Is Skylum Luminar Better Than Adobe Photoshop?

If you’re looking for a powerful photo editing software that can make advanced adjustments, you’re likely stuck between choosing Luminar and Photoshop. These programs are extremely capable and offer unique advantages over other options like Lightroom or Capture One.

Luminar has several distinct advantages over Photoshop in terms of basic photo editing capabilities and ease of use. In Luminar, you can easily organize, edit, and export photos in a unified workflow. In Photoshop, you get access to more customizable and powerful adjustments, but with a more complex editing process.

Although each of these programs seem to have a fair amount of overlap, there are actually a few notable differences. Differences that could easily make or break your decision if you’re stuck between these two programs.

This post will break down the exact differences between Luminar 4 and Photoshop CC to help make the choice easier. From basic file handling to more complex adjustments, we’re going to go in deep, so let’s dive in.

What is Skylum Luminar?

Skylum Luminar 4 is a stand-alone photo editing software that allows you to organize, edit, and export your photos all in one place. Unlike some other editing programs, Luminar uses advanced AI-powered adjustments to make complicated photo editing tasks easier than ever.

All the adjustments you make in Luminar are non-destructive and can be added to different layers for ultimate control. For many beginner photo editors, Luminar is a great option since it simplifies the overall editing workflow. With complex adjustments refined down to a single slider, you can edit professional-looking images fast.

For more experienced photo editors who are already involved with a different editing program, Luminar can also be used as a plugin. That way, you can still take advantage of Luminars powerful AI features while still working in your program of choice.

For example, you can edit an image directly from Lightroom to Luminar in a completely seamless workflow.

From RAW image processing, image organization, or basic color corrections to more advanced adjustments like sky replacements, Luminar can do it all. For a one-time price and no subscription model, it’s a very appealing program to many creatives.

To see these AI-powered tools for yourself, download the free trial of Luminar here.

What Is Adobe Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most powerful photo editing and graphic design software on the market. With a wide array of tools, you can do anything from edit a photo, create composites, or make your very own custom text and shape graphics.

This program can deal with multiple types of file formats in rasterized layers (pixel-based) or as vector graphics. This gives you the ultimate control in image quality while you make your adjustments.

With versatile layer and layer mask options, it’s easy to make any adjustment non-destructive in the program. Mix that with several powerful selection tools and cloning adjustments; there’s not much you can’t do.

Photoshop can be used as stand-alone software or alongside Adobe Lightroom. The only caveat is that Photoshop cannot edit RAW files without first converting them to TIFF files.

To solve this, RAW files will first be opened in Camera RAW before you actually get into the main part of Photoshop.

Since it can’t directly edit RAW files, and lacks file organization capabilities, it’s not the perfect stand-alone software. However, it makes up for it by offering tools and adjustment options that aren’t found anywhere else.

To try it out for yourself, you can get a 7-Day free trial of Photoshop here.

Luminar 4 VS. Photoshop CC – Pros & Cons

Although both of these programs are valuable on their own, there are a few distinct pros and cons. Let’s first break down Luminar’s pros and cons, then jump into Photoshop. Afterward, I’ll compare both Luminar and Photoshop in a more direct head-to-head.

Luminar 4: Advantages

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1. Bulk Image Organization

One of the biggest advantages to using Luminar is it’s easy to use organization system. If you’re used to culling photos in Lightroom, doing it in Luminar won’t feel much different.

After importing your photos, you can sort them with flags, star ratings, and color-coding. That way, you can easily figure out which images are keepers and which ones can be sent to the trash.

In terms of the actual folder structure in Luminar, it matches the same structure that is imported. For example, if you imported a group of images in a folder structure such as 2021 > Hiking > January 16 Adventure, each of those folders would appear in Luminar.

All of your stored images are found under the Library Tab within the folder menu. This simple layout is easy to understand and works well for finding images in less time.

2. Luminar Catalogs

If you’re familiar with catalogs in editing software, then you know how important they are. If not, here’s a quick rundown.

A Luminar Catalog separates your photos into different sets of images, making it easier to find related photos.

For example, you wouldn’t want to mix your client photos with your vacation images since it’d be hard to keep them separate. By dividing those images into two different catalogs, you can choose to view all your client images or all your vacation photos, but not both at the same time.

Catalogs are simply another useful way that Luminar organizes your photos. As a stand-alone editing software, I don’t think I could live without this feature.

3. RAW Image Editing Capabilities

If you’re working with RAW files, Luminar can directly edit them via the Edit Tab. You’ll find all your basic adjustments such as exposure, contrast, color, and profile corrections in this tab.

Within each of the image adjustment panels, you’ll find adjustment sliders, as well as masking options. With a mask, you can make an adjustment, then refine it to only appear in the areas you want.

For example, if you wanted to only darken the sky in your photo, you could darken the exposure adjustment, then add a gradient filter layer mask to blend it into your photo.

The convenient part about Luminar is that both the adjustment and masking options are all in the same place. Unlike Lightroom, there’s no going back and forth between an editing module and a selective adjustment tool. Better yet, you can apply selective adjustments with even the most advanced tools found in Luminar.

4. Dedicated Editing Modules

Although there are quite a few tools in Luminar, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. This is because adjustments are broken up between four different editing modules called Essentials, Creative, Portrait, and Professional. Within each of these modules, you’ll find a new set of editing options to further enhance your images.

These modules run down the outside of the editing panel and are easily accessed at any time. So even if you need to bounce back and forth between different modules, it doesn’t feel like much of a hassle.

The Essentials Module is home to all your basic image correction tools. Things like exposure, contrast, and HSL adjustments can all be found here.

The Creative Module steps things up with a variety of simple image-enhancing options. With AI-Sky replacement options, Orton Effect sliders, fog options, and more, the Creative Module is a ton of fun.

You’ll see all your related portrait adjustments within the Portrait Module, including some incredible AI-powered tools. One of my favorites is the AI Skin Enhancer tool, which softens skin and reduces shine automatically. Without having to select any faces, Luminar will recognize what needs to be adjusted and apply your settings accordingly.

Lastly, the Professional Module offers all the tools you need for the final touches in your images. Here you’ll find adjustments like dodge and burn, split toning, or advanced contrast, all of which are amazing for perfecting your edit.

Together these four modules make it easy to find the adjustments you need, no matter your style.

5. Batch Image Processing

After you edit one photo that you love the look of, you can easily copy and paste the settings onto other photos. This is a massive time saver and makes life a breeze when you’re editing a large number of photos.

To sync your settings between multiple photos, just click on the three dots and the bottom right of the Luminar window.

From there, you’ll have the option to copy/paste adjustments or sync them if you have multiple photos selected.

6. Luminar Looks

Similar to presets in other programs, Luminar Looks offer a wide array of options to quickly apply stylized edits to your photos. There are several different Looks built into Luminar, but you can download more from the Skylum website.

If none of the looks are for you, you can create your own using all of your favorite adjustments. If you like a warm matte look in all of your photos, then just create a custom Luminar Look!

That way, you can get the same effects on any photo with just one click. For keeping your style consistent and speeding up your workflow, there’s no better way to do it!

Luminar 4: Downsides

– Limited Options For Precise Selections

Although Luminar has several powerful features such as AI-sky replacement or Augmented Sky, it automatically makes most of the selections. Even with mask adjustments, your options come down to the adjustment brush, gradient filter, and radial filter.

You can get a decent mask using these tools, but nothing close to a precision selection.

That’s why in terms of selection options, Luminar fails in comparison to Photoshop. Yes, there are ways to make good selective adjustments in Luminar, but it’s much harder to make them perfect.

The masking options in Luminar are far more comparable to Lightroom and serve their purpose for basic refinements. For professional, precise selections for your adjustments, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

– Cannot Be Used For Graphic Design

Unlike Photoshop, Luminar has zero ability to create graphic designs. If you want to work with vectors or create different shapes, Luminar isn’t the program for you.

With that said, it’s not to the fault of Luminar since it’s meant as a photo editing, not a graphic design program. However, if you’re going to choose between Luminar and Photoshop, this point could cause many issues.

There are basic photo manipulation options within Luminar called AI-Augmented Sky, but the adjustment options are limited. Most of the newly added elements are placed and blended automatically. Rather than letting you manually adjust these elements, the settings options are broken up into sliders.

I find them slightly limiting, but it does make the process very beginner-friendly.

Ultimately, the closest thing to graphic design capabilities in Luminar is the AI-Augmented Sky feature.

– Limited Brush Options

Whether you’re making a mask or cloning part of your image, Luminar only has the most basic of brush options. Similar to Lightroom, Luminar has a single round brush. You can then adjust the feather, size, and opacity to your liking.

Although this is enough to get the job done, it fails in comparison to what’s available in Photoshop. Photoshop has hundreds of brushes instantly available, plus thousands more that you can buy online. Better yet, you can even create your own.

Especially when you’re making precise selections or mask adjustments, custom brushes can be a huge bonus. In Luminar, you’re limited to fewer brush options, which can make it more difficult to make that perfect mask.

– Unable To Edit Image Metadata

Luminar is unable to edit the EXIF data of your photos, which is a huge downside to a lot of photographers. Many people will add embedded tags, copyright information, or privacy settings directly into the photos EXIF data. Although you can do this in most other editing programs, you cannot do so in Luminar.

Perhaps this is something that’s coming in a future update (I hope), but there’s nothing available for now. The only option you have is to view your image file information view the Info Tab.

Here you’ll find the basic information of your photo and the settings that were used to take the shot. However, none of it can be edited.

Photoshop: Advantages

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1. Advanced Selection Tools

One of the biggest advantages of Photoshop is its wide array of selection tools. Whether you need to make a general selection to refine a layer mask or remove your subject from the background, Photoshop has a tool for the job.

With so many options, there is always something to suit your needs. Even if you’re trying to cut out or select hair, Photoshop makes it easy.

To sweeten the deal, Photoshop has both automatic and manual selection tools. With the automatic ones, you can trust Photoshop to do all the work for you. With the manual selection tools (such as the pen tool), you can make precise paths around anything in your photo.

Rather than relying solely on the program’s work as you do with Luminar, Photoshop gives you far more options for selections. If you’re a more advanced editor, this will make a big difference to you.

2. Better Color And Exposure Adjustments

Photoshop has all the color and exposure adjustments that you’d expect from an editing program, plus a few more for good measure. The photo editing adjustments in Photoshop allow you to get certain looks in your photos easier than in other programs.

One aspect of the tools is that you can edit color and exposure at the same time. Rather than applying color adjustments to your overall photo, you can target your shadows, mid-tones, or highlights directly. This is available in Luminar as well, but Photoshop provides this option across more of its adjustments.

Especially when making color adjustments, being able to target exposure ranges directly makes a huge difference.

3. Graphic Design Capabilities

Photoshop is not just a photo editing program. In fact, it’s also a very capable graphic design software.

If you want to create custom vector graphics, you can create just about anything you want directly in the program. With ample options for text, shapes, and brush adjustments, there’s not much you can’t create.

Afterward, you can even export your projects as SVG or PNG files so that you maintain the highest resolution, with a transparent background!

4. Pro-Level Photo Editing Tools

Professional creatives across many industries use Photoshop. The reason for this is simply because there are no limitations to the program. Whether you want to remove objects, adjust someone’s body, do a face swap, or completely change your background, it’s all possible with Photoshop.

With so many features that aren’t available anywhere else, Photoshop provides limitless photo editing capabilities. Rather than feeling stuck with minimal adjustment options, you can let your creativity run free with Photoshop.

It’s not an exaggeration when I say you can make any type of photo editing adjustment in this program.

5. The Ultimate Non-Destructive Editing Workflow

With the use of layers, layer masks, and smart objects, Photoshop provides the ultimate non-destructive workflow. Since it’s easy to identify layers and organize your adjustments, you can stay on top of your edit, no matter how many adjustments you make.

In other programs, like Luminar, you still edit non-destructively, but it’s hard to keep track of your adjustments. Everything gets piled up, and suddenly it’s hard to tell what settings are affecting that certain part of your photo.

With Photoshop, you can easily isolate adjustments, group layers, or even use smart objects to maintain the highest image quality.

The caveat to this is that you have to actually remember to add adjustments onto new layers. This feels like a bit of a challenge at first, but working non-destructively in Photoshop becomes second nature as you gain experience.

6. Better Clone Stamp & Spot Removal Tools

For spot removal, Photoshop is king. There are over half a dozen object removal tools in Photoshop that range from fully automatic to manual adjustments.

Between the different tools, you can remove just about anything from your photo. Especially if you have a lot of distractions in the background, a few minutes in Photoshop, and all your worries will be gone.

Compared to other photo editing programs, nothing beats the clone stamp and object removal tools in Photoshop. In fact, most photographers bring images into Photoshop just to remove objects in some cases.

The capabilities of these tools are seriously impressive.

Photoshop: Downsides

– It’s Not Beginner Friendly

As powerful as Photoshop is, it’s by no means an easy program to learn. With so many adjustment tools, layers, and settings, it feels overwhelming the first time you use it.

Especially if you’re new to editing photos, the learning curve is exceptionally steep with this program.

Since you don’t have clearly labeled adjustments in a single toolbar, it’s hard to know where to begin. Before you can even edit a photo in Photoshop, you’ll likely have to spend some time figuring out the program’s general layout.

So if you’re looking for a photo editing program that you can learn as quickly as possible, Photoshop is one of the worst options to choose.

– Cannot Organize Images

Photoshop is not able to deal with a large number of photos. For example, if you were to import a batch of images from a client shoot, it’d be a nightmare sorting them all. Photoshop is meant for working with individual images or small batches.

Even once you import multiple photos, they appear in separate tabs. There’s no easy folder system or library module to locate all your images in one place. That’s why, as a stand-alone editing software, Photoshop isn’t the greatest option.

However, it’s most often purchased in conjunction with Lightroom (via the Photography Plan), which ends up solving some of these organizational problems.

– No Easy Way To Apply Bulk Adjustments

If you want to sync your settings across multiple photos in Photoshop, there’s no easy way to do so. Unlike the sync settings button found in most editing programs, Photoshop doesn’t provide this feature.

Instead, you would have to copy and paste your layers from one project to another.

If you had to do this across more than two photos, you’d be wasting a ton of time. That’s why Photoshop is not the best program when it comes to editing photos with bulk adjustments.

– Cannot Edit RAW Files Without Camera RAW

Although Photoshop can import RAW files, they’ll have to first go through Camera RAW. This feature within Photoshop allows you to process images before bringing them into the main Photoshop workspace.

Once those images are brought into Photoshop, they’re also converted into TIFF files. This isn’t that big of a problem, but it can get annoying when you have duplicates of the same image.

For example, if you were editing an image in Lightroom, then opened it in Photoshop, you’d end up with a duplicate edit with your Photoshop adjustments back in Lightroom.

Plus, you’d have a duplicate file stored on your computer.

This can be a bit annoying and isn’t as convenient as editing programs that can directly edit RAW photos.

Direct Comparisons Between Luminar And Photoshop

Now that you know the pros and cons of Luminar and Photoshop let’s compare each of these programs directly. Going through some of the most important aspects to look for in an editing program, you’ll be able to see which one is best for you.

– File Organization

In terms of sorting newly imported photos, Luminar has a clear advantage over Photoshop. In Luminar, you can sort your images into folders, rate, flag, or color code photos, and easily locate them all in the Library Tab.

In Photoshop, there are essentially zero file organization options.

If you don’t already have a program that can organize your photos, then Luminar offers a clear advantage.

Winner: Luminar

– RAW File Handling

Both of these programs can handle RAW files but works with them slightly differently.

In Luminar, you can edit RAW files directly. All the adjustments you make are applied to your photo without making a duplicate copy.

With Photoshop, on the other hand, you can only edit RAW files within Camera RAW. Although this is a tool within Photoshop, it operates as more of an extension.

Once you bring your image into the actual Photoshop workspace, it’s converted to a TIFF file. This ultimately ends up creating duplicates of your RAW files in a TIFF format that Photoshop can work with.

Since Photoshop has a more round-about way of working with RAW files, Luminar provides an advantage in this case.

Winner: Luminar

– Basic Photo Editing Capabilities

If you want to make basic exposure, contrast, and color adjustments, each of these programs is highly capable.

With Luminar, you can find all your adjustments between a series of dedicated editing modules. This makes it really easy to find the adjustments you need for more specific purposes. Mix that with the AI-powered tools in Luminar, and you have a pretty kick-butt way to edit your photos.

In Photoshop, you get all of the same capabilities of Luminar, but in a slightly different way. Most of the basic settings can be found within Camera Raw, while more advanced tools can be found in the main Photoshop workspace.

No matter which program you’re using, you can make basic editing adjustments to your photos in no time. Either program is a valid option in this case.

Winner: Tie

– Advanced Photo Editing Capabilities

When I say advanced photo editing capabilities, I’m talking about things like photo manipulation, skin retouching, masking, and so on. These types of adjustments are key for more professional editing workflows.

Both of these programs offer advanced tools, but in slightly different ways.

With Luminar, most advanced adjustment tools such as sky replacements, augmented sky, and skin retouching are all AI-powered. That means that they’re largely automatic, while you make the final adjustments with a few different sliders.

Although these tools do a great job and are extremely beginner-friendly, they can be limiting. Since they’re completely automatic, I find it difficult to refine the look of these effects compared to Photoshop.

Photoshop allows you to make all the same adjustments as Luminar, and then some. The only difference is that Photoshop requires a little more technical knowledge before being able to complete these types of effects.

Despite the steeper learning curve, Photoshop offers far more customization and control over more advanced photo editing adjustments. Especially since you can create custom paths/selections and edit new adjustment layers directly with a clipping mask.

Since Photoshop provides a lot more versatility, it takes the cake for advanced photo editing capabilities.

Winner: Photoshop

– Ease Of Use

When you first open Photoshop, you’ll feel lost and confused. It takes a fair bit of time before you understand the layout and how everything operates.

Compare that to Luminar, and it’s a completely different story. Luminar provides a clearly labeled workspace that’s easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time.

Even once you get more practice in each program, Luminar is still easier for making adjustments in less time.

Winner: Luminar

– Presets/Actions

In Luminar, presets are known as Looks, while in Photoshop, they’re known as Actions. Although they serve slightly different purposes, the main point is to get a certain result in a shorter period of time.

In Luminar, there are a wide array of Looks to choose from. You can further expand on these Looks by purchasing more from Skylum or other online sources. With a solid catalog of Looks to choose from, you can get base adjustments to your edits with a single click.

In Photoshop, things work slightly differently. An Action is something that records a series of adjustments that can be played back later on. For example, if you wanted to warm up a photo, you could do so with a Photoshop action.

But there’s more to the story.

Photoshop Actions also allow you to record more complex editing adjustments. From double exposures, background removals, or targeted color effects, your options are limitless.

Although there aren’t a lot of actions built into Photoshop, you can find a ton of great options online. After getting your hands on a few creative Photoshop actions, it’s incredible how quickly you can transform an image.

Since Photoshop Actions can be more versatile than Luminar Looks, I’m giving this one to Photoshop.

Winner: Photoshop

– Computer Requirements

Photoshop System Requirements:

You can find more information on the computer requirements for Adobe Photoshop HERE.

What’s The Cost Of Luminar VS. Photoshop?

Luminar 4 costs $89 for access to the entire program for life. However, if you’re upgrading from Luminar 3, you can get it for $69. On the other hand, Photoshop costs $9.99/month as part of the Photography Plan, which includes Lightroom and Photoshop together plus 20GB of cloud storage.

Although Photoshop is cheaper upfront, it adds up over time since it’s part of a subscription model. Through the Adobe Creative Cloud, you get access to certain programs based on a monthly fee. Although you can get Photoshop as a stand-alone program, it ends up costing $20.99/month.

It’s far more cost-effective to go with the Photography Plan, which includes Lightroom, Photoshop, and 20GB of cloud storage for just $9.99/month.

If you’re interested in trying out this plan for yourself, you can get a 7-day free trial by clicking here.

Comparing that to Luminar, where you don’t have to pay a monthly fee, and it sounds a lot more enticing. Especially if you’re a hobbyist photographer who isn’t making much (or any) money from your photos, it can be hard to justify a monthly fee.

With Luminar, you just pay once and have lifetime access to a very capable and complete program.

Luminar costs just $89 for life, but you can knock $10 off of that using my exclusive discount code for readers of this blog. Just use the code BRNWILLS at checkout to save money on Luminar.

If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing, you can claim a 30-day free trial of Luminar by clicking here.

Who Is Luminar Best For?

Luminar is best for beginner to intermediate photo editors who want a capable photo editing program with extra creative features that aren’t offered elsewhere. Since this program can be purchased outright, it’s more cost-effective, especially for hobbyists. However, this program can also be used as a plugin with Lightroom or Photoshop, so you can still take advantage of its AI-powered editing tools.

Who Is Photoshop Best For?

Photoshop is best for more advanced photographers and graphic designers who want more control in their workflow. With more advanced tools and features than any other editing software, it’s a must-have tool for professional creatives. Although it doesn’t work well for editing in bulk, it does allow you to make more refined edits to individual photos.

So Which Program Should You Choose?

When you compare Luminar vs. Photoshop, there is a lot to love about both programs. They each have their advantages and some drawbacks as well. The primary difference comes down to the purpose of the programs.

Luminar is meant as a complete photo editor with AI-powered tools for a faster workflow. By consolidating complex adjustments into easy-to-use sliders, you can make pro-level adjustments in no time, even if you’re a total beginner. From file organization to image editing, Luminar offers a complete package for all your photo editing needs.

Photoshop is more of a specialized photo editing program that is best used in conjunction with a more basic editing software. That’s why the Adobe Photography Plan is so popular. By having access to both Lightroom and Photoshop, you get the best of both worlds.

By itself, Photoshop is not the best for all your photo editing needs. However, paired with another program that can organize your photos, it offers advanced adjustments you won’t find anywhere else.

Before settling on one or the other, remember you can get a free trial of both of these programs. That way you can test the waters and see the pros and cons for yourself!

You can get a 30-day free trial of Luminar HERE.

Or a 7-Day free trial of Photoshop HERE.

If you end up deciding on Luminar, don’t forget to save yourself a bit of cash by using code BRNWILLS at checkout.

That way, you can get $10 off Luminar and buy yourself a nice coffee and sandwich to celebrate.

Happy editing!

– Brendan 🙂