What is disclosed is an image processing method for enabling one to print color graphics and other recognizable objects on monochrome printers while retaining color differences. More specifically, the present method is for preserving color discriminability in a grayscale representation. The method involves first sorting colors according to at least one characteristic dimension of a color space such as lightnesses. The color space preferably is a luminance-chrominance color space, although others are envisioned. The sorted colors are adjusted by a metric appropriate to the color space such that the metric imparts a degree of distinction among the colors along the chosen characteristic dimension. The spacing between two adjacent sorted colors can be constant, or weighted by the total color difference between the two colors in the original color space. Color difference can be calculated using for example E*_ab, E*_LCh, E*₉₄, or DE2000 metrics. Once the colors have been adjusted, they are converted to the monochrome representation using straightforward techniques.