Simple Ways to Print in Black and White Only on Epson Printers

PDF download Download Article
An easy-to-follow guide to print without colored ink
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to print that document or photo in black and white so you don't use your other inks? Fortunately, it's easy to print black and white or grayscale on most Epson printers to preserve your color ink. Keep in mind that not all Epson printers support black-and-white printing. This wikiHow teaches you how to print documents using black-and-white ink on an Epson printer.

Things You Should Know

  • Open the Print menu, then select "Printer Properties" or "Printer Settings."
  • Click the button next to "Black/Greyscale" and select "OK."
  • To change this to the default setting, open Control Panel and find your printer/printer preferences.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the window that pops up when you press Ctrl + P or when you start printing something.
    • If the Epson printer isn't selected, select it now.
    • If your Epson printer isn't an option, make sure you have added it correctly.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The option will be different depending on the app you're using to print. Some other options you may find are Printer Preferences or Properties' .
    • If none of these options appear, look for Setup , Printer , or Options . You should then find a Printer Properties , Properties , or Preferences here.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It should open by default, but if it doesn't, click it now.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will ensure that your Epson printer prints that document in greyscale.
    • If you don't see this option, your Epson printer does not support black-and-white printing.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Only the next printing job will be in black and white, so if you want to apply this change to the default, go to your Printer Preferences in Control Panel.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the window that pops up when you press Cmd + P or when you start printing something.
    • If needed, click the arrow next to the printer and "See Details" to expand the menu.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This should be in the section that expands from the arrow next to your printer's name.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will ensure that your Epson printer prints that document in greyscale.
    • If you don't see this option, your Epson printer does not support black-and-white printing.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-in-Black-and-White-on-Epson-Printers-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Only the next printing job will be in black and white, so if you want to apply this change to the default, go to your Printer Preferences in Settings. [1]
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If cyan needs to be replaced, can I still print in black and white?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the printer. Some printers have separate options for color and black ink. If your printer has defaulted to color, even for black and white prints, you may be able to switch to the black ink and continue to use the printer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 40 Helpful 16
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Not all printers support black-and-white printing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
      • Remember to refill the ink if you get a low-ink warning. Continuing to print without refilling the ink may cause further damage.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Remember that when printing documents, Epson printers tend to use a small amount of ink from all cartridges—including colored ink—to keep the print head clear, even when printing in black and white.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Set Up a Wireless Printer Connection
      How to
      Find Your Printer's IP Address
      3 Simple Ways to Print on Both Sides of the Paper
      How to
      Scan a Document on a Canon Printer
      4 Easy Ways to Fix a Print Spooler Error
      How to
      Connect a Printer to Your Laptop or Desktop
      How to
      Add a Wireless Printer to Your iPad
      Easy Ways to Find the WPS PIN for Printers: Common + Specific Models
      4 Simple Ways To Add an HP Printer to a Wireless Network
      Simple Guide to Thoroughly Clean Epson Printer Heads
      4 Simple Ways to Clean Your Printer’s Printhead
      4 Simple Ways to Check Printer Ink Levels in Windows
      How to
      Connect a Canon Printer to Wi-Fi on Windows or Mac
      How to
      Install a Network Printer
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://epson.com/faq/SPT_C11CH42201~faq-00004f9-et2720?faq_cat=faq-8796127602764

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 264,659 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement