How to use Luminar Neo with Photoshop (Via the Plugin)

Every purchase of Luminar Neo comes with a handy Photoshop plugin which enables you to use both pieces of software together. Here's how to do it.

By Andrew Dilks

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Learning how to use Luminar Neo with Photoshop opens up a new world of image editing tools and options previously unavailable when using either program in isolation.

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As a landscape photographer looking for the best ways to improve my images, I love the ability to quickly hop over to Luminar Neo to fine-tune values for the best possible results.

In this tutorial, I’ll run through the simple way to integrate Luminar Neo with Photoshop so you can take advantage of the many tools it has to offer.

For a general overview of Neo, see our beginner’s guide.

Table of Contents

How to use Luminar Neo with Photoshop with ease

Using Luminar Neo with Photoshop allows you to access its broad set of editing tools at the touch of a button, applying presets and other changes in Luminar Neo before reverting back to Photoshop for the finishing touches.

It’s incredibly easy to do in a matter of seconds and can help enhance your images without requiring a great deal of experience and technical know-how.

Here’s how you can use Luminar Neo and Photoshop together to take your image edits to the next level:

Load up the image you wish to edit in Photoshop

The first thing you need to do to use Luminar Neo and Photoshop together is open Photoshop and choose the image you wish to edit.

Make sure the image type is in the correct format, then once you’re happy with the chosen picture, you can open up the Photoshop filter.

Select Luminar Neo from the Photoshop filters

Selecting Luminar Neo from the Photoshop filter options

Selecting the Luminar Neo plugin from Photoshop filters is incredibly easy

Next, you’ll need to choose Luminar Neo from the list of filters available through Photoshop, which should be automatically listed once you have Luminar Neo installed on your device.

You can do this by:

Choosing Filter > Skylum Software Luminar Neo

Once you’ve selected this, Luminar Neo will load up with your selected image ready to apply presets or any other Luminar Neo edits you wish to perform.

(If you don’t see the option, you may need to reinstall the Luminar plugin – see how to install Luminar.)

Apply the changes in Luminar Neo

Choosing the Apply changes option in Luminar Neo

Changes made in Luminar Neo can be easily applied in Photoshop

Once you’ve applied any changes you wish to make to the image in Luminar Neo, it’s time to apply these changes and return to Photoshop.

The Apply button can be found in the top right-hand corner of the screen, so tap this when you’re done and the image will process in Photoshop.

Return to Photoshop to continue editing

Viewing changes made in Luminar Neo in Photoshop

Returning to Photoshop after applying changes in Luminar Neo

Once you’ve hit the Apply button, Luminar Neo will make these applications and automatically send you straight back to Photoshop.

It’s as simple as that! Should you wish to make additional edits using the tools and presets in Luminar Neo, simply repeat the second step of this process and select the software in Photoshop’s Filter options.

How to Open a Photo in Photoshop from (Inside) Luminar Neo

neo-photoshop

You can also do the vice versa, and open your photo from within Neo and edit it in Photoshop.

To do so, right click the image, select ‘Open In’, then choose Photoshop.

How to use Luminar Neo with Photoshop – FAQs

Using Luminar Neo with Photoshop is incredibly easy, but in case you still have any concerns, here are some answers to the more frequently asked questions on this topic:

Is Luminar Neo better than Photoshop?

Photoshop is widely used by professional photographers and graphic designers on account of its broad set of tools and other features that give it professional-level options for image editing.

Luminar Neo simplifies the range of options available, which makes it ideal for beginners and amateur photographers who are looking for an entry-level image editor for quick changes.

It’s a more straightforward tool that enhances its appeal among more casual users, which nevertheless is still capable of delivering a wide range of edits at the highest quality.

How do I install Luminar plugin in Photoshop?

If you’ve installed Luminar Neo on your computer, you should find it is automatically listed in Photoshop’s Filter menu and is ready to use straight away.

This will give you instant access to Luminar Neo without the need to add it as an extension in Photoshop, saving time and hassle getting it up and running.

Can Luminar neo replace Lightroom?

Luminar Neo is a great tool for photo editing for non-professionals and those who are looking for an intuitive and automated image editing package.

While it’s unlikely to replace Lightroom for pros who need the full range of tools to fine-tune their work, for many photographers, it delivers stunning results in a matter of seconds.

Many professionals will use a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop as well as Luminar Neo as a plugin, so they can take advantage of the full range of tools these programs have to offer.

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Andrew Dilks

Andy Dilks is an experienced landscape photographer and former games industry veteran. When he isn’t taking photos or reviewing the latest tech gadgets, you can find him hiking and wild camping in the Peak District.