# Image Threshold

Apply threshold operation to convert images to black and white based on pixel intensity

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-threshold

- **Category:** Design

- **Keywords:** image, threshold, binary, black, white, pixel, intensity, binarization

## Overview

The Image Threshold tool allows you to convert any image into a high-contrast black and white binary format by setting a specific pixel intensity threshold. By defining a value between 0 and 255, you can isolate shapes, simplify complex visuals, or prepare images for OCR and stencil creation.

## Inputs

- **Image File** (file): Select an image file...
- **Threshold Value (0-255)** (number): Pixels with value >= threshold become white (255), others become black (0)
- **Convert to Greyscale First** (checkbox): If checked, the image will be converted to greyscale before applying threshold

## When to use

- Preparing images for optical character recognition (OCR) by removing background noise.
- Creating high-contrast stencils or silhouettes from photographs.
- Simplifying complex diagrams or sketches into binary data for technical analysis.

## How it works

- Upload your image file in formats like PNG, JPEG, or WebP.
- Choose whether to convert the image to greyscale first for more accurate intensity calculation.
- Set a threshold value between 0 and 255 to determine the cutoff point for black and white pixels.
- Process the image to generate your new binary output file.

## Use cases

- Isolating text from scanned documents to improve readability.
- Generating binary masks for computer vision training datasets.
- Converting detailed line art into clean, black-and-white vector-ready graphics.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the threshold value represent?

It is the intensity cutoff point. Pixels with a value equal to or greater than your threshold become white (255), while those below become black (0).

### Should I use the 'Convert to Greyscale' option?

Yes, enabling this is recommended for color images to ensure the threshold is applied consistently across all color channels.

### What file formats are supported?

You can upload JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, and TIFF files.

### Is there a file size limit?

Yes, the maximum file size for uploads is 10 MB.

### Can I process multiple images at once?

No, this tool is designed to process one image file at a time.

## Related tools

- [Add Border to Image](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-border): Add customizable borders to images with various styles, colors, and widths
- [Add Frame to Image](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-frame): Add decorative frames to images with various styles like classic, modern, vintage, and custom designs
- [Add Glow Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-glow): Add beautiful glow effects to images with customizable color, intensity, size, and style variations
- [Image Gradient Overlay](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-gradient): Add gradient overlay effects to images with customizable colors, directions, and blend modes
- [Image Masking Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-masking): Apply masking effects to images using shapes, gradients, or custom masks for creative compositions
- [Add Noise Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-noise): Add various types of noise effects to images with customizable intensity and parameters
- [Add Pattern Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-pattern): Add geometric pattern overlays to images with customizable colors, size, and rotation
- [Add Reflection Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-add-reflection): Add water reflection effects to images with customizable height, blur, and transparency

## Samples

- [Web Image Processing Python Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-python): Web Python image processing examples using PIL/Pillow including reading, saving, resizing, and format conversion
- [Web Image Processing TypeScript Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-typescript): Web TypeScript image processing examples including image read/save, scaling, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Java Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-java): Android Java image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Kotlin Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-kotlin): Android Kotlin image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion

## Related content

- [Binary Image Thresholding, Morphology, and Mask Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/binary-image-thresholding-and-morphology): Turn images into binary masks, compare threshold methods, repair foreground shapes, and combine masks with morphological and Boolean operations.