Photoshop vs Luminar Neo

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Our analysts compared Photoshop vs Luminar Neo based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Photo Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Luminar Neo Software Tool

Product Basics

Photoshop is a versatile software designed for photo editing, graphics, and design tasks. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for manipulating images, creating digital artwork, and designing graphics. Users can perform tasks such as retouching photos, compositing images, and creating intricate designs with precision. The software is particularly suited for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists due to its robust capabilities and extensive feature set.

Industries such as advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design benefit significantly from Photoshop's advanced functionalities. Unique benefits include its powerful layer-based editing system, extensive brush library, and sophisticated selection tools. Popular features like content-aware fill, smart objects, and customizable workspaces enhance productivity and creativity.

Compared to similar products, users often praise Photoshop for its depth, flexibility, and industry-standard status. Pricing varies, typically offered as a subscription model with monthly or annual payment options. For specific pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on their needs.

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Luminar Neo is a sophisticated photo editing software designed to streamline and enhance the creative process for photographers and digital artists. It offers advanced AI-driven tools that simplify complex editing tasks, such as sky replacement, portrait retouching, and background removal. The software is particularly well-suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and social media influencers who require high-quality, efficient editing capabilities.

One of the standout features of Luminar Neo is its AI-powered enhancements, which allow users to achieve professional-grade results with minimal effort. The software also supports non-destructive editing, ensuring that original images remain untouched. Users appreciate the intuitive interface and the ability to quickly apply creative effects and adjustments.

Pricing for Luminar Neo varies, often depending on the specific features and subscription plans chosen. For precise pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on individual needs.

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$9.99 Monthly
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$79 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Creativity: Photoshop provides a wide array of tools and features that allow users to bring their creative visions to life, from intricate photo manipulations to stunning digital paintings.
  • Professional Quality: The software's advanced capabilities ensure that users can produce high-resolution, print-ready images suitable for professional use in marketing, advertising, and publishing.
  • Time Efficiency: With features like batch processing and automated actions, Photoshop helps streamline repetitive tasks, saving valuable time for designers and photographers.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Photoshop's use of layers and masks allows for adjustments and edits without permanently altering the original image, providing flexibility and peace of mind.
  • Versatile File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of file formats, making it easy to import and export images for various purposes, from web design to print media.
  • Precision and Control: Tools like the Pen Tool and Smart Guides offer unparalleled precision, enabling users to create detailed and accurate designs and selections.
  • Extensive Learning Resources: Adobe offers comprehensive tutorials, forums, and support, making it easier for users to learn and master Photoshop, regardless of their skill level.
  • Integration with Other Adobe Products: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Illustrator and InDesign, enhances workflow efficiency and project consistency.
  • Customization Options: Users can tailor their workspace and tools to fit their specific needs, improving productivity and comfort during long editing sessions.
  • Advanced Retouching Capabilities: Photoshop's retouching tools, such as the Healing Brush and Clone Stamp, allow for precise corrections and enhancements, making it ideal for portrait and fashion photography.
  • Creative Filters and Effects: A vast library of filters and effects enables users to experiment with different styles and moods, adding unique touches to their projects.
  • Scalability for Different Projects: Whether working on a small social media graphic or a large billboard design, Photoshop's tools and features scale to meet the demands of any project size.
  • Collaboration Features: Cloud documents and shared libraries facilitate collaboration among team members, ensuring consistency and efficiency in multi-person projects.
  • Regular Updates: Adobe frequently updates Photoshop with new features and improvements, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • Global Industry Standard: As the industry standard for photo editing and graphic design, proficiency in Photoshop is a valuable skill that enhances career opportunities and professional credibility.
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  • Time Efficiency: Luminar Neo's AI-powered tools streamline the editing process, allowing users to achieve professional results faster.
  • Creative Flexibility: The software offers a wide range of customizable templates and filters, enabling users to experiment and refine their artistic vision.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Edits are applied in a non-destructive manner, preserving the original image and allowing for easy adjustments at any stage.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Batch processing capabilities allow users to apply edits to multiple photos simultaneously, significantly speeding up workflow.
  • Intuitive Interface: The user-friendly design ensures that both beginners and experienced photographers can navigate the software with ease.
  • Advanced AI Features: Tools like Sky Replacement and Portrait Enhancer use AI to make complex edits simple and accessible, even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Seamless Integration: Luminar Neo can be used as a standalone application or as a plugin for other popular photo editing software, providing flexibility in how it fits into existing workflows.
  • Consistent Quality: The software's advanced algorithms ensure high-quality output, maintaining the integrity and detail of the original images.
  • Regular Updates: Continuous updates and improvements ensure that users have access to the latest tools and features, keeping their editing capabilities current.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Offering a range of pricing plans, Luminar Neo provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive photo editing software without compromising on quality.
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  • Layers: Allows for non-destructive editing by stacking multiple elements in a single image.
  • Selection Tools: Includes the Magic Wand, Lasso, and Quick Selection tools for precise area selections.
  • Adjustment Layers: Enables color and tonal adjustments without altering the original image.
  • Brush Tool: Offers customizable brushes for painting and retouching with various textures and effects.
  • Clone Stamp Tool: Copies pixels from one part of an image to another, useful for removing imperfections.
  • Smart Objects: Embeds images or vector graphics in a way that preserves their original quality when transformed.
  • Filters: Provides a range of effects like blur, sharpen, and distort to enhance or stylize images.
  • Pen Tool: Creates precise paths and shapes, essential for vector-based design and complex selections.
  • Content-Aware Fill: Automatically fills in selected areas by analyzing surrounding pixels, ideal for removing unwanted objects.
  • Text Tool: Adds and customizes text with various fonts, sizes, and styles directly onto images.
  • Layer Masks: Controls the visibility of different parts of a layer, allowing for seamless blending and compositing.
  • Blend Modes: Alters how layers interact with each other, offering creative options for combining images.
  • History Panel: Tracks and allows undoing multiple steps, providing flexibility in the editing process.
  • Actions: Automates repetitive tasks by recording and replaying a series of steps, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • 3D Tools: Enables the creation and manipulation of 3D objects and scenes within a 2D workspace.
  • Camera Raw: Processes raw images with advanced controls for exposure, color balance, and detail enhancement.
  • Liquify Tool: Warps and reshapes image areas, useful for retouching portraits and creating artistic effects.
  • Artboards: Manages multiple layouts within a single document, ideal for web and app design projects.
  • Vector Shapes: Draws and edits scalable shapes and paths, essential for logo design and illustrations.
  • Export Options: Supports various file formats and export settings, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.
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  • AI Sky Replacement: Automatically detects and replaces the sky in your photos with a more dramatic or fitting alternative.
  • Relight AI: Adjusts the lighting in your images to create a balanced exposure, even in backlit or unevenly lit scenes.
  • Layers and Masking: Offers advanced layers and masking tools for precise control over edits and composite images.
  • Portrait Bokeh AI: Simulates a shallow depth of field effect, enhancing portrait photos by blurring the background.
  • Structure AI: Enhances details and textures in your images without affecting human subjects, preserving natural skin tones.
  • Erase Tool: Removes unwanted objects or distractions from your photos with a single click, using content-aware technology.
  • Atmosphere AI: Adds realistic atmospheric effects like fog, mist, or haze to your landscape photos for added depth and mood.
  • Augmented Sky AI: Integrates additional elements like birds, planes, or even the moon into your sky replacements for a more dynamic scene.
  • Sunrays Tool: Creates natural-looking sunrays that can be adjusted for position, warmth, and intensity to enhance lighting.
  • Color Harmony: Provides advanced color grading tools to fine-tune the color balance, vibrance, and contrast in your images.
  • Supercontrast: Allows for precise contrast adjustments in highlights, midtones, and shadows independently.
  • AI Skin Enhancer and Portrait Enhancer: Automatically retouches skin and enhances facial features while maintaining a natural look.
  • Clone and Stamp Tool: Offers a traditional method for duplicating or removing elements in your photos with precision.
  • Lens and Geometry Corrections: Corrects lens distortions, chromatic aberrations, and perspective issues to ensure accurate image representation.
  • Batch Processing: Enables the application of edits to multiple photos simultaneously, streamlining your workflow.
  • Template System: Provides a variety of pre-designed templates that can be applied to photos for quick and consistent edits.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Ensures that all edits are reversible, preserving the original image data for future adjustments.
  • RAW File Support: Offers comprehensive support for RAW files from a wide range of camera models, ensuring high-quality image processing.
  • Customizable Workspace: Allows users to tailor the interface to their workflow preferences, enhancing usability and efficiency.
  • Integration with Other Software: Seamlessly integrates with other photo editing tools and software, including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
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Product Ranking

#1

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Photo Editing Software

#17

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Photo Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Basic Editing Tools
Security
Advanced Editing Tools
Platform Capabilities
User Interface and Experience
Basic Editing Tools
User Interface and Experience

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Photoshop
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Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface And Experience 96 100 75 91 91 73 96 46 76 90 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Photoshop and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Photo Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Basic Editing Tools and Security.

Analysts' Pick Award
Basic Editing Tools Award
Security Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Industry Standard: Photoshop is widely recognized as the go-to software in various creative industries, ensuring compatibility and smooth collaboration on projects.
Comprehensive Toolset: From basic adjustments to advanced manipulations, Photoshop offers an extensive array of tools catering to virtually every photo editing and graphic design need.
Powerful RAW Processing: Photoshop provides robust tools for adjusting RAW files, giving photographers extensive control over image parameters from the outset of their workflow.
AI-Powered Features: Features like Neural Filters leverage artificial intelligence to enable complex edits and achieve stunning results with simplified workflows.
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AI-Powered Efficiency: Streamline your workflow with AI tools like Sky Swap and object removal, perfect for quickly enhancing images with minimal effort.
Intuitive Interface: Easily navigate the software and find the tools you need thanks to the clean and clearly organized interface, making editing efficient and straightforward.
Customizable Presets: Jumpstart your editing process with a variety of built-in presets, which can be further tailored to match your specific style and preferences.
Workflow Versatility: Integrate Luminar Neo seamlessly into your existing editing process, using it as a standalone application or as a plugin for software like Photoshop.
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Subscription-Based Model: Unlike a one-time purchase, the subscription model means ongoing costs for users, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious businesses.
Steep Learning Curve: Photoshop's extensive features come with a price - mastering its interface and tools takes time and effort, potentially hindering productivity for new users.
Limited Native RAW Editing: Requiring a separate plugin (Adobe Camera RAW) for native RAW image editing can be seen as an unnecessary hurdle compared to software with built-in RAW support.
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Limited Cataloging: While sufficient for casual use, the cataloging features lack the robust organization tools needed by businesses handling large photo libraries.
Subscription Model: The subscription-based model, while competitively priced, might not be ideal for all businesses, especially those preferring one-time purchase software.
Hardware Dependency: To experience the full potential of Luminar Neo's AI-powered tools, businesses might require investment in higher-end computer hardware, potentially increasing overall costs.
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Can Photoshop really shop 'til it drops when it comes to features? User reviews from the last year suggest a resounding "yes," with many considering it the undisputed king of image editing. Users consistently highlight its unparalleled power and versatility as major strengths, particularly praising the depth and breadth of its toolset. For instance, the AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters are often lauded for their ability to achieve complex edits with surprising ease, setting Photoshop apart from more streamlined alternatives like PhotoWorks. While Photoshop's subscription model and steep learning curve are commonly cited drawbacks, users generally agree that the investment is justified for professionals and serious hobbyists who require the utmost control and precision in their work.

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Is Luminar Neo a flash in the pan, or does it have real staying power? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. While many appreciate Luminar Neo's user-friendly interface and powerful AI-powered tools, some argue it doesn't quite measure up to industry giants like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Luminar Neo's strengths lie in its intuitive design and AI capabilities. Features like sky replacement and skin smoothing, often requiring multiple steps in other software, can be achieved with impressive speed and ease. This makes it a particularly appealing option for beginners or those seeking a more streamlined workflow. However, experienced users might find the cataloging system less robust compared to Lightroom, impacting organization for large photo libraries. A key differentiator is Luminar Neo's approach to AI. Unlike some competitors, where AI feels like a novelty, Luminar Neo seamlessly integrates it into core features, simplifying complex edits without sacrificing control. For instance, the AI-powered sky replacement not only swaps skies but also adjusts lighting to match, creating a more realistic final image. This focus on practical AI applications is a significant draw for photographers seeking to expedite their editing process. However, some users report inconsistencies with AI accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, highlighting the need for manual adjustments. Ultimately, Luminar Neo is best suited for photographers who value efficiency and ease of use. Its AI tools are genuinely helpful, not just gimmicks, and the interface is welcoming for all skill levels. However, those heavily reliant on advanced cataloging or seeking the comprehensive toolset of software like Photoshop might find Luminar Neo lacking.

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