Using Luminar Neo’s latest generative AI feature, GenSwap, photographers can easily replace or add objects in their photos for perfect compositions. Keep reading to learn how to use GenSwap for effortless creative control of your images.
What Is the GenSwap Tool in Luminar Neo?
On November 16th, 2023, Luminar Neo—Skylum’s AI photo-editing software—released its second generative AI tool,GenSwap.
While Luminar Neo’s focus is photo editing with an AI twist, it only ventured into generative AI tools in October 2023 when it announced the AIGenErase tool for removing photo distractions. GenErase allows photographers to remove distracting elements in otherwise beautiful photos; GenSwap has arrived for you to replace or add elements with better-fitting choices.
GenSwap is the second of three generative AI tools Luminar Neo is adding to its software in 2023. The third generative AI tool, GenExpand, is due in December 2023, and it will compete againstPhotoshop’s Generative Expand and Canva’s Magic Expand tools.
How to Use GenSwap in Luminar Neo
GenSwap is an easy-to-use tool with a helpful toolbar, and the results are high quality. Find out how to use GenSwap to add or replace elements in your photos below.
Step 1: Update to Luminar Neo 1.16.0
To update, open Luminar Neo and navigate toLuminar Neo>Check for Updates. Install the update from the popup window. Once installed, close the Luminar Neo application and re-open it to reveal the GenSwap tool and other updated assets.
Step 2: Open Your Photos in the Catalog
If you already have photos uploaded to your Catalog that you’d like to use, selectAll Photosand find the photo you wish to edit with GenSwap.
To upload new photos, selectCatalogat the top and thenAdd Photosin the left menu. Find and choose your photos, then selectAddto import them to your Luminar Neo Catalog.
In the Catalog window, select the photo you wish to edit. You can only edit one photo at a time using the GenSwap feature.
Step 3: Open GenSwap
You can access Luminar Neo’s generative AI tools directly from the photo Catalog rather than the presets or edit windows. After updating, GenSwap will appear underGenerative Toolson the right side of the Catalog page; select it.
Your image will open in the GenSwap page and under it is the GenSwap toolbar. The toolbar contains the title of the tool you’re using (not to be confused with the other generative AI tools), undo and redo buttons, a preview viewer, zoom options, select and deselect buttons, a brush size slider, a reset button, and finally the magic Swap button.
Step 4: Brush Over the Area to Replace or Add
By default, the masking brush will appear for the GenSwap tool. Use the size slider to determine how big or small your brush should be, then brush over the area you wish to replace or add an entirely new object to.
If you’re replacing an existing element in your photo, mask over all parts of it including shadows and reflections. Include a buffer area around the edge of the existing element, too.
To add a new element, brush a generic shape or area where you want the object to appear.
If needed, refine your selection by selectingDeselectto essentially turn the brush into an eraser. Then deselect—or erase—parts of the mask to refine its shape.
Step 5: Write Your Prompt
After the brush mask is painted, the GenSwap prompt box will appear. In this box, use adjectives and nouns for your descriptive prompt. There’s no need for meta verbs like “add,” “generate,” “replace,” or “create.”
Your prompt can be up to 256 characters long, so be as detailed as you like and make your prompt as clear as possible.
Step 6: Select Swap
The final step for your generative image is to selectSwapon the GenSwap toolbar. Luminar Neo takes a couple of minutes to process your request, and you should ensure a solid internet connection to complete the GenSwap AI task.
Once your new image is generated, you can usePreviewon the toolbar to view or hide the generative addition to see the original image versus the new result.
If you don’t like the result, hitSwapagain to regenerate from the same prompt. Alternatively, rewrite the prompt or refine your selection area for an alternative image.
When you’re happy with your generative image creation, selectSavein the top right of the screen. You can then continueto make the most of Luminar Neowith its other editing tools.
Create the Perfect Composition With GenSwap
Skylum’s Luminar Neo software is famed for its use of AI tools, and generative AI tools are the latest in its AI evolution. Not only is GenSwap easy to access and use, but it also produces high-quality, clear results that match your photo.
