss the top 5 tools to create black-and-white images without breaking a sweat. Below are our top picks:
1. Fotor Black and White Image Editor
![fotor-black-and-white-photo-editor](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-1.jpg)
Fotor is among the most beginner-friendly black-and-white image editors. The minimalistic design is excitingly simple, inviting you to create stunning monochrome photos effortlessly. It offers professional-grade features for adjusting photo brightness, contrast, and exposure to enhance detail. Moreover, Fotor offers customizable black-and-white filters to help you achieve diverse artistic effects with just a few clicks. However, you must choose a subscription plan to get your free trial.
Key features of Fotor Black and White Image Editor:
- Customizable Filters: Fotor offers a variety of pre-designed filters to achieve different monochrome effects.
- Advanced Adjustment Tools: This program provides options to fine-tune image brightness, contrast, shadows, tint, and exposure.
- Cross-Platform Support: Fotor lets you edit photos on the go using its web application to ensure convenience and flexibility.
- Batch Processing: It offers the ability to simultaneously apply edits or filters to multiple photos. This can save time and effort when handling numerous images.
2. LunaPic Black and White
![lunapic-black-and-white-photo-editor](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-2.jpg)
Are you uncomfortable with Fotor's subscription model? You can use LunaPic's Black and White Image Editor to edit your photos for free. You won't pay anything or link your card before creating B&W photos. This versatile and user-friendly tool can help you create stunning images with adjustable brightness, contrast, and saturation. You can add tags and edit your image even further before downloading it.
Key features of LunaPic Black and White:
- Customizable Adjustments: LunaPic lets you fine-tune your photo's brightness, contrast, and sharpness for a polished look.
- Additional Filters and Effects: You can customize the generated photo with sepia tones, vintage effects, artistic filters, and other enhancements.
- Browser-Based and Free: LunaPic is 100% free to use. Also, you don't need to download any software to edit photos.
- Support for Various Formats: Upload and edit images in multiple file types, including PNG, JPEG, and GIF.
3. PhotoRoom Black and White Image Editor
![photoroom-black-and-white-photo-editor](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-3.jpg)
PhotoRoom's Black and White Filter is another free program for creating timeless monochrome visuals. Just upload your photo and apply the black-and-white filter to enhance its appeal. This tool can help you minimize photography distractions while emphasizing key features. PhotoRoom also offers customization options, allowing adjustments to contrast and brightness. And yes, you don't need special skills to make photo black and white online with PhotoRoom.
Key features of PhotoRoom:
- Fast Rendering: This program can instantly transform your standard images into elegant B&W visuals with a single click.
- Adjustable Contrast and Brightness: PhotoRoom lets you customize the filter to enhance shadows, highlights, and depth.
- Background Removal: You can easily remove or replace image backgrounds for a cleaner and more polished look.
- Free and User-Friendly Interface: This beginner-friendly tool provides top-quality photos at absolutely zero cost.
4. GifGit Grayscale Image Editor
![gifgit-black-and-white-photo-editor](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-4.jpg)
You can also use Gifgit Grayscale Image Editor to instantly create black and white photos. It's a beginner-friendly tool that allows you to create B&W photos by simply moving the slider. This platform supports various file formats, including JPEG and PNG, ensuring compatibility with most images. Besides grayscale conversion, Gifgit offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, such as brightness and contrast adjustments. It's really a fun and simple program.
Key features of Gifgift Grayscale Image Editor:
- Grayscale Conversion: Easily transform images into grayscale with adjustable intensity for a custom monochrome look.
- Simple Slider Controls: Gifgit lets you fine-tune the grayscale effect quickly and intuitively using an on-screen slider.
- Multiple Format Support: Compatible with popular file types like JPEG, PNG, and BMP for seamless uploads and edits.
- Additional Editing Tools: Includes essential features like brightness and contrast adjustments as well as artistic filters.
5. ResizePixel Black and White Image Editor
![resizepixel-black-and-white-photo-edito](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-5.jpg)
Lastly, you can use ResizePixel's Black and White Image Converter to transform color images into monochrome visuals for free. With this browser-based tool, you only need to upload a photo to convert it to shades of gray or pure black and white to enhance focus and clarity. It supports various file formats, including JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP, TIFF, and BMP. This ensures compatibility with most images.
Key features of ResizePixel:
- Instant Black and White Conversion: Effortlessly turn color images into black-and-white with a mere button click.
- Customizable Options: Choose between grayscale tones or pure black-and-white for different visual effects.
- Broad Format Support: This software is compatible with various file types, including JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP.
- User-Friendly Interface: ResizePixel boasts an intuitive design for hassle-free image editing and conversion.
Part 4: Tips for Enhancing Your Black and White Photos
Finding the best free black and white photo editor is only getting half the job done. The most important task lies in retouching your photos to ensure professional quality. So, below, we'll share a few tips for getting the best results.
- Adjust Contrast and Brightness: You can start by increasing the image contrast and brightness to make the shadows and highlights stand out, giving your photo more texture.
- Use Filters Intelligently: You can apply subtle filters like sepia or grain to add texture and mood to your photo. Remember, your black-and-white photos need an artistic feel.
- Focus on the Composition: Your photos must have a strong composition because there are no color gradients. Always focus on light and shadows for the best effect.
- Sharpen the Details: Sharpening key elements can bring out textures and make your B&W photo appear more defined and crisp.
Bonus Tip: Virbo's AI Image Generator for B&W Photo Creation
Are you looking for a program that gives you more image-generation control? Consider using Wondershare Virbo AI Image Generator. It's a beginner-friendly online tool that lets you create images from text prompts or existing photos. You only need to tell this software what to do and let it handle the heavy lifting. The beauty of using this tool to create B&W software is that it supports many languages. Therefore, use it to bring your B&W imagination to life.
Below is how to use Virbo AI to create B&W photos:
Step 1: Install Virbo AI on your Android phone or iPhone. Once installed, sign up, then choose the AI Photo Generator feature under AI Tools.
![virbo-black-and-white-editor](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-6.jpg)
Step 2: Now describe your image idea, then choose your preferred art style. You can also select the aspect ratio.
![virbo-black-and-white--editor-description](https://images.wondershare.com/virbo/article/2024/black-and-white-photo-editor-7.jpg)
Step 3: Tap the Generate Now button to create your black and white photo. Preview the picture and download it once the generation process is successful.
Below are some key features of Virbo AI Image Generator:
- Easy to Use: Virbo AI is ideal for users who need quick photo editor color to black and white. It's effortless to use.
- Creative Style Options: This tool lets you explore many art styles to bring out the perfect B&W photo ideas.
- Text-to-Image Creation: Virbo uses AI technology to simplify your B&W image creation process. It can convert your text ideas into smashing photos.
- Customizable Parameters: After generating your B&W photo, Virbo AI lets you customize settings like brightness, contrast, and texture.
Conclusion
Now you are ready to start creating B&W photos with the tools we have recommended. With an online black and white photo editor, you don't need to install any software to add B&W effects to your standard pictures. We also recommended trying Virbo AI to create top-quality pictures with mere text descriptions. Just tell Virbo AI how you want your black and white photo to look and see your ideas come to life. It's a must-try!
FAQs
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What is a black and white photo called?
A black and white photo is sometimes called a monochrome or grayscale image. That's because monochrome images only use a single color, whereas grayscale photos have shades of gray only.
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How do I turn a picture into black and white?
Today, many tools can transform photos into black-and-white pictures. Simply upload your image, then choose the B&W or grayscale effect.
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How to get the perfect black and white photo?
Focus on strong contrast and good lighting to get the perfect black-and-white photo. In addition, you can enhance details with sharpening and adjust exposure and brightness. Don't forget to experiment with filters to create mood.