Luminar Neo 1.28.0 Unifies Editing Workspace, Boosts Performance by Up to 27%

Luminar Neo is getting a significant overhaul today with version 1.28.0, and the changes signal a shift in how the software approaches the editing workflow. The most immediate difference users will notice is that the app's Catalog and Edit modes are no longer separate spaces—they've been merged into a single workspace. Presets, Tools, and Edits now live together in a right-side panel, eliminating the friction of switching between modes. It's a straightforward fix to something that has bothered users for a while, and it puts features like Upscale AI where they logically belong, within the editing interface itself.

Skylum, the company behind Luminar, is also preparing to drop the "Neo" designation entirely, returning the software to its original name. The version 1.28.0 update represents the first phase of a larger redesign aimed at making the editing experience more intuitive while pushing performance across the board. Navigation has been rethought with breadcrumb trails to help users track their position within the app, plus familiar back and forward buttons for moving between photos. The right sidebar has been reorganized to consolidate Presets, Tools, Edits, photo Info, and Extra tools—which include GenErase, GenSwap, GenExpand, Upscale AI, HDR Merge, and Panorama Stitching—into one coherent panel. Account access has moved to the left sidebar, and a redesigned Creative Library makes browsing assets more straightforward.

The performance gains are substantial. Exports are now 27% faster on both Windows and macOS, which means less time spent waiting for files to render. Preset previews have been accelerated to 3.8 times their previous speed, making it easier to browse and compare different looks without lag. Batch editing of large photo sets is smoother and demands fewer system resources. The masking tools have been optimized to use up to 33% less memory, which is particularly helpful when working with large images. Both platforms have received OS-specific fixes as well.

Camera support has expanded to include the Leica SL3-P, Leica M11-P, Panasonic Lumix DC-L10, Sony a7R VI, and Sony a7 V—notably including compressed raw files from the Sony a7 V. This broadens the software's appeal to photographers using these newer bodies.

Looking ahead, Skylum has outlined a substantial fall release. An intelligent Crop tool will analyze an image's subjects, balance, leading lines, and visual weight to suggest finished compositions. A new Atmosphere–Fog feature will blend atmospheric effects into scenes intelligently, responding to light, color, and depth rather than simply laying a flat layer on top. An improved Enhance tool will read photos first and adapt more precisely without overprocessing. Perhaps most significantly, Luminar will gain a web-based editor, allowing users to open a browser and continue editing where they left off on the desktop.

The software already includes an AI Assistant that lets photographers describe their desired result and receive tool recommendations, editing suggestions, or guidance to appropriate adjustments. Skylum is also restructuring its pricing, offering a desktop license, a cross-device license that adds the mobile app, and a Max license that includes Creative Library access. Current perpetual-license holders can continue using their existing versions, which will receive updates, bug fixes, and improvements, though major upgrades may require additional payment. For users whose plans include the update, version 1.28.0 will be waiting the next time they launch the app.