Verdict: 3.5 stars Luminar AI has some spectacular AI effects, but it also has performance issues and a disappointing template AI workflow that’s less than inspiring.
Luminar (Skylum)
Luminar is a comparatively new image-editing software that offers instant effects presets made with a range of different filters and tools which you can combine and adjust manually. It offers easily-customised ‘workspaces’ which contain only the tools you need and which makes the interface as straightforward as possible.
The best image editing software: ten great programs compared
Choosing the best image editing software is complicated, not just because there are so many alternatives, but because they all do different things. It all depends on what you look for most in your photo editing software. Here are ten programs with ten different approaches.
Skylum Luminar 4.3 review
Verdict: 4.5 stars Luminar 4 is an unusual and constantly evolving program. Increasingly, it’s specialising in altered, enhanced and augmented reality effects – and these are exceptionally effective. Luminar also has a full selection of basic photo editing tools like curves, cropping, layers and retouching. It’s a very versatile and effective photo editor.
Lightroom alternatives: which is best?
Lightroom is probably the automatic go-to program for enthusiasts and experts looking for an all-in-one photo organising and editing program, but it’s not necessarily the best and it’s not popular with everyone, so many will be looking for Lightroom alternatives.
How to carry out Single Image Edits in Luminar 4
You can open and edit single images in Luminar, and you don’t have to import the entire folder they are stored in first. It’s still important to understand what Luminar is doing, though.
How to use masks in Luminar
Often you want to apply an effect or adjustment to a whole picture, but not always. Sometimes you only want to apply it to part of the picture, and this is where the Luminar mask tools become really useful.
Luminar tips: where to find key tools, how to use them better
Luminar is one of the most exciting image editors on the market. It’s also one of the fastest changing and quirkiest, so it’s not always easy to keep up with what’s new, what’s changed and where to find the tools and settings you need and why this list of Luminar tips could prove useful, both […]
Luminar 4 cheat sheet: How to find your way around the Luminar 4 Library window
The Luminar 4 Library window is where you do all of your image opening, importing and organizing. You select the Library view using the first of three buttons (6) at the top of the tools panel on the right. The second button (7) is for the Edit view. The third Info view (8) simply displays […]
Luminar 4.2 Augmented Skies: is this photography or illustration?
I’m in two minds about this feature. The AI Augmented Sky filter in Luminar 4.2 is spectacularly effective at blending in all sorts of other-worldly objects into regular outdoor skies, even supplying a range of ready-made objects like these twin planets via a drop-down menu. The AI technology merges these objects with your sky so […]
How to double-up on adjustments in Luminar and get twice the effect
Luminar filters can be used in any combination, but did you know you can use the same filter twice? This is especially useful with the Accent AI 2.0 filter.