skylum logo

skylum

by skylum Software · Since 2008
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
Vendorskylum Software
Year launched2008
StatusActive
Location142 W 57th St, New York, 10019, US
Countries servedGlobal
Languages8
Integrations3+
Free tierN/A
Free trialN/A
Contact salesYES

About skylum

skylum integrates a cross-device editing ecosystem with specialized portrait tools, offering professionals and enthusiasts versatile, high-quality photo editing across devices.

Skylum, best known for its flagship product Luminar Neo, is a powerful photo editing software suite designed to simplify and enhance creative workflows for photographers and content creators. Its primary purpose is to provide AI-driven editing tools that automate complex tasks such as sky replacement, portrait retouching, and noise reduction, while still offering professional-grade manual controls. Skylum also supports HDR editing through Aurora HDR and offers a creative marketplace with presets, overlays, and tutorials. The user interface is sleek, modern, and highly intuitive. The dashboard is organized into modules for essentials like cataloging, editing, and exporting, making navigation straightforward. Unique design elements include AI-powered sliders such as “Accent AI” and “Structure AI,” which intelligently adjust multiple parameters at once, reducing the need for complex manual edits. Functionality is comprehensive, with standout features like AI sky replacement, portrait bokeh, and batch editing. These tools distinguish Skylum from competitors by combining automation with creative flexibility. Performance is reliable, with the software capable of handling large RAW files efficiently. Edits render quickly, and the AI tools maintain accuracy even with complex images.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • AI Task Efficiency Automates complex edits like sky replacement and skin retouching in seconds, saving hours of manual work.
  • Beginner-Friendly Design Features a low learning curve with a built-in AI Assistant that guides new users through the editing process.
  • Modular Interface Utilizes a flexible system where you only load the specific tools you need, keeping the workspace clutter-free.
  • Vast Creative Library Offers a massive ecosystem of community-made presets, LUTs, and sky packs to instantly transform your images.
  • Cross-Device Workflow Allows for seamless transitions between desktop, iPad, and iPhone to maintain your editing momentum on the go.
Cons
  • High Hardware Demand Requires a powerful PC or Mac with at least 8GB–16GB of RAM and an SSD to run smoothly without lag.
  • Basic Asset Management Lacks the robust cataloging and metadata organization tools found in professional rivals like Adobe Lightroom.
  • Subscription-Locked Features Many advanced generative AI tools and premium extensions are restricted to subscription tiers rather than one-time licenses.
  • Variable AI Results Complex tasks like hair masking or "GenSwap" object replacement can occasionally require manual fine-tuning for realism.
  • Large Storage Footprint The application and its extensive AI models can consume over 10GB of disk space, making it a heavy install.

Features

Key features

Sky AI

Automatically replaces a dull sky with a dramatic one, adjusting the entire photo's lighting and reflections to match.

GenErase & GenSwap

Generative AI tools that allow users to remove objects or replace them with AI-generated elements using text prompts.

Portrait Background Removal AI

Isolates subjects with one click to swap or remove backgrounds.

Relight AI

Maps a 2D image in 3D to allow lighting adjustments based on depth (e.g., brightening a dark foreground without affecting the background).

AI Assistant

A built-in chatbot that provides editing tips and can automatically suggest specific tools based on the image analysis.

Additional features

Core AI Tools

Enhance images with Accent, Atmosphere, Structure, Face, Skin, Body, and Iris AI.

Creative Tools

Apply artistic effects like Sunrays, LUTs, Dramatic, Mystical, Glow, and Film Grain.

Pro Extensions

Use HDR Merge, Noiseless AI, Focus Stacking, Upscale, Supersharp, and Background Removal.

Standard Editing

Perform RAW processing, layering, masking, curves, dodge & burn, clone, and crop AI.

Organization

Manage assets with cataloging, star ratings, color labels, and smart text-based search.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
Promo Offer

Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
8
Interface languages
6
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishGermanFrenchSpanishItalianJapaneseKoreanPortuguese

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇯🇵JPY🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD

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