Luminar review

Luminar is Skylum's photo editor for people who used Photoshop mostly to make photos look better rather than to build composites or graphics. Skylum lists more than 30 features, many driven by AI: Sky AI replaces skies, Structure AI and Supercontrast add detail, and Face AI, Skin AI and Portrait Background handle portraits. Generative tools such as GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand remove, replace or extend parts of an image, and layers and masking cover more manual work. Skylum sells Luminar as a one-time license with a 30-day money back guarantee, and there are versions for desktop, mobile and web. The fine print matters: the pricing page says full access to the generative tools is included for one year, with charges applying afterward. Desktop needs macOS 13 or Windows 10 version 1909 or later, and 8 GB of RAM at minimum. From our location the pricing page showed only Polish zloty, so we could not verify a USD price.

Who it is for

photographers who want AI one-click enhancements

Price

One-time license (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 30+ features including Sky AI, Structure AI and Supercontrast
• GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand generative tools
• Portrait tools: Face AI, Skin AI and Portrait Background
• Layers and masking
• Versions for desktop, mobile and web

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: One-time purchase with no subscription, according to Skylum
• Strength: 30-day money back guarantee
• Strength: Runs on macOS 13 or later and Windows 10 version 1909 or later
• Weakness: Generative tools are included for one year, after which charges apply
• Weakness: Built for photo enhancement rather than graphic design
• Weakness: The pricing page did not show USD from our location, so confirm the cost yourself

Key facts

• Pricing model: One-time license
• Refund: 30-day money back guarantee
• Platforms: macOS, Windows, mobile, web
• RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended

Where it ranks

Luminar is No. 8 in our Best Photoshop Alternatives verdict.