Luminar Neo GenSwap: Easily Replace Objects in Photos Using AI

Forget about finding the perfect prop or spending hours doing a realistic photo composite. Using Luminar Neo’s GenSwap, you can simply describe what something in your photo should be and let AI do the heavy lifting.

Imagine taking a picture of your kid holding a pencil and turning it into a magical scene where they’re holding a glowing magic wand instead!

Or, if you’re a professional creator, imagine offering your client multiple photo variations without having to reshoot, buy expensive props, or travel to remote locations.

GenSwap is not just a tool for playful creativity – although it can be. It’s also a useful tool for photographers, content creators, art directors, and designers.

Whether you’re experimenting for fun or streamlining your professional workflow, GenSwap is a smarter and more efficient way to replace objects in your photos.

In this article, I’ll explain how it works, share practical tips to get the best results, and show you where it shines – together with some other uses I’ve tested and loved.

Keep reading to discover how to easily replace any object in your photos with Luminar Neo.

What is GenSwap in Luminar Neo?

GenSwap is one of the generative AI tools available in Luminar Neo. This feature is a type-to-image tool that lets you generate new content within your photo to make it more appealing, improve its composition, or create a surreal scene.

Using a simple text prompt, you can change any object in your photo into something new. You can generate as many iterations as you want until you’re satisfied.

Plus, GenSwap allows you to change multiple objects and save the final result as a new image. This way, your original is always safe and sound.

Where do I find the GenSwap tool?

Despite it being an editing feature, you won’t find the GenSwap tool in the Edit workspace. GenSwap is in the Catalog space in the Generative Tools panel, which you’ll find on the right side of the screen.

If you’re not finding it, it may be because you don’t have an updated version of the software. GenSwap was introduced in Luminar Neo version 1.16.0 in November 2023 as part of a set of new generative AI tools.

If you got your lifetime license before this, you’ll need to purchase an update to gain access.

• See Luminar Neo’s AI Assistant in action

How to Replace Objects Using GenSwap?

Find the image you want to edit in your collection and select it. Then, click on the GenSwap button.

Your photo will now open in the GenSwap workspace. Here, you’ll find all its tools underneath the image.

The first thing you need to do is create a selection. To do so, you just need to paint over the object you want to change. You can change the brush size using the slider in the toolbar.

You don’t have to make a precise selection, but you do need to cover the entire object.

It’s OK if you paint over parts of other objects while making the mask. However, if you feel you went too far or made a mistake, you can always click on the Deselect button and paint over it again.

To start over, simply click on Reset Selection.

Once there’s a mask, the prompt text space will appear.

Here, you need to describe the object that you want to create instead of the existing one. You don’t need to type the instruction “replace with” or “change…”. In fact, using verbs in the prompt can generate weird artifacts or unexpected results.

Simply describe the object in as much detail as possible – stick to nouns and adjectives. In this case, I want to replace the hot air balloon with a person parachuting, so I’ll just type “parachuting person.”

Then, click Swap and wait for the generative AI to work its magic.

Once it’s done, you can use the eye icon to toggle between the before and after views. If you’re not satisfied, click the back arrow to undo.

Unlike other AI generators you might have tried, GenSwap only offers one result at a time. So, if you’re not convinced, simply click Swap again to create another iteration.

You can also rephrase the prompt or fine-tune the selection to receive different results.

If you want to swap another object, remember to deselect the current one. To do so, click Reset Selection, then create a new mask for the next object. Otherwise, it will continue to swap the object you’ve already changed.

In this case, I’ll use the Erase tool to remove the lines around the new generation. This is the final image:

Remember that you can always fine-tune the results using other tools.

So, whenever you’re happy with your new object, even if you know it needs some retouching, click Save. You’ll find this button in the top right corner of the screen.

Since GenSwap is a non-destructive edit, it won’t alter your original file. Instead, it will create a new file, adding an underscore followed by the word ‘GEN’ to the file name.

This new file will be in a folder named “Generative Creations.” You can keep working on your new image right there, or move the new file into another folder.

• Luminar Neo Spaces: How it Works

Key Features of the GenSwap tool

Non-destructive. GenSwap automatically generates a new file, leaving your original upload intact. It’s also saved by default in an automatically created folder named “Generative Creations.”

Visual consistency. GenSwap has context-awareness, so it will match the lighting and color of surrounding pixels to give you the most realistic results.

Not credit-based. Using the AI generative tools of Luminar Neo, including GenSwap, doesn’t require extra credits. If you recently bought a perpetual license, or an update for an older one, you’ll have unlimited use for a year.

Other Uses

While the main use of GenSwap is to replace an existing object with a new one, there are a few other things you can do with it.

Add new objects

Skylum warns users that GenSwap delivers better results when replacing an existing object rather than introducing something new.

However, I’ve tested it multiple times and usually get good results, even when there wasn’t anything in that part of the scene before. Above, you can see an example.

All you need to do is paint over the area where you want your object to be. Then type the prompt as you normally do.

Modify existing objects

Another use I’ve found for GenSwap is to modify existing objects so they look more like I want.

Let’s say you have a tree; instead of replacing it completely, you can add more foliage to make it more eye-catching or to balance the composition.

You can also add more fabric and folds to a dress or a draped curtain to achieve a more sumptuous look. In this example, I made the model’s hair fall on the other side of her neck as well.

To achieve this, use the same prompt type as you would for a new element. In other words, don’t say “make this puffier” or “add more fabric,” simply describe the object you’re altering.

Since GenSwap has context awareness, it will make it fit with the rest without you needing to contextualize it in the prompt. In my example, I typed “Flowy, wavy, dark brown hair.”

Delete objects (as an alternative to Erase)

The dedicated tool to delete objects in Luminar Neo is called Erase, and you can find it in the Edit workspace. However, you might not want to get out of GenSwap, or you might not be getting the best results with Erase and want to give GenSwap a go.

There’s nothing wrong with this approach; you might get excellent results – as I did in the above example. However, you should keep in mind that it won’t always work well, as it’s not designed to erase objects.

In any case, if you want to try it, simply select it and click Swap without entering any prompt.

• How Does Cross-Device Editing Work in Luminar Neo?

Tips to Get the Best Results

As you can see, GenSwap is very easy to use. Still, there are a few tips that can help you to get the best results.

• Use nouns and adjectives, not verbs.
• Type extended prompts, giving as many details as you can.
• Make a broad selection, ensuring you include the entire object. The selection doesn’t need to be precise, but it shouldn’t miss any part of the object.
• In the selection, include reflections and shadows of the object you’re replacing.
• Use English prompts as they yield the best results.
• If in doubt, refer to the GenSwap section on the official Skylum support page.