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Grayscale strips all color from an image, leaving only tones of gray for a classic black-and-white result. Add the e_grayscale token to the transform segment of any delivery URL:
Grayscale image

How does it work?

e_grayscale is a flag token — it takes no value. It removes color information entirely, mapping every pixel to its gray equivalent. For threshold-based black-or-white output where each pixel becomes pure black or pure white, use e_blackwhite instead. To flip an image to its negative, use e_invert.

When to use it

  • Produce timeless black-and-white photography.
  • Draw attention to composition and lighting over color.
  • Give product shots an elegant, minimal look.
  • Create dramatic, classic portraits.

How do you combine it with other effects?

Chain grayscale with contrast and structure to keep detail from going flat. We recommend pairing it with a contrast level around 40, because removing color tends to reduce apparent separation between tones (e.g. e_grayscale,e_contrast:40).
Grayscale with contrast and structure

Next steps

Contrast

Widen or narrow the gap between light and dark areas with e_contrast.

Saturation

Reduce color intensity short of full grayscale with e_saturation.

Sharpen

Define edges and detail with e_sharpen.

All effects

Browse every effect token and how they combine.