Occasionally Skylum gives us affliates a special offer for our readers. This is one of those times. This is not an offer you will see in the wild. It is only available via affiliates that have been given the special pricing link.
you can activate Luminar and your extensions on up to 3 computers. So you can have it on your desktop at home and on your laptop when out an about.
You do have the option to make a one-time purchase to get that version and extension versions for a lifetime. (No upgrades) at a significant discount as well. The lifetime license is for one device. And a 1-year generative AI Access with a lifetime license purchase.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so what do you have to lose? If you have been thinking about getting Luminar Neo, now is the time.
As always, do try my Luminar Neo Coupon Code of MARKDODD for possible additional discounts.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Since Luminar Neo has been officially released I thought I would show you an interface comparison between the now depreciated Luminar 4 (if you own Luminar 4 you can still use it, it is just not sold anymore), Luminar AI, and the new Luminar Neo
The Interface
Changes to the menu at the top of the screen.
Luminar 4
Luminar 4 has the most comprehensive menu of the three
Other than items no longer being in the top screen menu, other differences are.
Library menu item has been renamed to Catalog for both Luminar AI and Luminar Neo
The pre-created settings has been changed from “Looks” in Luminar 4, to “Templates” in Luminar AI, and now changed to “Presets” in Luminar Neo, but for Luminar Neo, the presets menu only shows in the edit module
The Export menu item has changed from the box with an up arrow in Luminar 4 and being placed in the middle of the menu, to the word Export in Luminar AI, and back to the box with an up arrow in Luminar Neo, but moved to the far right.
Export icon
Changes to the Apps Menu (What is shown is the Mac OS version, Windows menus may look different)
Luminar 4
Luminar AI
Luminar Neo
Luminar AI and Neo have similar menus. Luminar 4 has the additional Library Menu.
Full Menus from each program
Luminar 4 menus
Luminar AI Menus
Luminar Neo’s Menus
So what’s different in each.
The file menu is mostly the same with note of the different names for Presets. What is missing for Luminar AI and Luminar Neo from what is in Luminar 4’s file menu is Batch Processing.
The Edit menu is mostly the same. What is missing for Luminar AI and Luminar Neo from what is in Luminar 4’s file menu is the canvas menu. The options that are there in this canvas menu for Luminar AI and Neo are part of the tools in the Edit module if they exist at all.
There is no Library menu in Lumianar AI and Neo. That is the Catalog module in both applications.
The image menu is roughly the same in Luminar 4 and Luminar AI, but for Luminar Neo it does not have the rotate and flip options, set flag options and the only Adjustment option is to revert to the original.
The remaining windows (Account, Window, and Help) are the same across all versions of Luminar
Other inferace notes:
Luminar Neo did bring back layers, but this time they put the layer option by itself on the left side of the interface when in Edit mode. Not sure I like it there yet or not.
When in the Edit mode of Luminar Neo, the interface is simplified again. Just Tools, Edit, Presets main headings on the right. the See as before, zooming, and other actions menu has been moved to the bottom of the screen. See the screenshot below.
Summary
While I’m still learning about the program, just based upon what I’ve shown here and my experience so far. They are trying to simplify the interface a lot. Make it less cluttered. I’m not sure I’m a fan yet as I have been using their programs and others in the past that just got used to where things were. Now they have been moved around a lot. For example, I’m not sure why they put the Layers option on the left when they had it on the right before. To me, the order of Tools, edits, presets seems a bit out of order. I would have put the Presets first especially since if a preset is chosen, it wipes out any previous edits.
There is plenty planned for Luminar Neo in the near future (see below), but the present version is not yet a replacement for Luminar 4 in my option. Time will tell, but given you cannot purchase Luminar 4, this would be your best option for now.
Upcoming enhancements and features coming to Luminar Neo
Mask AI — Smart AI-based masking that detects specific elements in an image
Portrait Background Removal AI — Smart AI-based removal of the background behind a portrait without manual masking
Histogram
Clone & Stamp
Dodge & Burn
Undo and Redo
More Hotkeys
Copy and Paste functionality for Adjustments
More functionality when using Masking (Copy/Paste, Pen Pressure for Radius/Opacity, and Linear/Radial gradient)
There are also a few known issues that will be resolved shortly. They include:
LUTs are not applied on hover in the Mood tool
Erase steps in History may show wrong states
On macOS, the context menu is currently absent in Single Image
View for both the Catalog and Edit tabs
In the next updates, Luminar Neo will support Catalog migration. You will be able to smoothly migrate your Catalogs from Luminar 4 and Luminar AI into Luminar Neo.
All the Presets users have bought to use in Luminar Neo will be available in Skylum Account soon. To ensure the highest quality of Presets and their smooth performance in the app, some Presets are in the final testing stage and need a bit more time to be ready.
In March, Skylum will provide users with a special utility to convert custom Templates into a Luminar Neo-compatible format.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Skylum’s Luminar Neo has been released as of 2/17/2022
Release pricing and options.
You have the option to choose between a 1-year subscription or a lifetime license of Luminar Neo. Details on pricing and what is offered are.
Subscription includes ⚬ All future updates ⚬ All new feature add-ons ⚬ Workflow designed for creative photo editing ⚬ Unique AI tools to simplify repetitive tasks ⚬ Built-in library of Textures & Overlays ⚬ 30-day money-back guarantee ⚬ 24/7 technical support
Lifetime license
Luminar Neo 1 seat for $79
Luminar Neo 2 seats for $99
Lifetime license includes ⚬ Update with AI Masking and Portrait Background Removal ⚬ Performance and stability updates ⚬ Workflow designed for creative photo editing ⚬ Built-in library of Textures & Overlays ⚬ Unique AI tools to simplify repetitive tasks ⚬ Lifetime license ⚬ 30-day money-back guarantee ⚬ 24/7 technical support
Lifetime license offer for users who own Luminar or Aurora pricing is
More to come on Luminar Neo at a later date once I’ve had some more time to test things out. There has already been a dot release for Luminar Neo, so if you have already purchased, make sure to check for updates in the app.
Although the ability to replace skies has been doable for years, up until recently it required some serious Photo editing skills in either Photoshop or other editor of yours choice.
I’m not saying it is a bad thing that the new programs make it easier so that everyone can do it, but I do think sometimes people do it just because they can. The Sun Rays phase was another good example of doing it just because it was there. I saw multiple photos where the adding of Sun Rays did nothing to add to the overall view of their photo. In some cases, it was actually rather distracting.
Now I personally do not replace skies in my images, yet, but I so see when there is a case for it. But that is it, I would only do the replacement if it is absolutely necessary to create the vision of the image that you want.
I can see one scenario when you might want to replace the sky is if you are on a travel trip or somewhere you know you will not be back for a while or you won’t be back to at all and the sky is very boring such as a cloudless sky. Then I would consider it since it is a case you would not be able to return to get a better sky.
But if you do need to replace the sky, pay attention to what is in the image and the over all view and the light of the image.
I have seen several shots in photography groups I belong to on the web where the tone of the clouds added does not match the rest of the scene. Such as the clouds are the warm color of a sunset, but the foreground is a cool color. Another bad placement is when you see the light coming from one direction on the ground and another in the clouds. (pay attention to shadows and bright spots). If you replace your sky you want to pick a sky that matches the rest of the scene in tone and in the direction of the light.
So before you jump on the sky replacement bandwagon, take a serious look at your image. Does it really need to have the sky replace? Asked yourself, will my image be enhanced by a new sky. Once you have decided that make sure to check that the tone and light direction of the sky you have chosen as a replacement match the rest of your image. Some software like Luminar AI can assist you with matching the tone of your replacement sky to the tone of your image along with helping with water reflections.
In short, don’t use a new sky replacement feature just because it is there, think about how the feature will enhance your photograph. That pretty much goes for all the other options that you have, just because it is there doesn’t mean you have to use it on every single photo.
Since this is just an opinion piece, I do welcome your thoughts, just leave a comment below Do you agree with my thoughts?. I only ask you to be courteous in your statements but all options are welcome.
OK, back to your regular scheduled programming as they use to say.
You can download a 7 day free trial of Luminar 4. The quickest way to get the download is to click the Learn More link above, then on the page, you are sent to, click the Luminar menu at the top of the page and select the Download Trial link
Skylum released the latest update to Luminar 3, version 3.1.2 and has a 4th of July bonus bundle
What’s new
“On This Day” feature. Photographs are all about memories. With the latest update, Luminar 3 you see what pictures you took on this day in past years in your catalog. To walk down memory lane with Luminar, simply click “On This Day” in the Shortcuts panel. Please note that the “On This Day” feature will only show up if you have photos in your Library taken on the current month and day in previous years.
Improved Import from a flash card (Memory Card). Luminar 3 now brings you the fastest importing from your flash card ever. Less time waiting and more time for creativity!
Support for Nik Collection plugins. Now you can easily add plugins from the Nik Collection to your workflow and fully enjoy what they offer alongside all the tools in Luminar 3.
Overall performance and stability improvements. Improving Luminar’s performance is one of our team’s top priorities.
additional updates for Windows
Faster scrolling. With this version of Luminar 3, we’ve tried our best to make this simple yet important action as seamless as possible. Now you can go through all the photos in your Library as fast as you like even in Single Image view!
Improved switching between Single and Gallery views. It shouldn’t take long to switch between these two views while editing. And we know that. With this update, you’ll definitely notice a significant improvement.
Fixed crash with Japanese calendar. For our Japanese users, we fixed the issue with the system calendar. So no more crashes.
Skylum has released the latest version of Luminar, Luminar 3.1 for both Mac and Windows.
There is a Spring offer to go with the release announcement. The offer is available through May 14
Pricing
Luminar 3.1 is US$60 (US $50 using my coupon code of MARKDODD ) instead of US$70
Luminar 3.1 + Photography 101 video course by SLR lounge (worth US$99) bundle is US$69 (US$59 using my coupon code of MARKDODD ) instead of US$169
Luminar 3.1 + Aurora HDR (worth US$99) + Photography 101 video course by SLR lounge (worth US$99) bundle is US$129 (US$119 using my coupon code of MARKDODD ) instead of US$268
New features in Luminar 3.1
New Accent 2.0
A major update to one of Luminar’s most beloved and popular filters.
Improved Selective Sync (Adjustment Sync)
Synchronize only image edits across your photos. Image layers, Crop, Erase,, Clone & Stamp won’t be affected by sync now.
Raw + JPG (Libraries)
You’ll be able to work with Raw & JPG versions of the same image in a more convenient way. View as a single image, but switch between versions in real time. Move and rate pairs simultaneously, no matter of your view preferences. Edit Raw and JPGs separately.
Import Images (Windows)
You’ll be able to copy photos to a folder right from Luminar. Use this choice to pull images off of a memory card or other drive.
Gallery Selection (Windows)
Now it’s more convenient to select and deselect photos in your gallery. Select non-adjacent photos with Ctrl-click. Click outside a photo to deselect all photos.
Today, Skylum releases the next update to Luminar 3. Version 3.0.2
This is a free update to existing users of Luminar 3 and you can get the update from the Check Updates option in Luminar 3 if you are not prompted to upgrade when you open the app
Here is a list of updates included in this release.
WINDOWS VERSION:
New Features
SUBFOLDER MANAGEMENT. Subfolders make it easy to further organize your image library. These are folders nested inside other folders in your catalog and directly tie back to real folders on your hard drive.
Subfolder creation. You can create a new by right-clicking on an existing folder in your Library.
Subfolder deletion. It is possible to delete a subfolder as well by right-clicking on it in your library.
LOCATE FOLDER. Have you moved or copied media to a new location? You can right-click on an offline folder and choose Locate Folder to select and reconnect files.
ADDING FOLDER IMPROVEMENTS. Change your mind when adding a folder? Just click Cancel to stop the current task.
OFFLINE FILE ALERTS. See a visual alert indicating unavailable files and folders.
IMPROVED NAVIGATION. Quickly switch between Gallery and Single Image view with dedicated toolbar buttons.
SHORTCUT KEYS. Take advantage of new keyboard shortcuts for View, Looks Navigation, Masks, Tools, and Edit.
NEW LANGUAGES SUPPORTED. Use Luminar in more languages with new localizations:
Chinese Simplified
Chinese Traditional
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Italian
Performance ImprovementsGet additional speed and performance from the Luminar update.
FASTER ADDING. You’ll see much faster load times when adding new photos and folders to the Catalog.
FASTER LAUNCHING. When you return to Luminar, launch times are improved when reloading your catalog.
STABILITY. Thanks to our users for reporting different issues. This version of Luminar offers general stability improvements.
MAC VERSION:
New Features
DATABASE MANAGEMENT. Your Luminar image catalog database is automatically backed up to preserve your edits and metadata. You can control the frequency of backups with the new Preference Panel.
PREFERENCE PANEL. Take control of your preferences settings by choosing Luminar 3 > Preferences. You can specify options for Cache, Catalog, and Automatic Backup.
IMPROVED HANDOFFS. If you’re working with raw file or 16-bit image and use the File > Open In command, a high-quality 16-bit files is exported.
AURORA HDR INTEGRATION. Easily hand off bracketed photos to merge in Aurora HDR. Just select multiple photos in your library and choose File > Open In > Aurora HDR.
LOCATE FOLDER. Have you moved or copied media to a new location? You can right-click on an offline folder and choose Locate Folder to select and reconnect files.
ADDING FOLDER IMPROVEMENTS. Change your mind when adding a folder? Just click Cancel to stop the current task.
IMPROVED NAVIGATION. Quickly switch between Gallery and Single Image view with dedicated toolbar buttons.
NEW LANGUAGES SUPPORTED. Use Luminar in more languages with new localizations:
Chinese Simplified
Chinese Traditional
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Italian
SAFER IMPORTS & COPIES. Luminar will alert you if you try to import or copy more files to a new destination when there’s not enough hard drive space.
IMPROVED EXPORTS. If you try to export images that already exist in a location you’ll be prompted to control if the files are overwritten or renamed.
Performance Improvements
Get additional speed and performance from the Luminar update.
IMPROVED MOVING. When files are moved between an external and internal drive, the images are not duplicated multiple times in your library.
IMPROVED FOLDER MANAGEMENT. Are you done with a folder? You can now remove the parent (root folders) from your library and delete it from your hard drive too.
IMPROVED sRGB EXPORTS. Some cameras showed color shifts when exporting with the sRGB profile. This has been addressed.
IMPROVED LUMINAR 2018 PROJECT FILES. Opening native Luminar files (.lmnr files) created on Windows is improved.
STABILITY. Thanks to our users for reporting different issues. This version of Luminar offers general stability improvements.
New Cameras Added
The following new cameras are supported by this recent update:
