How to add an object from another image?

Whether you want to add an object from another image or generate entirely new elements in your photos, Luminar Neo provides intuitive tools to achieve these effects. In this article, we'll explore two main methods: using Layers and Background Removal AI to add an object from another image and utilizing Generative AI tools (GenErase, GenExpand, and GenSwap) to add elements that don't exist in the original photo.

Adding an Object from Another Image Using Layers and Background Removal

If you want to insert an object from one image into another, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Your Base Image

1. Launch Luminar Neo and open the image where you want to place the object.

2. Go to the Edit mode to access the editing tools.

Step 2: Add the Object as a New Layer

1. Click on the Layers panel (the plus sign “+” in the top left corner).

2. Select Load Image to open the Finder/File Explorer and choose the image containing the object you want to insert.

3. The image will be added as a new layer over your base photo.

Tip: If you need to add a graphic detail or an object, you can search for it on the internet and add it with a transparent background to your photo. To preserve the transparency of the background, ensure that the file is in PNG format, but it’s okay if it’s not - our Background Removal AI will do the job for you!

Step 3: Remove the Background from the Object

1. With the new layer selected, go to the Masking section in Layer Properties.

2. Click on Background Removal AI and wait till Luminar Neo analyzes the image.

3. When the analysis is complete, select the object from the offered options (e.g., Main Object, Human, Sky, Flora, Architecture, etc). If none of the options suit your intention, no worries - choose the closest one, and you’ll fix it later with a Brush.

4. Click the ‘Remove’ button.

5. The Background is removed now. Use the Refinement Brush to clean up edges if needed or mask the object that was not detected previously.

Tip: In the Refinement Brush, there are three options: Transition, Object, and Background. Use Object to mask the object you want to keep, Background for the space you want to be transparent, and Transition for a smooth look on thin edges, like strands of hair.

Step 4: Adjust and Blend the Object

1. Resize and position the object via the Layer Properties by dragging the corners of the Layer.

2. Adjust the Opacity and Blending Mode to integrate the object seamlessly into the scene.

3. Use tools like Develop to ensure the object matches the lighting and tones of the background.

This way, you can add objects to your photos and even add people who were not able to join the shot when the photograph was taken.

Blending in the Added Object Seamlessly

The biggest disclosure in the photos with added objects is the wrong light and color settings that create a mismatched, uncanny look. To avoid this mistake, don’t forget to blend in your object with other Luminar Neo tools by following these tips:

• Utilize the Develop tool from the Essentials section to adjust the brightness of your object. Use Light settings to define the level of luminosity: Exposure, Smart Contrast, Highlights, and Shadows. Go to the Color tab to adjust White Balance if the object differs in warmth from the surroundings. Drag the Temperature slider for colder/warmer tones and the Tint slider for green/purple tint.

• Experiment with the Color tool from the Essentials section to match the scheme. Start by adjusting the Saturation and Vibrance sliders, and open the HSL panel for advanced color settings. Review each color in the list of Hue tab, and ensure that it’s got the right shade. Click on the Hue button to open the drop-down list, where you can select Saturation and Luminance settings to adjust it individually for each color.

• Use the Dodge & Burn tool from the Professional tools section to lighten or darken specific spots on your object. Identify where the main source of light in the photo comes from, and draw the shadows with ‘Darken’ appropriately (on the other side from the light source: if the light is coming from the left, the object will drop shadows naturally on the right side). Emphasize the contrast of light by adding brighter areas on the highlight with ‘Lighten’. Don’t forget about the halftones and the reflected light.

• Finally, to bring everything together, it’s a good idea to Merge Layers and apply a Creative effect that will blend into the entire image. Select both Layers simultaneously by holding Shift, and click with the left mouse to evoke the ‘Merge Layers’ option. The merged Layer will appear at the top of the stack. Depending on the photo and your personal preferences, you can use such tools as Film Grain, Glow, or Matte.

Adding Something That Is Not in the Original Photo (Using Generative AI Tools)

Luminar Neo offers three AI-powered tools: GenErase, GenExpand, and GenSwap. If you need to add elements that don’t exist in the image, GenSwap will help you achieve the best result!

GenSwap - Add completely new elements

1. Select the GenSwap tool from the Catalog tab.

2. Paint over an area where you want your new object to appear. Ensure it’s large enough to fit the object.

3. Enter a text prompt describing what you want to generate (e.g., “a hot air balloon in the sky” or “a waterfall”).

4. Click ‘Swap’, and Luminar Neo will create a new, realistic element in your image.

5. If you are not completely satisfied with the result, try another iteration by clicking ‘Swap’ again. You can view all generated versions and choose the best one using the Undo/Redo arrows.

6. Confirm your results by clicking the ‘Save’ button. Your edited photo will be saved in the “Generative Creations” folder.

Tips for Better Results in GenSwap

To effectively replace objects using GenSwap, keep in mind the following tips:

• Mask Appropriately for Scale

Ensure that your masked area is large enough to fit the object you’re trying to generate. For example, if you wrote “waterfall” in your prompt, mask enough space for it. Also, consider the scale—if the waterfall is meant to be far away, use a smaller mask, but if it’s in the foreground, use a larger mask.

• Mask the General Area, Not the Specific Contour You don’t need to outline a specific contour of the object. It is enough to mask a rough area simply. For example, if you want to generate a palm tree, do not paint each leave with the mask—just mask it as a roughly roundish-oval shape.

• Use Clear and Simple Prompts In the prompt field, stick to nouns or adjectives plus nouns, like "blue sea" or "big tiger." Avoid using verbs like "change," "erase," "remove," "add," or "create," as they can confuse the system. While GenSwap may work with prompts in other languages, using English will yield the most accurate results.

• Experiment for the Best Results If you are not happy with the first try, play around with the same mask, try different prompts, or adjust your approach. You will find the right recipe for a perfect generation.

Avoid Verbs in Prompts Remember not to use verbs, as it confuses the system. For instance, instead of “change apple to banana,” simply write “banana.” Another example would be: instead of “replace grass with flowers,” write “flowers” or “flowering ground.”