Luminar
AI-assisted photo editing for desktop, mobile, and established plug-in workflows.
About Luminar
Luminar Neo is a photo editor for Windows and macOS that pairs conventional adjustment tools with AI-assisted edits. It can run as a standalone application or as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Photos for macOS. Its tools cover quick enhancement, distraction removal, sky replacement, portrait retouching, sharpening, composition, color, light, object replacement, and restoration of older photographs. Buyers can choose a perpetual desktop license or perpetual packages that add mobile access and, in the Max package, one year of Creative Library access. The software suits photographers who want to shorten common editing workflows without giving up manual controls. A seven-day trial is available, but there is no permanent free plan. Perpetual ownership does not guarantee every future major upgrade, which may require another payment. Device activations can be reset through the app or a Skylum account, and extra seats can be purchased.
Best for
Best use cases
Retouch portraits and remove unwanted objects
Edit landscapes with sky, light, and color controls
Move a license activation to a replacement computer
Compare before choosing
Desktop license costs less but does not include mobile editing
Cross-device license adds mobile apps without Creative Library access
Max license includes one year of Creative Library access that renews for an extra charge
Features
Speed up routine photo edits
Apply AI-assisted enhancement, sharpening, color, light, and composition adjustments when a full manual workflow would take longer.
Retouch portraits and scenes
Smooth skin, refine facial features, remove distractions, replace skies, and create background blur with focused controls.
Work inside an existing desktop workflow
Use Luminar Neo as a standalone editor or open it as a plug-in in Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, or Photos for macOS.
Pros
- Perpetual desktop licenses avoid recurring subscription fees for the core editor.
- AI tools shorten object removal, sky replacement, and portrait-retouching workflows.
- Standalone and plug-in modes support both independent and Adobe-centered workflows.
Cons
- The seven-day trial expires, and there is no permanent free plan.
- A perpetual license may still require payment for major future upgrades.
- Mobile access costs more, and the Max Creative Library renews for an extra annual charge.
Pricing Plans
Perpetual Desktop License
- Luminar Neo for Windows or macOS
- Luminar Neo video course
- Quick start guide
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Perpetual Cross-device License
- Luminar Neo for Windows or macOS
- Mobile app for iOS, Android, and ChromeOS
- Luminar Neo video course
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Perpetual Max License
- Luminar Neo for desktop and mobile
- Luminar Neo video course
- One year of Creative Library access with 1,000+ assets and courses
- Creative Library renews yearly for an additional price and can be canceled
* Pricing information is for reference only. Please refer to the latest announcement on Luminar's official website.