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Dive into Luminar Neo with this beginner’s guide that covers setup, basics, and how to start editing right away.
Welcome to the Luminar Neo Creative Tips Corner!
Ready to take your edits to the next level?
Here you'll find quick tips, creative tutorials, and step-by-step videos to help you get the most out of Luminar Neo. Whether you're fine-tuning a single photo or exploring new editing techniques, we've got something to spark your creativity and make the process easier. Let's create something amazing! ✨
Understand the key differences between using presets and Mood (LUTs) in Luminar Neo, and how each can dramatically affect the look and feel of your photos.
Both presets and LUTs are tools for transforming the visual style of your image—changing its light, hue, and tone. However, they serve slightly different purposes and are applied differently.
A preset is a saved group of edits that can be instantly applied to a photo. These include:
Exposure
Contrast
White balance
Color (HSL, curves)
Example: In Luminar Neo, a preset can combine various tools and even include a LUT (Mood)
Main features:
Instantly applies to one or more images
Each adjustment can be modified independently
Offers the most flexibility for creating unique styles
Can be saved and reused across projects
A LUT (Look Up Table) is a file that remaps colors in an image to create a specific color effect or "mood".
Main features:
Adjusts color, contrast, and tone uniformly
Cannot be fine-tuned as precisely as presets
In Luminar Neo, only amount, contrast, and saturation can be adjusted
Great for creating cinematic, vintage, or color-matched looks
Important: A preset can include a LUT, but a LUT cannot include a preset.
Dramatically transform the entire look of a photo
Apply a consistent editing style to a series
Standardize edits across multiple images
Customize individual elements like structure, skin tones, light, etc.
Apply a precise color grade
Match color tones from different cameras
Give photos a specific color aesthetic (e.g. cinematic or vintage)
Structure
Sharpness
...and more
Scope
Broad range of edits
Color and tonal changes
Customizable
Yes (each tool individually)
Limited (amount, contrast, saturation)
Use case
Unique, personalized style
Cinematic or color-matching looks
Included in
Can include a LUT
Cannot include a preset
Add stylish borders and frames to your photos in Luminar Neo. Follow simple steps to enhance presentation and give your images a finished look.
Our partner has prepared a quick video walkthrough showing how to add borders and frames in different styles:
The simplest way to add a frame is by using a PNG file with transparency.
Add the frame as a layer above your main photo. Go to Layer Properties and set Opacity to 100 for full visibility.
Adjust the size of the frame using Image Mapping options under Layer Properties. Use Fit or Stretch for best results.
You can also manually resize the frame by dragging one of its corner points.
Close the Layer Properties tool. Your photo is now ready for export!
💡 Note: Our Marketplace also includes overlay packs with pre-made frames you can explore:
Download or create a white background image and save it on your computer.
Add your main photo into Luminar Neo.
Add the white background as a layer below the photo.
Select the main photo layer and resize it by dragging a corner inward so that the white background is visible around it.
This method uses a photo that already has a visible frame (e.g. from an interior shot) and places your image inside it.
Open the framed image in Luminar Neo and go to the Edit tab.
Use Layer Properties > Masking > Object Select (Subtract) to mark and remove the interior area of the frame.
If needed, use Masking > Brush (Erase) with softness = 0 to remove any leftover inner parts of the frame.
🎬 This method is also demonstrated step-by-step in the video tutorial above.
Center the main photo over the background.
Select the background layer, go to Layer Properties, and set Opacity to 100.
Close the Layer Properties tool. Done!
Set the new image’s Opacity to 100 and Image Mapping to Fit.
Resize your photo by dragging a corner inward and place it over the frame area.
Move your photo layer below the frame layer.
Close Layer Properties and your framed photo is ready to export.
Capture stunning pet portraits with Luminar Neo. Learn tips for lighting, composition, and editing to highlight your furry friend’s personality.
Use the to compose your photo.
Make sure your pet is either:
In the center, or
At one of the rule-of-thirds intersections for a balanced composition.
Get rid of unwanted elements like people, leaves, or bright objects using:
If the background is quite sharp, it’d be better to create a slight bokeh effect (to keep the sharper focus on the pet) using:
→ Gaussian Blur
Use > Mask AI to select the background around your pet before applying the blur.
To brighten or darken your pet’s image, use:
– brighten shadows on darker pets
Decrease exposure slightly if your pet is overexposed
Use:
→ Smart Contrast slider
→ Accent AI slider This helps your pet stand out, especially against clean backgrounds.
Remove/decrease some predominant hues from the fur or the background to ensure the natural colors:
Go to → HSL → Saturation
Example: remove blue from white fur, or tone down yellow in green grass.
To enhance detail, use the following tools with to target only your pet:
→ Small details
(use Universal or Low setting)
Use the to bring more volume to your subject:
Lighten brush → paint highlights and glares
Darken brush → enhance shadows
Ready to try it out on your own photo?
Let your creativity shine and share your best pet edits! 🐶📸
Upscale images in Luminar Neo without losing quality. Discover best practices to enhance resolution while maintaining detail and sharpness.
Upscale in Luminar Neo is a powerful tool that enhances image resolution while maintaining clarity and detail. Whether you're preparing prints, enlarging old photos, or improving low-resolution images, following best practices can help you get the most out of this feature. Here are a few tips for making the most of Upscale in Luminar Neo.
While Luminar Neo's AI-powered Upscale can enhance images significantly, starting with the best possible resolution ensures optimal results. Avoid excessive compression or noise in the original image before upscaling:
Before using Upscale, apply Noise Reduction to minimize grainy textures. This ensures that the upscaled image looks smoother and more refined without amplifying noise. Noise Reduction is located at the bottom of the Develop tool’s tabs.
You can also try using Noiseless AI beforehand. Noiseless AI is located in the Image Quality section. When you open the tab, you’ll be advised on how to apply the tool to get the best results. There are three types of adjustments: Low, Middle, and High. Choose the one that is recommended automatically.
Luminar Neo provides different upscaling options (2x, 4x, and 6x). Choosing the right factor depends on your final use case:
2x to 4x Upscale: Best for social media and digital sharing.
Up to 6x Upscale: Ideal for large prints or detailed professional work.
After upscaling, apply sharpening to bring out fine details without introducing artifacts. Tools like Structure AI or Details in Luminar Neo can help fine-tune sharpness.
For the best output, use the corresponding file format:
JPEG - Suitable for web and social media, the most efficient, and small in size.
PNG - Best for preserving details with lossless compression.
TIFF - Ideal for professional printing and archiving, allows for the highest quality.
Learn how to install and remove LUTs in Luminar Neo to apply stunning color grading effects and bring cinematic looks to your photos in seconds.
Go to the Extras Tab in Luminar Neo.
Open the Marketplace Tab, then click on the on the sign with squares and a plus.
A window with your purchased add-ons will appear. Hover over the desired LUT pack and click Install.
Once installed, the pack will be marked as Installed.
Download the LUTs pack from the section of your Skylum Account. You can also download the pack from the confirmation email you receive after purchase.
Unzip the downloaded folder:
Mac: Double-click to unzip.
Windows: Right-click → “Extract All” and follow instructions.
✔️To remove a Custom LUT: hover over it and click the Trash icon next to the name.
✖️Purchased LUTs cannot currently be removed directly from within the Luminar Neo interface. However, a delete option/button for this category is planned for a future update.
In the meantime, there’s a workaround to remove purchased LUTs manually via system files. While this method can remove LUTs from the program, we do not recommend it, as it may lead to unexpected behavior or complications. Proceed only if you're comfortable navigating your system files.
The steps differ depending on your operating system:
Open Finder → click Go → Go to Folder….
Enter the path:
Open the LUTs → Purchased folder.
If you’re unsure whether to delete from system files, we recommend waiting for the upcoming in-app delete feature for Purchased LUTs.
When sharing your images online, you might want to add a watermark for copyright protection, personal branding, or simply to ensure your name stays attached to your work.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it using Layers in Luminar Neo.
Open the image you want to watermark in Edit mode.
Locate the Layers panel in the top-left corner of the screen
💡 The Layers panel lets you stack elements like logos, textures, or other images on top of your photo for added customization.
Click the “+” (plus) button under My Images to add your watermark or logo file.
In the pop-up window, locate your watermark image file and click Open.
Once added, the watermark appears at the center of your image with 50% opacity.
You can:
Move it by dragging it across the photo.
Resize it by dragging the corners.
Position your watermark carefully to maintain balance in your composition.
Once you're happy with the placement, continue editing your photo or export it as is.
Don’t forget - you can always toggle the watermark layer on/off or adjust it later!
Once you’ve added a watermark to one image, you can quickly apply it to other images using Sync Adjustments. This saves time if you want to batch watermark a set of photos.
Syncing copies all adjustments - including the watermark layer and any edits you've applied - from one photo to selected others.
Tools like Crop AI, Erase, Upscale and Background Removal AI are not synced and need to be applied separately to each photo.
In Catalog view, click the edited photo with the watermark. It will be outlined in yellow.
Use Shift to select a range of photos.
Use Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) to pick individual images.
Selected photos will have a white border.
Right-click any selected image and choose: Adjustments > Sync Adjustments
Or use the shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S (Windows) / Shift+Cmd+S (macOS)
Wait a moment as thumbnails update with the synced watermark and edits.
You're done! Continue editing individual photos or export them when ready.
In this article, we’ll show you how to work with your photo’s background: blur it, remove it, or replace it. Stay tuned!
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.
🖌️Masking Options:
Brush: Manually paint the blur effect.
Linear Gradient: Soft blur from one side.
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.
Generative tools are cutting-edge features that utilize advanced artificial intelligence to automatically generate or modify elements within your photos—such as expanding borders, replacing objects, or enhancing specific areas. Over the years, these technologies have evolved and become more accessible.
This article will guide you through using these tools effectively, offering useful tips so that you can gain maximum value.
Luminar Neo offers three powerful generative tools for creative editing:
GenErase — Erase unwanted objects with intelligent content-aware fill.
GenSwap — Replace or insert new objects based on your prompts.
GenExpand — Extend image borders to improve composition or add creative space.
These tools help enhance your photos efficiently, while giving you more control and creativity.
GenErase helps you remove unwanted objects or distractions from your photo using AI.
Select Your Image Open your photo in Catalog view and click GenErase on the right panel.
Outline the Object Use the Select Brush to highlight the object you want to erase. Adjust brush size as needed. Use the Deselect Brush for corrections.
Erase the Object Click Erase and let the AI do the work.
Remove one object at a time for more accurate results.
Ensure full mask coverage (slightly beyond the object's edges).
Adjust your mask if the output isn’t perfect.
GenSwap allows you to replace or generate objects within your photo using text prompts.
Select Your Image Choose a photo in the Catalog and open GenSwap from the side panel.
Make Your Selection Brush over the object or area you want to swap.
Enter a Prompt
Type a description in the prompt box (e.g., palm tree, blue butterfly).
Mask for scale — The mask size should match the object’s expected size.
Mask the general area, not precise outlines.
Use clear, simple prompts like nouns or short phrases. Avoid verbs like “replace,” “change,” or “add.”
Use English for best results.
GenExpand increases the canvas size of your image using intelligent content generation.
Select Your Image Open your image and click GenExpand in the right panel.
Adjust the Cropping Frame Pull the borders outward to expand. You can expand by up to 25% per iteration.
(Optional) Add a Prompt Use prompts to guide the AI if you have a specific vision.
Generate the Expansion Click Expand
Expand one side at a time for more accurate results.
Take smaller steps (e.g., 10% instead of 25%).
Use prompts if needed to control the visual direction.
Now you’re equipped to make the most of Luminar Neo’s generative tools! Whether you're erasing distractions, expanding your composition, or adding creative elements - these tools make advanced editing intuitive and efficient.
Restore faded, aged, or damaged photos with Luminar Neo’s AI tools. Learn how to bring vintage images back to life.
Old family photos are precious keepsakes, but over time, they often fade, get stained, or suffer damage. Thanks to modern AI tools like Luminar Neo, you can bring these memories back to life with just a few clicks.
Before you can restore an old photo, you need a digital version. If you have a scanner, use it to scan your photo at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI). Alternatively, you can take a clear, well-lit photo with your phone or camera, just make sure it’s not blurry or angled.
Luminar Neo has an Erase Tool that makes this part easy:
Go to the Essentials tab in the Edit mode and select the Erase tool.
Zoom in on damaged areas.
Use the brush to paint over dust spots, scratches, or creases.
Click Erase, and the AI will clean up those areas magically.
You can repeat this process until you're satisfied with the result.
The Clone Tool in Luminar Neo is ideal for manually repairing damaged areas such as large scratches, stains, or missing sections in old photos. It offers greater control over patterns, wrinkles in clothing, and textures.
Scroll down in the Tools right-side panel and select “Clone” under the Professional section.
Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key ⌥ (Mac) and click on the area you want to copy from - this is your “source.”
Tip: Choose a clean, undamaged area with a similar texture or tone to the damaged part you want to fix.
Release the Alt/Option key and paint over the damaged area by clicking & dragging your mouse. You’ll see the source move in real time as you paint, just like a virtual stamp.
If you’ve made a mistake or don’t like the result, click Ctrl + Z on Windows or Cmd ⌘ + Z to undo the action, and it will remove your latest step. Click Ctrl + Y on Windows or Shift + Cmd ⌘ + Z on Mac to redo.
Change the source as needed. If you’re working on a larger area, don’t just use one source point. Set a new source (Alt key on Windows or Option key ⌥ on Mac + click) regularly to avoid repeating patterns or unnatural textures.
To restore a photo, you might need to work with its contrast. Often, the photo might seem faded out and plain. The Develop tool will help you to achieve a more natural contrast and eliminate noise while improving overall image quality. Follow these steps to utilize Develop most effectively:
Select the Develop tool in the Essentials section.
Open the Blacks & Whites panel. Drag Whites to the right side to make the light areas on your photo brighter, and drag Blacks to the left side to make the dark spots appear darker.
Open the Curves panel. Slightly drag the shadows point down to deepen dark areas. The highlights point up to brighten light areas.
Hint: The Curves graph has these important points:
Bottom-left corner = Shadows (blacks)
Top-right corner = Highlights (whites)
Middle = Midtones (grays)
The horizontal axis represents the original brightness values, the vertical axis shows the output (new values after adjustment).
Let’s work on quality now. Scroll to find the Sharpness panel in the Develop tool.
Increase the Sharpen slider and zoom in on the photo to better see the difference.
Adjust the Radius slider to define the distance from contrast pixels at which the sharpening effect is applied.
Adjust the Masking slider to enhance or reduce the amplified details.
Restoring old photos in Luminar Neo is a rewarding blend of art and technology. With powerful AI tools, even severely damaged images can be brought back to life, preserving memories that might otherwise fade away.
Whether you're removing scratches, fixing torn corners, or adjusting contrast to reveal hidden details, Luminar Neo offers both precision and simplicity. So, take your time, work gently, and enjoy the process of honoring your past, one photo at a time.
Brighten your photos naturally using Luminar Neo’s Enhance AI and Light tools with this support guide for balanced exposure fixes.
If your photo came out too dark, Luminar Neo provides powerful tools to enhance brightness while preserving details. With digital photography, it’s easier to save a shot if it has been underexposed since the data is mostly retained in the dark areas. This means dark areas often contain recoverable color and texture, unlike overexposed areas where data is completely lost (clipped to pure white). In contrast, an overexposed photo loses details in bright areas because once pixels are maxed out to white, there's no color information left to recover. Nevertheless, modern digital camera sensors record subtle variations in light and color that aren't immediately visible. Luminar Neo can amplify those details, revealing hidden colors and textures. Follow these steps to correct underexposed images effectively.
Click on the bottom-left point of the curve 🔄 Drag it to the very top
Click on the top-right point of the curve 🔽 Drag it to the very bottom
✅ Done! The negative has been converted into a color image.
⚠️ For now, there is no tool or practical workaround for converting a black-and-white photo into a color one using only Luminar Neo.
However, there is a chance that such an automatic tool will be introduced in the future.
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.
Go to the Mood tool → Choose LUT → Purchased category to find the installed LUTs.
In Luminar Neo, go to the Mood tool → Choose LUT → Add Custom LUT File.
Navigate to the unzipped folder and select one or more .cube files.
Mac: Cmd + Click to select multiple.
Windows: Ctrl + Click to select multiple.
These will now appear in the Custom LUTs category in the Mood tool.
To remove a LUT collection, delete the corresponding subfolder (it will have a random string of characters).
To remove a single LUT from the collection:
Open the relevant subfolder.
Locate and delete the specific .cube file:
Press Windows Key + R → type %appdata% → click OK.
Navigate to:
If the Purchased folder is hidden:
Go to the top bar → click View → enable Hidden items.
To remove a LUT collection, delete the folder with a combinations of letters and figures under Purchased
To remove a single LUT:
Open that folder → locate the correct nested subfolder → open it to find and delete the .cube file.
Set opacity to 100% (or any level you prefer) in the Layer Properties.
Generate the Swap Click Swap and wait for the result.
Review and Save If needed, try again with the same or different prompt. Use arrows to toggle versions, then click Save.
Experiment with different prompts and mask sizes.
Save Your Work Click Save to export your new photo. It will appear in the Generative Creations folder.
Open your image in Luminar Neo.
Navigate to the Develop tool in the 'Edit' panel.
Use the Exposure slider to brighten the entire image. Be cautious not to overexpose highlights.
Increase the Shadows slider to bring out details in dark areas.
Adjust the Highlights slider to prevent bright areas from becoming too intense. The lower the setting, the darker the highlighted zones will become.
If the image still looks flat, fine-tune the Blacks & Whites sliders, which are accessible in a separate panel in the Develop tool.
Open the Curves section from the Develop tool.
Lift the midtones and shadows slightly to enhance brightness without washing out the highlights. Shadows are displayed on the left in the curves graph, so start from there.
Adjust the curve carefully to maintain contrast and depth.
White balance (WB) is crucial for achieving accurate colors in your photos. It can be the difference between a photo that feels cold and lifeless and one that pops with true-to-life color.
White balance is the process of adjusting the colors in an image so that the whites appear white and the overall colors look natural and accurate. Cameras don’t always interpret color temperature correctly, especially in mixed or tricky lighting (like cloudy skies, sunsets, or indoor lighting). That’s where white balance correction comes in.
🌡️ Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):
Lower Kelvin (2000-4000K) = warm (yellow/orange) tones (e.g., candlelight) 🕯️
Higher Kelvin (6000-10000K) = cool (blue) tones (e.g., overcast sky) 🌥️
Improper white balance can lead to:
Orange or blue color casts;
Skin tones that look sickly or unnatural;
Landscapes that don’t reflect the time of day correctly.
Correcting white balance makes your image feel real and emotionally accurate.
📍In Luminar Neo, you can adjust white balance manually:
Open your image in Luminar Neo. Navigate to the Develop tool in the 'Edit' panel.
Tip: If you’re editing a RAW file, you’ll have the most flexibility with white balance. When your file is in RAW format, you will see Develop RAW.
Click on the ‘Color’ panel to open White Balance adjustments.
Adjust the Temperature Slider. Correct cool/warm shifts: Move left = make it cooler 💙 (bluer). Move right = make it warmer 🧡 (more yellow/orange).
Adjust the Tint Slider. Correct green/magenta shifts: Move left = more green 💚 Move right = more magenta 🩷 Useful for mixed light sources or correcting skin tones.
Tweak the Saturation/Vibrance sliders to boost the colors.
To adjust White Balance automatically, simply use the White Balance Picker (Eyedropper Tool).
Select the eyedropper icon and click on a part of your image that should be neutral white or gray. Luminar will automatically adjust the white balance based on that area. For example, a white shirt, gray rock, or piece of paper in the photo. In the example below, the monkey's white fur was used as a neutral white. 🤍
Fine-tune as needed. After using the eyedropper, use the Temperature and Tint sliders to tweak things to your liking.
Relight AI is a smart tool in Luminar Neo that analyzes your photo and allows you to lighten or darken specific areas based on depth-like foreground vs. background. This gives you much more control compared to traditional brightness sliders. Here’s how to use Relight AI:
Open Luminar Neo and load the photo you want to edit.
In the Edit tab, scroll down the right-hand toolbar and click on Relight AI under the “Creative Tools” section.
You’ll see several sliders:
Brightness Near: Increases brightness in the foreground (areas closer to the camera). Slide this to the right to brighten the front of your photo.
Brightness Far: Adjusts the lighting in the background. Great for brightening up skies, distant trees, or rooms behind a subject.
Depth: Controls how the near/far distinction is made. Tweak this to shift the balance of where the brightness transition starts.
After that, go to Advanced Settings for optional fine-tuning:
Use the Dehalo slider to remove any unnatural glow around edges.
Adjust Warmth Near and Warmth Far to achieve a consistent look with the newly lit scene.
Click the eye icon to compare the before/after, and save when you’re happy.
These are presets installed from the X membership tab — available only if you are subscribed to the X membership.
These are the presets that you marked with the heart sign under your Presets Tab:
These are the ones you created yourself in Luminar Neo.
These are the presets that you purchased from our Marketplace.
There are four ways to install new presets to the Presets Tab in Luminar Neo.
If the Preset Collection is purchased from the Marketplace, follow these steps:
Open Luminar Neo and click on the Extras Tab:
Click on the Marketplace Tab in the new window, then click the icon with squares and a plus ➕:
A window with your purchased add-ons will appear. Hover over the desired Preset Collection and click “Install”.
Once installed, it will be marked “Installed”.
You can now find the installed collection under: Presets Tab > Purchased category:
👉 Make sure to click on the preset collection to open its full list. 👉 Hover your mouse over each preset to try it on your image.
If you’ve downloaded a preset collection to your computer, you can install it using the top bar menu:
Load the image you want to edit in Luminar Neo.
On Windows: Go to Luminar Neo logo > File > Add Luminar Neo Preset Collection
On Mac: Go to File > Add Luminar Neo Preset Collection
In the file window, navigate to your .lnpc preset file and select it.
To apply presets from the collection, go to: Presets Tab > Purchased and click on the collection’s name.
You can also install downloaded presets directly from the Presets Tab:
Go to Presets Tab > Purchased, then click the “Add” button next to it.
In the window that opens, navigate to the .lnpc preset file and select it.
To apply presets from the added collection, switch to: Presets Tab > Purchased and click on the collection’s name.
🗑️ To remove a purchased preset collection: Right-click on the collection under Purchased, then select “Delete Collection”.
If you’re subscribed to the X membership, follow these steps:
Open Luminar Neo and click on the Extras Tab.
Click on the X membership Tab in the new window.
Find the desired Preset Collection and click “Install”.
Once installed, it will be marked “Installed”.
You can now find the installed collection under: Presets Tab > X membership category
👉 Be sure to click on the collection to reveal all presets inside. 👉 Hover over a preset to preview it on your image.
🗑️ To remove an X membership preset collection: Right-click on the collection under X membership, then select “Delete Collection”.
Open the image on which you’d like to create the preset in the Edit Tab.
Apply all the desired adjustments with the necessary tools to achieve the look your future preset will create.
Once you’re happy with your edits, click on the three dots below the image and choose “Save as Preset”.
You will now be able to rename your new preset — replace the default name with your custom one.
Press Enter (on Windows) or Cmd (on Mac) to save. Your preset will appear under: Presets Tab > My Presets Category
To delete a preset from My Presets, click on the three dots next to the preset and select “Delete”.
There are various ways to add creativity to your photo and turn the original image into a piece of art. Let’s take a look at some techniques that you can use in Luminar Neo on the example photo with these swans.
Make a shift of some colors to unify them or make them more contrasting. For example, you may turn yellows into more orange, and blues into more cyan.
➡️ Steps:
Go to the tool
Open the HSL panel
Switch to Hue, drag the “yellow” and the “blue” sliders left
Switch to Saturation under HSL panel
Create a temperature contrast between the main subject and the background.
➡️ Steps:
Go to tool → Masking → Object Select AI
Keep the selecting “+” cursor in Add mode and click on the swans
Refine selected areas (include reflection) with
Switch to Adjustments →
Use linear or radial gradients to control or balance the lighting.
➡️ Steps:
Use tool → Masking →
Add the gradient to the darker part of the image (bottom)
Switch to Adjustments, drag Brightness Far/Near sliders to the right
Apply the same gradient to the left and right edges
Use the tool to convert the entire photo or parts of it.
➡️ Creative Tip:
Leave one part of the image in color (e.g. swans)
Turn the rest to black-and-white (e.g. background)
Steps:
Go to Masking → Object Select AI → "Add" mode
Select areas around the swans
Refine with the Masking Brush, if needed
Switch to Adjustments → Convert to B&W
Blur the background to emphasize the subject.
➡️ Steps:
Use the Tool
Select the background with Object Select AI (skip swans)
Switch to Adjustments, select the blur type (e.g. "Motion")
Adjust Amount slider to the right
Add texture for a creative film-like or artistic look.
➡️ Steps:
Use the tool for grain effects
Add external textures via the Layers tool
Explore packs like:
Experiment with opacity and blend modes in Layer Properties
Overlay two images to achieve a surreal effect.
➡️ Steps:
Use the tool to add a second image
Set opacity to ~50% so both images are visible
Change the mood of the photo by replacing the sky.
➡️ Step:
Use the tool to replace the sky with another one of a different color or pattern
Add magical lighting effects for extra flair.
➡️ Tools to Use:
— Add natural-looking sunlight
— Add glow to key areas
— Enhance glow in lighter zones
— Place sparkling light sources anywhere
Use to create new, imaginative elements in your scene.
➡️ Tip:
Let your creativity guide you—try new decorations or fantasy-style additions!
💡 Bonus Tip: Explore even more tools like , , , and others in Luminar Neo to continue unlocking your photo’s creative potential!
How to add and remove skies in Luminar Neo. Best practices with Sky AI. How to make the changed sky.
Sky replacement is one of the most powerful features in Luminar Neo, allowing photographers to dramatically enhance their images with AI-driven sky transformations. However, to achieve a realistic and visually compelling result, it’s essential to follow best practices. In this guide, we’ll explore when it’s best to change the sky, how to make it look natural, and specific considerations for adjusting the sky visible through windows.
Overcast or Dull Skies: If your original sky is flat, gray, or lacks character, replacing it with a vibrant sunrise, sunset, or dramatic cloudscape can bring new life to the image.
Unbalanced Composition: A weak sky may result in an unbalanced composition. Enhancing it can add depth and interest to the overall scene.
Storytelling Enhancement: If you want to change the mood of an image (e.g., making it more dramatic or serene), modifying the sky is an effective way to do so.
Fixing Exposure Issues: Sometimes, the sky may be overexposed or underexposed compared to the foreground. Usually, such a sky looks completely white. Replacing it can help correct these imbalances.
Modify the Sky Mask for Fine-Tuning Use the ‘Mask Refinement’ tool in Sky AI to ensure accurate blending around objects like trees, buildings, and mountains. The ‘Close Gaps’ slider helps if the sky in your image peaks through arches or tree branches.
Match the Lighting and Color Temperature Ensure the new sky’s color tones match the overall lighting in the scene. A warm sunset should have warm reflections on the landscape, while a cool, cloudy sky should maintain cooler tones. You can use ‘White Balance’ in the Color tab of the Develop tool to make slight adjustments. Also, try to set Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights in the Color Balance tab of the Professional tool - ‘Color Harmony’.
Adjust the Horizon Position Drag the sliders in the Sky Orientation section. Use the
Tip: You can add the sun to your sky via the Sunrays tool. It’s located in the Landscape section of the tools.
Note: if you used the Crop tool on the photo to rotate it, the sky will not apply correctly, as it will detect the original position of the horizon and not as you rotated it. To change the sky correctly, save your photo first and re-open it when the horizon in the image is in the right place.
When editing interior (real estate) shots where the sky is visible through a window in the room, special care is needed to maintain realism. Consider changing the sky in the window if:
The Outside View Looks Overexposed. When the sky outside is too bright, replacing it with a balanced exposure can improve the overall look.
The Color Temperature is Inconsistent. The outdoor sky should match the indoor lighting for a natural feel.
There’s a Need for a More Appealing Background. If the window view is cluttered or uninteresting, a subtle sky replacement can improve aesthetics, especially if the window is big and noticeable.
Add the Sky via Layers: Since Sky AI requires at least 15% of the sky in the photo, it probably won’t detect a sky through the window. Upload your sky via Layers and add it to your photo.
Use the ‘Masking’ Tool: Manually mask the window area to ensure the sky replacement only affects the outside portion.
Adjust Brightness and Blur: Ensure the replaced sky isn’t too sharp or bright compared to the interior. Use ‘Develop’ and ‘Blur’ to make adjustments.
Click on the plus sign “+” at the top left corner to open the Layers panel.
Click Load Image to open the Finder/File Explorer and choose the file in JPEG format. Confirm your selection by clicking Open.
Now, move the newly added Layer beneath your photo. Click on it and drag it with your mouse. The new sky won’t be visible for now.
Select the Layer with your main scenery. In Layer Properties, open the Masking tab and mask your sky. It can be done via Mask AI. Use Brush to refine the mask.
If your sky is completely white, it’s best to add it via Layers. However, if it’s salvageable with at least some blue tint, you can turn it up and it will get detected by the tool. Here’s how to do that:
Open your image in the Edit tab.
Open the Enhance tool from the Essentials section.
Turn up the Accent AI and Sky Enhancer AI sliders.
Go to the Masking tab and use the Luminosity Masking to select the range of the lightest pixels, which are the sky, as it’s the brightest spot on the image.
Usually, this way helps to bring out the sky so that it’s detectable. If this doesn’t help, you can do the following manipulation:
Open the Color tool from the Essentials section.
Turn up the Saturation and Vibrance sliders (you can drag the slider all the way to 100 if your original sky is very dull).
Open the HSL panel at the bottom of the Color tool and select Saturation from the drop-down list.
Scroll to find the Blue color and drag the slider to 100. This will maximize the vibrance of the blue tones, where they are present in the photo.
You can use our generative tool GenExpand to expand the borders of your photo and widen the sky if it’s near the edges. Here’s how to do that:
1. Select Your Image
In the Catalog view, click on your image, then select “GenExpand,” which is located on the right-side panel.
2. Adjust the Cropping Frame
The GenExpand window will open, displaying your photo with a white cropping frame around the borders. Pull the edges of the frame outward to expand the scene. To maintain quality, the canvas can be extended by up to 25% beyond the original image dimensions. If you need to expand further, you can repeat the process, expanding by 25% increments.
3. Enter a Prompt
Use the prompt in the text box “What do you envision here?” to realize your vision or address undesired outcomes. Write specifically what you want to see, for example, “blue sky”.
4. Generate the Expanded Image
Click “Expand” to generate the expanded image. If you need to enlarge your photo further, adjust the edges again and click “Expand” once more.
5. Save Your Work
When you’re satisfied with the results, click the “Save” button. Your expanded photo will be saved in the “Generative Creations” folder. After that, proceed to the Edit tab and open Sky AI. Since the percentage of the sky visible in your photo has gotten larger, Sky AI will be able to detect it now.
By following these best practices, you can change the skies effectively to enhance your photos while maintaining a natural and realistic look. Happy editing!
Add or remove overlays in Luminar Neo with ease. Follow this guide to creatively enhance your photos with textures, effects, and elements.
Learn how to install and manage overlays in Luminar Neo, whether they’re added automatically from the Marketplace or manually imported from your computer.
▪️An overlay is an image layered over another to create an artistic effect. ▪️A texture is a kind of overlay with a pattern or texture-like design. ▪️A background is another kind of overlay, applied to a subject with the background removed.
💡 Tip: You can explore the wide collection of overlays in our Marketplace:
Learn how to creatively blend or insert elements from one image into another using Luminar Neo’s layers and masking tools.
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.
If you want to insert an object from one image into another, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Your Base Image
The simplest way to remove the red eye effect in Luminar Neo is to use the Red Eye Removal tool. You can find it in the:
Edit Tab → Creative Section → tool → Eye category
You need to drag this slider till the red color is removed from the eyes.
Under the Eye Section, there are other sliders that can adjust and enhance the look of the eyes. Their effect is described (see part “Eyes”).
Luminar Neo > Data > LutFiles > Purchased/Users/USERNAME/Library/Group Containers/RTW788AXG3.com.skylum.luminarneoLaunch Luminar Neo and open the image where you want to place the object.
Go to the Edit mode to access the editing tools.
Step 2: Add the Object as a New Layer
Click on the Layers panel (the plus sign “+” in the top left corner).
Select Load Image to open the Finder/File Explorer and choose the image containing the object you want to insert.
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
With the new layer selected, go to the Masking section in Layer Properties.
Click on Background Removal AI and wait till Luminar Neo analyzes the image.
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.
Click the ‘Remove’ button.
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
Resize and position the object via the Layer Properties by dragging the corners of the Layer.
Adjust the Opacity and Blending Mode to integrate the object seamlessly into the scene.
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.
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.
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!
Follow these steps to create an object in your original image:
Open your photo in Luminar Neo.
Select the GenSwap tool from the Catalog tab.
Paint over an area where you want your new object to appear. Ensure it’s large enough to fit the object.
Enter a text prompt describing what you want to generate (e.g., “a hot air balloon in the sky” or “a waterfall”).
Click ‘Swap’, and Luminar Neo will create a new, realistic element in your image.
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.
Confirm your results by clicking the ‘Save’ button. Your edited photo will be saved in the “Generative Creations” folder.
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.”
Another way to remove the red eye effect is more manual, but it is one more option.
Switch to Essentials section → Color tool → Masking → Brush (Paint)
Make sure the Softness of the Brush is minimal and brush the red areas
Switch to Adjustments → HSL → Saturation
Drag the slider for Red to the minimum
✅ Done, the red color has disappeared.
To enhance the colors and vividness of the eyes:
Use the Eye Enhancer slider under:
Face AI tool → Eyes category
Use the Enhance AI tool under the Favorites
Switch to Masking → Brush (Paint)
Set the softness of the brush to minimum
Mask the eyes
Switch to Adjustments
Drag the Accent AI slider forward to make the eyes pop
To increase the sharpness of the eyes, you may also use:
For each of the tools:
Mask the entire eye or parts (iris, pupil, sclera, eyelashes)
Use Masking → Brush (Paint)
Set brush softness to minimum
Mask the desired parts
Go to Adjustments and drag Amount and Boost sliders forward
To increase visual volume of the eyes and eyebrows:
Paint glares with the Lighten brush
Amount slider: not higher than 30
Softness: maximal
Strength: low or mid
Paint shadows with the Darken brush
Use the Glow tool under Creative Section
Switch to Masking → Brush (Paint)
Set the softness to minimum
Mask the iris and pupil
Switch to Adjustments
Set Type to “Glow”
Adjust:
Amount slider: closer to mid
Softness slider: minimal
Adjust other sliders as desired
✨ You may combine some of these tips or use all of them to emphasize the beauty of your models’ eyes.
Drag the sliders right to increase saturation for orange and cyan
Add warmer temperature and more magenta tint to make the swans pop against the cool water
Blend the Foreground with the Sky Use ‘Scene Relighting’ or ‘Relight AI’ to harmonize the lighting between the sky and the foreground. Adjust ‘Defocus’ to match the depth of field of the original image. If your sky is added via Layers, use ‘Blur’.
Ensure the Reflections Are Consistent If the image contains water, ensure that the reflections of the new sky match the direction and colors of the replaced sky. You can copy the Layer with a new sky and transform it via Layer Properties using ‘Flip’ to reverse it upside down and then use the ‘Opacity’ slider in combination with the Blend modes to achieve the natural look. Apply Masking if needed to correct the edges of the reflection according to the form of the water source.
Avoid Overuse of Dramatic Skies While adding a dramatic sky can be tempting, using an overly bold or unnatural sky in an otherwise subtle scene can make the edit look fake. If there are shadows from direct sunlight in your photo, choose the sky that matches the position of your sun.
After the sky is masked (the mask is displayed as a red tilt over the area), go to Mask Actions at the bottom of the Masking tab in Layer Properties and click the Invert button.
Now, you will see the added sky peak through the masked area. Make adjustments as needed: correct the position, balance lighting, and colors.
Adjust the mask with a simple Brush if needed.
You’re all set - now scroll to the Landscape section and replace the sky with the Sky AI tool. Or, leave it as it is if you started to like it after these simple enhancements :)
After that, go to the Masking tab to create a mask that will cover only the sky in your photo, so that the rest of the scene is not affected by the manipulations.
It’s best to use the Luminosity masking for the sky as it contains the brightest pixels in your photo. Select the luminosity range that includes the whole sky.
Great job! Now you can scroll down to the Landscape section and replace the sky with the Sky AI tool. Or don’t - after these manipulations, the sky might look already good enough.
There are two ways to install overlays to use with the Layers tool.
Open Luminar Neo and go to the Extras tab.
In the new window, switch to the Marketplace tab and click the grid + icon.
Hover over the purchased overlay pack and click Install.
Once installed, the overlay pack will be marked as Installed.
To access them, go to Layers tool → + button → Purchased category → See all.
Load the image you’d like to edit in Luminar Neo.
Switch to the Edit tab and open the Layers tool.
Click the + button in the Layers panel. You'll see some built-in overlay options.
To add new overlays:
On macOS, click Load Images
On Windows, click the + button and browse for your overlay files.
Your added overlay will appear under My Images. Click on it to apply.
To adjust the overlay, switch to Layer Properties to:
Resize
Change opacity
Experiment with different Blend Modes (mixing colors from layers in artistic ways)
✔️To remove a Custom Overlay (those added manually from your computer): Go to Layers tool → My Images, hover over the overlay, right-click, and choose Remove.
✖️ Purchased Overlays cannot currently be removed directly from within Luminar Neo. A delete option/button is planned for a future update.
If you urgently need to remove them, there’s a manual workaround using your system files. This is not recommended, as it may lead to complications.
In Finder, choose Go → Go to Folder.
Enter the following path:
Navigate to the Textures folder → Purchased subfolder.
Inside, you’ll find subfolders with overlays collections, named with a string of characters.
To remove an overlay collection, delete the corresponding subfolder.
To delete one overlay from a collection:
Open the subfolder further until you find the individual overlay file.
Check the name and delete the file manually.
Remember to restart Luminar Neo after making changes.
/Users/USERNAME/Library/Group Containers/RTW788AXG3.com.skylum.luminarneoNavigate to:
Luminar Neo → Data → Textures → Purchased
📌 If the Purchased folder isn’t visible: Click View in File Explorer and enable Hidden items.
Inside the Purchased folder, you’ll see overlay collection folders.
To remove a collection, delete the matching subfolder.
To delete one overlay:
Open the collection folder.
Then open the nested subfolders to locate and delete the specific overlay file.
Restart Luminar Neo after changes.
%appdata%Discover how to recover clarity and detail in blurry image sections using Luminar Neo’s advanced AI-powered editing tools.
Blurry images can be frustrating, especially when they contain important details. Whether the blur is caused by motion, focus issues, or camera shake, Luminar Neo offers powerful AI-driven tools to enhance sharpness and recover lost details. In this guide, we’ll explore how to reconstruct a blurry part of an image using Supersharp AI, Structure AI, Details, Generative technology, and other essential tools in Luminar Neo.
Supersharp AI is a powerful tool in Luminar Neo that helps recover details and reduce blur caused by motion or soft focus. Here’s how you can use it:
Open your photo in Luminar Neo.
Go to the Edit mode and click on the Supersharp AI tool in the Image Quality section.
Choose the type of sharpening you need - Universal to improve general clarity or flaws caused by the lens focal length on the near objects and Motion Blur to fix the movement of objects caused by motion on shutter speed settings that are not high enough.
Click on the Face Enhancer AI checkbox if there is a human face present in the photo.
Choose the sharpening intensity level from the available options (Low, Middle, High). Beware: Some artifacts might appear in the highest settings.
Wait until the AI processes the image. Adjust the settings if you are unsure about the result.
If you don’t want to sharpen the entire image, use Masking to select the blurred area you wish to reconstruct. Apply the mask using the Brush.
Use the Before/After slider to compare the results. You can also click and hold on the eye symbol near the Supersharp AI tab to see the difference it made.
Structure AI helps enhance textures and recover finer details in blurry areas. Here’s how to improve clarity with Structure AI:
Locate the Structure AI tool in the "Essentials" section.
Increase the Amount slider to bring out clarity and detail.
Adjust the Boost slider to refine the effect without over-sharpening.
The Details tool allows you to fine-tune sharpening at different levels. Here’s how to enhance the image with the Details Tool:
Navigate to the Details tool in the "Essentials" section.
Adjust the sliders for:
Small details – Recovers fine textures.
Medium details – Enhances prominent features.
Large details – Sharpens broad elements without overdoing it.
Use the ‘Sharpen’ slider to enhance overall image clarity.
Go to the Details Masking tab and adjust the Details Protection to avoid a flat look in your image, allowing some close-up detailed structures to be more blended in.
If the blurry part is not salvageable with Supersharp AI, it might be a good idea to replace the object entirely. In such a case, try out our Generative AI tool - GenSwap:
Select the GenSwap tool from the Catalog tab.
Paint over the blurry area. Ensure that the mask is large enough to fit the newly generated object.
Enter a text prompt describing precisely what you want to generate (e.g., “red vintage skirt” or “long blonde straight hair in a ponytail”).
Click Swap, and Luminar Neo will create a new, realistic element in your image.
Confirm your results by clicking the ‘Save’ button. Your edited photo will be saved in the “Generative Creations” folder.
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.
