How to use the Background Removal in Luminar Neo

Have you ever been editing a photo and thought to yourself, I really wish I could replace the entire background of this photo? If you have and don’t have months to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo has you covered. With the new release of Luminar Neo’s background removal AI, it can be as easy as one, two, three … literally.

Let’s start with a bit of a back story if I may. I live in the midwest United States and currently, it’s cold and snowy outside.

My wife has been dreaming of a beach vacation and I thought, what better opportunity than this to give her one? Or at least a picture of one. This is where Luminar Neo comes in.

Select your images

First, you will need to import the photo you want to edit by selecting the “Add photos” button, which is located at the top left of the screen, select the picture, and then select “Open.”

Install Background Removal

If this is your first time using the Luminar Neo background removal AI extension you will need to download it from the extensions tab at the top right of your screen. Once you’ve done that, double-click your photo and click edit to start editing.

Now that you’re finished with that, the fun can begin. From the edit bar located at the right of your screen, select “Layer Properties” then “Masking” then “Background Removal AI.” This will enable us to select our subject.

Once you’ve done that you should see your subject highlighted in red. If you do, select the button that says “Remove” and abracadabra, the background is gone. Well, mostly. You may have to use the refinements brush to clean up any areas the AI missed.

Adding the new background

Now you need to add a new background by clicking the + sign under where it says Layers at the top left of the screen. After making your selection it should look like the image below. Now I know what you’re wondering. Why does my wife look like the ghost of Christmas past hovering over an idyllic beach?

Well, that’s because we have one more step. Under “Layers” to the left, drag the photo layer that you’ve just added and position it below your original photo, move the opacity slider at the top right corner of your screen to 100% and voila!

You have successfully replaced a background using Luminar Neo’s new background removal AI. Or in my case, I have transported my wife from snowy Michigan to sunny Florida. It’s a merry Christmas after all.

Editor’s note: We welcome this post from Kris Kinsey. Kris is a Grand Rapids, MI photographer specializing in architecture and street photography. He works to show the beauty of cityscapes through unique angles and perspectives. You can find more of his work on Instagram, @exposuretrianglephotography.