By Jack Neubart
Photographer, photo-technical writer, musician/composer, software developer, birder.
Text and images ©2025 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.
All photos processed in Luminar Neo.
Photographer, photo-technical writer, musician/composer, software developer, birder.
Text and images ©2025 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.
All photos processed in Luminar Neo.
Skylum’s Luminar Neo is fully immersed in AI, with a special shout out to Generative AI. One might say that artificial intelligence (AI) is the raison d’etre behind this software’s existence. Nothing wrong with that. AI and, particularly, Generative AI are merely additional tools in our photographic toolbox. AI is a means of expressing yourself, just like choosing which software you use for processing, which paper you use for printing or which brush, pigments or canvas an artist uses when painting. These are all individual choices.
With that tirade out of the way, let’s move on to ask what Luminar Neo can actually do for you. Can it take the mundane and make it extraordinary? Can AI imbue Luminar Neo with what’s needed to take you on a journey of exploration you’ve only dreamed of? More importantly, can Luminar Neo truly help you realize your creative vision? We shall see…
(Note. Skylum provided me with a one-year license, which includes all Generative AI features and updates.)
With that tirade out of the way, let’s move on to ask what Luminar Neo can actually do for you. Can it take the mundane and make it extraordinary? Can AI imbue Luminar Neo with what’s needed to take you on a journey of exploration you’ve only dreamed of? More importantly, can Luminar Neo truly help you realize your creative vision? We shall see…
(Note. Skylum provided me with a one-year license, which includes all Generative AI features and updates.)
Martians Enjoying Fireworks. The fireworks (emanating from Chicago's Navy Pier) were cut off at the top. Initially, I lived with it but wanted more. Along came Skylum's Luminar Neo with its toolbox of Generative AI options. So I expanded the canvas upwards and directed the software to fill in the gap and add the UFO. Photo ©2025 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.
The Luminar Neo Catalog
When first launching the application, you’re asked to create a Catalog. The key purpose of the Catalog is to help you organize images. That said, I tend to avoid catalogs in general, because I've realized that they're ravenous, eating up precious resources on your computer. But, little by little, I’m beginning to appreciate how this software approaches Catalogs à la Luminar Neo – and I like it more and more. From what I can see, you’re not duplicating images by placing them in a Catalog. You’re simply telling the application that these images exist and where to find them.
I’d avoid creating multiple Catalogs at the outset, however, as that may muddy the waters. Instead, group each collection of photos into Albums, where you can easily put your finger on the images you’re looking for, and keep Albums housed under one roof – one Catalog, that is. (Tip: give the Album a title that aptly describes it.)
Catalog or Library – That Is the Question
What I did find confusing was this: Catalog (at the top of the screen) and Library (under View in the main menu) appear to do the same thing, namely putting this collection of images front and center. To find out exactly how Library and Catalog differ, I consulted Luminar Neo’s AI helper, and here’s what I found:
“A catalog in Luminar Neo is a database that stores all information about your files. This includes metadata such as flags and edits you make to your images. The edits are non-destructive, meaning that your changes are saved as instructions in the catalog rather than altering the original files.”
On the other hand…
“A library, in this context referring to the Luminar Mobile Photo Library, is a central collection or repository where you store and manage your photos. It acts as the starting point for your creative journey—allowing you to capture new shots, import your favorite images, edit them, and share your creative work seamlessly. The Image Library is designed to optimize your photographic workflow by providing adjustable display settings and easy organization options.
“In essence, it is your personal collection of images that you can work with, adjust, and organize in a way that suits your creative process.”
Still, that doesn’t explain why, when you click on Catalog and Library, you are met with the exact same visual display. Or as the King of Siam (King and I) would put it, it’s a “puzzlement.”
When first launching the application, you’re asked to create a Catalog. The key purpose of the Catalog is to help you organize images. That said, I tend to avoid catalogs in general, because I've realized that they're ravenous, eating up precious resources on your computer. But, little by little, I’m beginning to appreciate how this software approaches Catalogs à la Luminar Neo – and I like it more and more. From what I can see, you’re not duplicating images by placing them in a Catalog. You’re simply telling the application that these images exist and where to find them.
I’d avoid creating multiple Catalogs at the outset, however, as that may muddy the waters. Instead, group each collection of photos into Albums, where you can easily put your finger on the images you’re looking for, and keep Albums housed under one roof – one Catalog, that is. (Tip: give the Album a title that aptly describes it.)
Catalog or Library – That Is the Question
What I did find confusing was this: Catalog (at the top of the screen) and Library (under View in the main menu) appear to do the same thing, namely putting this collection of images front and center. To find out exactly how Library and Catalog differ, I consulted Luminar Neo’s AI helper, and here’s what I found:
“A catalog in Luminar Neo is a database that stores all information about your files. This includes metadata such as flags and edits you make to your images. The edits are non-destructive, meaning that your changes are saved as instructions in the catalog rather than altering the original files.”
On the other hand…
“A library, in this context referring to the Luminar Mobile Photo Library, is a central collection or repository where you store and manage your photos. It acts as the starting point for your creative journey—allowing you to capture new shots, import your favorite images, edit them, and share your creative work seamlessly. The Image Library is designed to optimize your photographic workflow by providing adjustable display settings and easy organization options.
“In essence, it is your personal collection of images that you can work with, adjust, and organize in a way that suits your creative process.”
Still, that doesn’t explain why, when you click on Catalog and Library, you are met with the exact same visual display. Or as the King of Siam (King and I) would put it, it’s a “puzzlement.”
Where to Begin?
Luminar Neo takes a unique approach to digital image editing. It begins with a workflow unlike any other I’ve ever worked with. If you’re new to image editing, you’ll probably take to it quickly enough. If, like me, you’ve been on this road before, you might find yourself hitting a few roadblocks. But fear not. Either way, a fun and rewarding experience awaits you.
Luminar Neo takes a unique approach to digital image editing. It begins with a workflow unlike any other I’ve ever worked with. If you’re new to image editing, you’ll probably take to it quickly enough. If, like me, you’ve been on this road before, you might find yourself hitting a few roadblocks. But fear not. Either way, a fun and rewarding experience awaits you.
Presets, Presets, Presets…
At the outset, I plucked out Raw files to edit individually or several at a time from my various drives, and opened them inside Luminar Neo. At which point, I was beset by Presets. Was this my next step, I wondered?
These Presets often go by whimsical titles that don’t really tell you what they do – and there are no pop-up wizards to lend a hand. I had no idea what any of them did without sampling them, so I did just that. Upon closer examination, I found they were largely tonal and color variations, with perhaps a little extra thrown in the mix – nothing profound or dramatic, despite some titles to the contrary. I decided to move on.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You may find these Presets are a perfect fit. Personally, I recommend you style your own Presets tailored to different categories of images, with titles you can easily relate to (e.g. people outdoors, people outdoors overcast, landscape sunny, landscape overcast, indoors available light, etc.). Either way, Presets are designed to be used as a starting point. I didn’t let that interfere with my workflow. I was really looking forward to putting this image editor through its paces. My next stop: Edit.
At the outset, I plucked out Raw files to edit individually or several at a time from my various drives, and opened them inside Luminar Neo. At which point, I was beset by Presets. Was this my next step, I wondered?
These Presets often go by whimsical titles that don’t really tell you what they do – and there are no pop-up wizards to lend a hand. I had no idea what any of them did without sampling them, so I did just that. Upon closer examination, I found they were largely tonal and color variations, with perhaps a little extra thrown in the mix – nothing profound or dramatic, despite some titles to the contrary. I decided to move on.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You may find these Presets are a perfect fit. Personally, I recommend you style your own Presets tailored to different categories of images, with titles you can easily relate to (e.g. people outdoors, people outdoors overcast, landscape sunny, landscape overcast, indoors available light, etc.). Either way, Presets are designed to be used as a starting point. I didn’t let that interfere with my workflow. I was really looking forward to putting this image editor through its paces. My next stop: Edit.
The Edit Menu
Along with Catalog and Presets, the main interface offers what I discovered to be the bread-and-butter option: Edit. Hmm, I wondered initially, where will this take me? So I clicked it and was introduced to a cornucopia of wondrous tools, with some familiar, others not so much, if at all. Remember, Luminar Neo has its own style of doing things. It would take me a little getting used to, but, as it turned out, it was only a matter of minutes before I’d achieved success.
At this point we should stop and take a breather – and explain something. Clicking Edit reveals two options: “Edits” (plural – defines the toolset recently used, beginning with Raw tools), and “Tools” (all the available tools, including those found under Edits).
Edits focuses on developing (“Develop/Raw”) the Raw file first and foremost. Here you’ll find the major tonal, color, contrast and optical settings that aim to bring out much of the flavor the image can deliver. None of these steps appear to be AI-assisted. (You’ll know it’s AI when you come to it – by the highlighted superscript “AI” text added to the setting title.)
The next step in the Raw processing workflow is “Noiseless.” Though not labeled as such, this appears to be AI. You can tell by watching the screen as it “hunts” (my term) for the noise gremlins. It’s the same procedure that you’ll see with other AI-assisted processes. And it’s kinda fun to watch, albeit a bit time-consuming (as is true of many AI operations here). Still, better to be entertained than to sit twiddling your thumbs.
When it comes to the vast array of tools, a few leave me befuddled. There’s “Noiseless,” which is AI-assisted. But there’s also a “Denoise” tool, and on top of that, one called “Noise Reduction.” On the flip side, there’s an AI-enhanced “Supersharp,” and on top of that, a “Sharpness” setting under Develop. Add to that, a “Details” option, which is also a sharpening tool, except that it approaches sharpness in its own way. Let’s just say: it’s all in the details. Skylum, couldn’t we perhaps eliminate the seeming redundancy regarding noise reduction and sharpness, with each accommodating the separate parameters under one heading, graying out settings that might not be apropos in a given situation?
Just beneath the histogram, is a brand-new feature (introduced April 2025) titled “Auto Adjust.” As the name implies, clicking this setting automatically adjusts key parameters in the image. But check the histogram to make sure you’re not losing vital information. In fact, scroll over the histogram to reveal the clipping indicators. If not selected, click on each – then walk over to the image to see which pixels are highlighted (red, for clipped highlights; blue, clipped shadows). Adjust the settings, if needed, to prevent clipping and lost detail. Double-clicking on a setting returns it to the default value.
To arrive at the generative AI tools, you have to venture into the Library (or click Catalog). Now you’re shown three panels. The one on the left reveals the searchable Catalog of images brought into Luminar Neo; the one in the middle, the images you’re currently working on; and on the right, the AI enclave.
(TIP: I recommend storing the Catalog on an external drive. These things tend to get weighty, and you need space on your computer’s drive to handle the editing. By the same token, when it comes to saving and exporting, create a folder on an external drive. The Catalog creates its own folder, with references to all the images.
Along with Catalog and Presets, the main interface offers what I discovered to be the bread-and-butter option: Edit. Hmm, I wondered initially, where will this take me? So I clicked it and was introduced to a cornucopia of wondrous tools, with some familiar, others not so much, if at all. Remember, Luminar Neo has its own style of doing things. It would take me a little getting used to, but, as it turned out, it was only a matter of minutes before I’d achieved success.
At this point we should stop and take a breather – and explain something. Clicking Edit reveals two options: “Edits” (plural – defines the toolset recently used, beginning with Raw tools), and “Tools” (all the available tools, including those found under Edits).
Edits focuses on developing (“Develop/Raw”) the Raw file first and foremost. Here you’ll find the major tonal, color, contrast and optical settings that aim to bring out much of the flavor the image can deliver. None of these steps appear to be AI-assisted. (You’ll know it’s AI when you come to it – by the highlighted superscript “AI” text added to the setting title.)
The next step in the Raw processing workflow is “Noiseless.” Though not labeled as such, this appears to be AI. You can tell by watching the screen as it “hunts” (my term) for the noise gremlins. It’s the same procedure that you’ll see with other AI-assisted processes. And it’s kinda fun to watch, albeit a bit time-consuming (as is true of many AI operations here). Still, better to be entertained than to sit twiddling your thumbs.
When it comes to the vast array of tools, a few leave me befuddled. There’s “Noiseless,” which is AI-assisted. But there’s also a “Denoise” tool, and on top of that, one called “Noise Reduction.” On the flip side, there’s an AI-enhanced “Supersharp,” and on top of that, a “Sharpness” setting under Develop. Add to that, a “Details” option, which is also a sharpening tool, except that it approaches sharpness in its own way. Let’s just say: it’s all in the details. Skylum, couldn’t we perhaps eliminate the seeming redundancy regarding noise reduction and sharpness, with each accommodating the separate parameters under one heading, graying out settings that might not be apropos in a given situation?
Just beneath the histogram, is a brand-new feature (introduced April 2025) titled “Auto Adjust.” As the name implies, clicking this setting automatically adjusts key parameters in the image. But check the histogram to make sure you’re not losing vital information. In fact, scroll over the histogram to reveal the clipping indicators. If not selected, click on each – then walk over to the image to see which pixels are highlighted (red, for clipped highlights; blue, clipped shadows). Adjust the settings, if needed, to prevent clipping and lost detail. Double-clicking on a setting returns it to the default value.
To arrive at the generative AI tools, you have to venture into the Library (or click Catalog). Now you’re shown three panels. The one on the left reveals the searchable Catalog of images brought into Luminar Neo; the one in the middle, the images you’re currently working on; and on the right, the AI enclave.
(TIP: I recommend storing the Catalog on an external drive. These things tend to get weighty, and you need space on your computer’s drive to handle the editing. By the same token, when it comes to saving and exporting, create a folder on an external drive. The Catalog creates its own folder, with references to all the images.
Masking
Masking lets you dictate which areas of the picture are subject to your editing changes, and which are protected from these alterations. Luminar Neo offers a number of options under this heading. In fact, many settings come with their own masking options. If you paint a mask but close the panel for that setting, the mask evaporates, so that’s something you should watch out for. Again, something that bothers me but may not bother you.
What’s more, the masking option lacks one key refinement. You can invert or take other actions with a mask already in place. You also have the choice in the type of mask: Brush (paint the mask freehand), Linear Gradient (like using a grad overlay), Radial Gradient (circular or oval – you shape it), Color (masks like colors), Luminosity ( masks based on brightness) – plus two AI-assisted masks, Mask AI and Object Select AI.
So, what’s missing in masking? For starters, the option to snap-to edges, where an application detects edges and doesn’t let you stray outside the line. Masking also needs the option to feather, or soften, the edges, and that’s not always available. Beyond that, you can’t pick the size of the brush when using AI masking, and that makes it difficult to get in tight spaces. After all, masking is about control, and here that leaves something to be desired.
I would prefer that masking be set apart from the individual settings, so that it can be applied globally, with options noted above, including feathering and snap-to edges, plus variable brushes for AI masking.
Masking lets you dictate which areas of the picture are subject to your editing changes, and which are protected from these alterations. Luminar Neo offers a number of options under this heading. In fact, many settings come with their own masking options. If you paint a mask but close the panel for that setting, the mask evaporates, so that’s something you should watch out for. Again, something that bothers me but may not bother you.
What’s more, the masking option lacks one key refinement. You can invert or take other actions with a mask already in place. You also have the choice in the type of mask: Brush (paint the mask freehand), Linear Gradient (like using a grad overlay), Radial Gradient (circular or oval – you shape it), Color (masks like colors), Luminosity ( masks based on brightness) – plus two AI-assisted masks, Mask AI and Object Select AI.
So, what’s missing in masking? For starters, the option to snap-to edges, where an application detects edges and doesn’t let you stray outside the line. Masking also needs the option to feather, or soften, the edges, and that’s not always available. Beyond that, you can’t pick the size of the brush when using AI masking, and that makes it difficult to get in tight spaces. After all, masking is about control, and here that leaves something to be desired.
I would prefer that masking be set apart from the individual settings, so that it can be applied globally, with options noted above, including feathering and snap-to edges, plus variable brushes for AI masking.
Luminar Neo and DNG
DNG (Digital Negative) image files are increasingly finding their way into our everyday digital imaging lives. So one would assume that it’s treated by every photo application as the Raw file format that it truly is. Well, yes and no.
Generative AI images produced by Luminar Neo lose their non-destructive status and, for that matter, are no longer saved as Raw files. So, what about using the DNG file format? It’s certainly doable, but there is a serious caveat. Oddly enough, Luminar Neo doesn’t recognize the DNG files it exports as Raw files, even though the Catalog records it as Raw. Instead, these files are treated much the same as any JPEG or TIFF, with Raw options negated.
However, on the plus side, DNG files generated elsewhere and imported into Luminar Neo are treated as expected, namely, as Raw files, with all due reverence. And DNG files generated by Luminar Neo are recognized as Raw by Affinity Photo 2 and Photoshop, but not DxO software. This is a minor glitch, but one that needs to be addressed, nonetheless.
DNG (Digital Negative) image files are increasingly finding their way into our everyday digital imaging lives. So one would assume that it’s treated by every photo application as the Raw file format that it truly is. Well, yes and no.
Generative AI images produced by Luminar Neo lose their non-destructive status and, for that matter, are no longer saved as Raw files. So, what about using the DNG file format? It’s certainly doable, but there is a serious caveat. Oddly enough, Luminar Neo doesn’t recognize the DNG files it exports as Raw files, even though the Catalog records it as Raw. Instead, these files are treated much the same as any JPEG or TIFF, with Raw options negated.
However, on the plus side, DNG files generated elsewhere and imported into Luminar Neo are treated as expected, namely, as Raw files, with all due reverence. And DNG files generated by Luminar Neo are recognized as Raw by Affinity Photo 2 and Photoshop, but not DxO software. This is a minor glitch, but one that needs to be addressed, nonetheless.
Luminar Neo – Constantly Improving
Judging by the continuing lineup of fixes and enhancements over the past few years, you can rest assured that any reported (and unreported) deficiencies will be addressed before long. If you want to read about all the improvements over the years, click this link: new and improveed. It’s impressive. And I can’t wait to see what Luminar Neo holds in store for us in the future.
Before concluding, I have one more thing to add that bugs me. Luminar Neo refuses to let you close files. If you exit the application and come back to it, you simply return to the point where you left off, with the same image (or images) staring you right in the face.
I know of no other application that does not allow you to close a file. And, to my way of thinking – and working, it’s a major clog in the system. If I want to close a file, please, Skylum, do me the courtesy of allowing me to close the file. Pure and simple.
One more thing I’d like to see: the ability to add text layers. Currently, the only way to add your copyright is to generate the text elsewhere, then bring it into Luminar Neo as a watermark (in a layer). A bit counterintuitive, but better than nothing. Directly adding a dedicated text layer would be even better.
Judging by the continuing lineup of fixes and enhancements over the past few years, you can rest assured that any reported (and unreported) deficiencies will be addressed before long. If you want to read about all the improvements over the years, click this link: new and improveed. It’s impressive. And I can’t wait to see what Luminar Neo holds in store for us in the future.
Before concluding, I have one more thing to add that bugs me. Luminar Neo refuses to let you close files. If you exit the application and come back to it, you simply return to the point where you left off, with the same image (or images) staring you right in the face.
I know of no other application that does not allow you to close a file. And, to my way of thinking – and working, it’s a major clog in the system. If I want to close a file, please, Skylum, do me the courtesy of allowing me to close the file. Pure and simple.
One more thing I’d like to see: the ability to add text layers. Currently, the only way to add your copyright is to generate the text elsewhere, then bring it into Luminar Neo as a watermark (in a layer). A bit counterintuitive, but better than nothing. Directly adding a dedicated text layer would be even better.
Conclusion
If you want more conventional digital image editing tools, then Luminar Neo is not the way to go. But if you want to take advantage of the latest and coolest advancements in digital imaging technology with artificial intelligence, then this is a step in the right direction.
Luminar Neo has, what I’d call, a quirky style of doing things. But you know what? I’m okay with that, so long as this methodology doesn’t get in my way.
On the surface, Luminar Neo appears uncomplicated. But as you dig deeper, it reveals more complex layers that lead to more dramatic, sometimes extraordinary, results. Unfortunately, you sometimes find yourself running around in circles, with some settings seemingly duplicating themselves, just under a different moniker. It can get confusing, until you have a firm grasp on the software.
If you want more conventional digital image editing tools, then Luminar Neo is not the way to go. But if you want to take advantage of the latest and coolest advancements in digital imaging technology with artificial intelligence, then this is a step in the right direction.
Luminar Neo has, what I’d call, a quirky style of doing things. But you know what? I’m okay with that, so long as this methodology doesn’t get in my way.
On the surface, Luminar Neo appears uncomplicated. But as you dig deeper, it reveals more complex layers that lead to more dramatic, sometimes extraordinary, results. Unfortunately, you sometimes find yourself running around in circles, with some settings seemingly duplicating themselves, just under a different moniker. It can get confusing, until you have a firm grasp on the software.
Closing Remarks
The AI-based heart of the software alone is worth the price of admission. Everything that goes along with it is just icing on the proverbial cake, with each layer making it that much sweeter – without all the calories.
Thanks to AI, the software makes it fairly easy to create images that you could only imagine yourself producing. Should you feel less of a photographer because of AI? No, decidedly not. While some photo competitions, localities and copyright offices may restrict or find entirely unacceptable what can be done with AI-generated images, that shouldn’t stop you, provided you’re not using Generative AI to defame anyone or anything. You can still share and market these images with pride. The fact that you had the wherewithal to conceive of these possibilities and see them to fruition is a credit to you and nothing to hide from. Have fun. With Luminar Neo putting you in the driver’s seat, let generative AI take you around the bend and beyond the stars!
The AI-based heart of the software alone is worth the price of admission. Everything that goes along with it is just icing on the proverbial cake, with each layer making it that much sweeter – without all the calories.
Thanks to AI, the software makes it fairly easy to create images that you could only imagine yourself producing. Should you feel less of a photographer because of AI? No, decidedly not. While some photo competitions, localities and copyright offices may restrict or find entirely unacceptable what can be done with AI-generated images, that shouldn’t stop you, provided you’re not using Generative AI to defame anyone or anything. You can still share and market these images with pride. The fact that you had the wherewithal to conceive of these possibilities and see them to fruition is a credit to you and nothing to hide from. Have fun. With Luminar Neo putting you in the driver’s seat, let generative AI take you around the bend and beyond the stars!
For more information on Luminar Neo, please visit this link: Luminar Neo
For Pricing: click here (scroll down to FAQs for minimum system requirements and licensing info).
For Pricing: click here (scroll down to FAQs for minimum system requirements and licensing info).
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