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Luminar combines AI-assisted photo tools with conventional editing controls, and its 1.28 redesign brings catalog browsing and editing into a more unified workspace. Skylum says the 1.28.0 release improved the speed of specific tasks, but those figures are vendor-reported rather than independent test results. The fall features discussed in the September 2026 review were announced as plans, not confirmed releases.
What is Luminar?
Luminar is Skylum’s photo editor for photographers who want AI-assisted adjustments alongside manual control. Windows Report’s September 18, 2026 review describes tools for color and exposure, portrait retouching, sky replacement, object removal, relighting and creative effects. It also describes Luminar as usable on its own or as a plugin in common Adobe workflows; check Skylum’s current product documentation for specific compatibility details.
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The reviewed toolset spans presets, AI masking, layers and non-destructive edits, plus generative tools such as GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand. Other named tools include Enhance AI, Supersharp AI, Noiseless AI, Atmosphere AI, Bokeh AI, Studio Light, Restoration and RAW development controls. The review does not establish that every feature is included with every license tier.
The review’s author found masking less taxing and viewed the mix of AI and manual controls positively. Those are the reviewer’s impressions, not a universal performance result. Digital Camera World’s 2026 software guide likewise praises some Luminar tools while noting uneven AI quality and an interface that can feel intimidating.
#1 Best Overall
- Get breathtaking photos in the blink of an eye. With powerful AI, you just discovered one of the most advanced photo software downloads available anywhere
- Powerful AI does the hard work for you. The photo editor software for Mac includes SkyAI, FaceAI, SkinAI, BodyAI, AtmosphereAI, and more to detect and enhance pretty much anything in your photo
- Skip the tutorials. We’ve kept the user interface of the photo editing software for Windows 10 simple. All photo enhancing software should be this easy to use
- Find your creative vision. With templates galore, you can find your signature look and create the perfect style for your photos. You haven’t seen lightroom photo editing software quite like this
- Built by Skylum. You can count on photo organizer software that’s both professional grade and easy to use
What changed in Luminar 1.28?
Skylum’s changelog dates Luminar 1.28.0 to August 5, 2026, and describes it as a design update. Catalog and Edit now share one space; Presets, Tools and Edit are grouped in the right-hand panel. The redesigned navigation adds breadcrumbs and controls for moving backward and forward between photos. An extra-tools area includes GenErase, GenSwap, GenExpand, Upscale AI, HDR Merge and Panorama Stitching. The notes also list support for Leica SL3-P, Leica M11-P, Panasonic Lumix DC-L10, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V compressed RAW.
Skylum reports these 1.28.0 performance changes in its official changelog:
Rank #2
- Make your photos look better than ever with Lightroom (desktop, mobile, and web), and Lightroom Classic (desktop).
- Quick Actions instantly give you suggestions tailored to your photo so you can get the look you want.
- Remove anything in a click. Make distractions vanish with Generative Remove, powered by Adobe Firefly generative AI.
- Edit Lightroom images in Firefly using simple prompts and create stunning videos directly with images.
- Quickly improve image quality using generative upscale with Topaz Gigapixel, now including powerful 4x upscaling.
- Exports: up to 27% faster.
- Preset previews: up to 3.8 times faster.
- Masking tools: up to 33% less memory use.
These are Skylum’s figures, not results from an independent benchmark. They apply to the named tasks; they do not establish that every part of editing is faster. The later 1.28.1 changelog entry reports batch export around 15% faster, Details up to 40% faster and Bokeh AI about 15% faster. Those claims are specific to the 1.28.1 notes and their named features. Because 1.28.1 appears after 1.28.0 in Skylum’s changelog, the September 18 review is not a complete account of the latest release listed there.
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In an August 11, 2026 announcement, Skylum described a two-phase upgrade: the summer rollout followed by a second phase expected in fall. The announcement previewed these features:
Rank #3
![PhotoPad Photo Editing Software - Edit, Crop, Rotate, Touch-up or Apply Effects [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QDVrs87VL._SL160_.jpg)
- Easily edit digital photos and other images
- Crop, rotate, resize and flip photos
- Touch-up photos to remove red-eye, blemishes, reduce noise and more
- Adjust image color, hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, levels, curves and more
- Create collages and panoramas from multiple images
- A more intelligent Crop tool.
- Atmosphere Fog designed to respond to light, color and depth.
- An AI Assistant intended to recommend and apply tools.
- Improved Enhance.
- A browser-based Web Editor.
That announcement establishes what Skylum planned at the time, not whether or when each feature shipped. Check the current changelog or product interface to confirm availability before relying on any of them.
How to assess Luminar’s editing approach
The appeal is the combination: AI can speed up or simplify tasks such as masking, retouching and removing objects, while manual controls, layers and non-destructive editing allow more deliberate adjustments. Whether that balance suits you depends on your workflow and tolerance for the interface; the review and Digital Camera World offer editorial impressions, not a guarantee that every tool will produce the same result on your images.
Rank #4
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- Subscription-free photo editing and design software PLUS the ultimate creative suite including MultiCam Capture 2.0 Lite, 50 free modern fonts, Painter Essentials 8, PhotoMirage Express, Highlight Reel, Sea-to-Sky Workspace, and the Corel Creative Collection
- Use full-featured editing tools to correct and adjust photos, remove objects and flaws, and change backgrounds, plus enjoy AI-powered tools, edit RAW images with new AfterShot Lab, create HDR photos, batch process, and more
- Get creative with graphic design features like layers and masks, powerful selection, intuitive text, brushes, drawing and painting tools, hundreds of creative filters, effects, built-in templates, and the enhanced Frame Tool
- Choose from multiple customizable workspaces to edit photos with efficiency, plus take your underwater and drone photography to new heights with the Ultimate-exclusive Sea-to-Sky Workspace
- Import/export a variety of file formats, including Adobe PSD, get support for 64-bit third-party plug-ins and graphics tablets, and find learning resources in-product
What to check before choosing a license
The review discusses license tiers and an upgrade, but its prices should not be treated as current. Skylum’s purchase options and included benefits can change, so compare the live offer against the work you need to do. In particular, confirm:
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- Whether AI tools or other benefits have a time-limited or subscription component.
- Whether you need desktop use only or a workflow across devices, and whether Luminar Mobile is relevant.
- Whether you need plugin compatibility for your Adobe workflow.
- The full price and any cost of future updates.
Windows Report says it may receive a commission through its purchase links. Skylum’s official affiliate program accepts applications from software reviewers, photographers, creators and other partners; applications are reviewed, and approved partners receive links and promotional materials. Its terms and eligible products can change, so consult Skylum’s affiliate page for current details.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Windows Report’s Luminar review, published September 18, 2026.
- Skylum’s official Luminar changelog.
- Skylum’s August 11, 2026 upgrade announcement.
- Digital Camera World’s 2026 photo-editing software guide.
- Skylum’s official affiliate program page.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
