Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is a desktop photo editor that uses AI to handle jobs that normally require careful selections, masks, and several adjustment layers. It runs on macOS and Windows as a standalone application. You can also use it as a plugin for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Apple Photos.

The software supports RAW files, nondestructive editing, layers, and masks. Sky AI replaces a sky while adjusting reflections and lighting across the rest of the photograph. Relight AI builds a depth map so you can brighten the foreground and background separately. Portrait tools cover skin, faces, body shape, and background removal.

Generative tools handle jobs that require new image content. GenErase removes unwanted objects and rebuilds the space behind them. GenExpand extends the edges of a photograph, while GenSwap replaces selected objects using a written instruction. These tools require an internet connection.

The newer AI Assistant adds a chat panel inside the editor. You can ask how to improve a photograph, request colour or exposure adjustments, or ask which tool would suit a particular edit. It returns up to three suggestions with previews. Applied edits remain adjustable in the regular editing panel.

The assistant has limits. It can guide you towards generative, erase, background removal, and merge tools, but it cannot operate all of them directly. Each photograph also has a separate chat, and the message history disappears when you close the application or switch images.

Luminar Neo works best for photographers who want quick corrections without learning every corner of Photoshop. Sky replacement, portrait retouching, object removal, and depth based lighting are much faster here than building the same edit manually. Layers and masks are available when the automatic result needs correction.

It is less suitable for detailed compositing, illustration, or large agency workflows built around Adobe libraries. Some AI features need an internet connection, and access to generative tools can be limited by the licence or upgrade period.

Luminar Neo is paid software. Skylum sells perpetual desktop and cross device licences, with a free download available for testing. Current perpetual plans include a limited period of generative tool access, so check the plan details before buying.

• RAW and standard image editing
• Nondestructive adjustments, layers, and masks
• AI sky replacement with scene relighting
• Depth based foreground and background lighting
• Automated portrait and skin retouching
• GenErase object removal
• GenExpand canvas extension
• GenSwap object replacement
• AI Assistant with editing suggestions and previews
• Batch editing and reusable presets
• Standalone application for macOS and Windows
• Plugins for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Apple Photos