Luminar Neo

Active

Country: Ukraine (UA)
Founded: 2022
Developer: Skylum
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS

Indexes

Photo Editing

Overview

Luminar Neo is a photo editing application that uses AI tools for image enhancement, supporting RAW files and multiple formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and various camera-specific RAWs. It targets photographers editing landscapes, portraits, and other genres, with features like layers, masks, presets, and modules for performance. The modular engine distributes processing load for faster edits without performance loss.

Key Features

Enhance AI - Adjusts multiple controls with one slider for overall image improvement.
Sky AI - Replaces sky elements without manual masking.
Face AI - Enhances facial features, skin, eyes, and mouth with multiple sliders.
Relight AI - Corrects exposure in underexposed photos.
Background Removal AI - Automatically removes backgrounds from subjects.
HDR Merge - Combines up to 10 photos for HDR output.
Focus Stacking - Stacks up to 100 photos for depth-of-field blending.
Layers and Masks - Supports combining effects and presets using layers.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free Trial	Free (limited time)	Basic AI tools and editing features.
Perpetual License	$149 one-time	Full access to core app and updates for one year.
Subscription	$79/year	Ongoing updates, extensions, and marketplace content.

Platforms & Requirements

Luminar Neo runs on macOS and Windows as a desktop application, with iOS support via the App Store. It supports over 1000 cameras and various file formats including RAW. No Android desktop version; mobile app is separate as Luminar Mobile.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Lightroom plugin
Photoshop plugin
RAW file import (CR2, CR3, NEF, ORF, RAF)
JPEG, PNG, TIFF import/export
Luminar Marketplace for presets
Camera profiles
Layers for overlays

Alternatives

App	Difference
Adobe Lightroom	Subscription-based with cloud sync; stronger cataloging but less standalone AI focus.
Adobe Photoshop	Advanced pixel-level editing; steeper learning curve without built-in AI replacements like Sky AI.
Capture One	Tethering and RAW processing emphasis; higher cost without extensive AI portrait tools.
Affinity Photo	One-time purchase; non-destructive editing but fewer AI automation features.

Reputation

Luminar Neo receives praise for its AI tools that simplify complex edits like sky replacement and portrait enhancement. Criticisms include a steep learning curve for layers and occasional performance issues with heavy edits. It is viewed as a strong alternative to Adobe products for users seeking one-time purchases and AI efficiency.

Sources (8)