How to Improve Photo Backgrounds with Luminar Neo: Essential Tips
PreviousHow to Add a Watermark to a Photo in Luminar NeoNextIs it possible to Convert a Negative/B&W to a Color Photo?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Sometimes, manipulating the background is crucial to achieve a certain effect in your image—especially when the original shot doesn't meet your expectations. In this tutorial, we’ll demonstrate how to use Luminar Neo, an AI photo editor, to improve your backgrounds quickly.
Didn’t capture that dreamy background blur during the shoot? No worries—Luminar Neo has your back.
Open your photo in the Edit tab.
Scroll down to Creative Tools.
Click the Blur tool.
There are four blur styles to choose from:
Gaussian: Classic, even blur. Can also reduce noise at low values.
Motion: Adds a speed/direction effect (adjustable angle).
Twisted: Creates a radial motion effect with customizable swirl.
Tilt-shift: Mimics depth of field and perspective.
To keep your subject sharp:
Select your blur type and intensity.
Click the Masking tab within the Blur tool.
Brush: Manually paint the blur effect.
Linear Gradient: Soft blur from one side.
Radial Gradient: Circular or oval mask.
Luminosity: Based on brightness.
Mask AI: Let AI auto-select.
Object Select AI: Click an object for AI to mask.
Use Mask Actions:
Fill, Clear, Invert, Copy, Paste, or Show/Hide the mask.
Switch to the Adjustments tab to tweak your blur. If you accidentally closed the tool, no worries—just reopen it from the Edits tab.
Need a transparent background to use your object elsewhere? Here's how to remove it:
Open your photo in Edit mode.
Head to the Layer Properties section.
Click Masking.
Choose Background Removal AI and wait for the analysis.
You’ll see categories like Main Object, Human, or Flora.
Select what you want to keep.
The background will be removed, leaving it transparent.
Fine-tune the result with three tools:
Transition: Clean up edges (great for hair).
Object: Keep this area visible.
Background: Remove more background manually.
Save your image as a .PNG to preserve the transparency!
Ready to swap the backdrop entirely? Let’s do it.
In Edit mode, open the Layers panel via the “+” icon.
Under My Images, click “+” and select your new background image.
Your new background appears on top at 50% opacity.
Drag it below the subject layer.
Set opacity to 100% in Layer Properties.
Add transparent PNGs or overlays to create unique collages!
🎉 That’s it! You’ve mastered background editing in Luminar Neo. Whether you're going for artistic blur, a clean cutout, or a whole new world behind your subject—you're in control.
🛠️ Keep exploring Luminar Neo’s tools to take your edits even further.
