There is a box way at the bottom labeled "Monochrome." Once you check that, you will see a grayscale preview. Then adjust the three color sliders until you have your desired grayscale characteristics.
Be sure to put it on an adjustment layer so you can modify it or toggle it on/off. Go to "New Adjustment Layer" and select Channel Mixer from the popup menu.
There are dozens of methods you can use to convert to B&W, the channel mixer being one of them. LAB-to-Grayscale is another that gives good results. You can get even more complicated by introducing layers and masks.
Here is an excellent, in-depth article that explains the different methods and how to use them:
That website really has some key ideas on it. The Lab - Grayscal method is even better then the Channel Mixer for me, but maybe thats just me! Thanks all!
That website really has some key ideas on it. The Lab - Grayscal method is even better then the Channel Mixer for me, but maybe thats just me! Thanks all!
Lee
If it works for you, that's the way you should go!
The channel mixer way gives a lot more control, in terms of how much red, green and blue get used to comprise the final B&W version.
The LAB approach is more of a 'pure' conversion of the tonal values.
The channel mixer approach is the same as putting different coloured filters over the lens prior to shooting in B&W. In general it makes sense when using the channel mixer that the percentages of red, green and blue that you use should add to 100% (more for a more contrasty/ over exposed look, less than 100% for a darker, lower contrast result)
