Luminar Neo’s Photo Restoration AI: Restore Old Photos in Seconds

With its big 2025 Fall Update, Skylum is introducing a new AI-powered Photo Restoration tool into Luminar Neo. This is something that many of our readers (and I) have been waiting for, and now it’s here.

I’ve personally tested it with multiple photos that show damage caused by time and poor archival conditions, such as scratches and fading. Let me tell you, I was impressed at how well this tool works.

Read on, and I’ll show you how easy it is to use and the amazing job it does.

Where Is the Photo Restoration Tool in Luminar Neo?

Photo Restoration is one of Neo’s Catalog tools, which means you don’t need to go into the Edit workspace to find it.

While you’re in the Catalog workspace, you’ll have multiple panels on the right side with some of the AI tools featured in the program.

Scroll down until you reach the Enhancement tools. There, you’ll find the Photo Restoration tool.

If you don’t yet have Luminar Neo, you can find out more and choose a license plan here.

How to Use the Photo Restoration tool in Luminar Neo?

Luminar Neo’s Photo Restoration is a one-click solution, and it’s very intuitive.

I’ve broken down the process into four steps – not because the tool requires further adjustments, but so you can follow along easily if you’re new to Luminar Neo.

Step 1

Import the image you want to restore. You can do this by clicking the Add Photos button on the left-hand panel.

In the browsing window that opens, navigate your hard drive. Once you’ve found the correct file(s), click Add.

Step 2

Locate the imported image inside the Catalog, click on it, and drag it to the Photo Restoration tool.

Once you drop it, you’ll see a thumbnail of the image along with its possible settings.

Step 3

Inside the Photo Restoration tool, you have three restoration options: Full, Color, and Scratches.

Full: Use this setting if you want to fix damages (e.g., removing dust and scratches) plus colorize the image in one go.

Neither the color nor the scratches work at their fullest in this setting – as a result, you often get a more natural effect.

Color: You can use this option if you want to colorize a monochrome image. This tool won’t fix any damage; it will only deliver a realistic color version of the uploaded picture.

Scratches: Use this setting if you don’t want to colorize your image, but you want to fix the damaged parts.

Step 4

Once you’ve made your choice, click Restore.

Once the image is processed, the final result will appear automatically. However, this isn’t the same file you dragged onto the Photo Restoration tool.

When you use this tool, a new file is generated and placed in a folder called Restoration. So, you won’t be able to click Undo or see a Before and After here.

To go back to your original file, choose the appropriate folder on the left side panel. You can, of course, move the restored file into any folder you want and continue to edit it as you would normally do.

FAQs

Does the Photo Restoration tool work on color photos as well?

Yes, you can use the Photo Restoration tool on a color photo to remove scratches or to recover the original colors that may have faded over time.

Why can’t I find the Photo Restoration tool?

The Photo Restoration tool is one of the new features coming up in the Fall 2025 Luminar Neo update. This is set to launch in November, but we don’t have an exact date yet. So, it’s possible that while you’re reading this, the update hasn’t been released.

If this isn’t the problem and the update is already available to all, you need to make sure you have the latest version of Luminar Neo. For users who bought a lifetime license after June 1st, 2025, or have an active membership, you’ll have access to this update for free.

However, for users who bought the license before June 1st, 2025, you’ll need to purchase an Upgrade Pass or an Ecosystem Pass. Otherwise, you won’t have access to this new tool. Legacy users will also need to upgrade to a Cross-device perpetual license or a Max perpetual license.

Where is my restored file?

After you’ve used the Photos Restoration tool, a new file is generated. You’ll find all your restored images in a new folder called Restoration. You can then move them from this folder to one of your choice if this makes it easier for your photo organization.

How much does it cost?

The Photo Restoration tool is included in the current version of Luminar Neo. The price depends on whether you’re a new user purchasing a license or an existing user upgrading to a new version.

The cost is also dependent on sales and offers that occur at different times of the year. At the time I’m writing this article, there’s a Black Friday offer where you can get a discount that ranges from 50% to 82%.

Is this tool included in my Luminar Neo?

If you bought a perpetual license after June 1st, 2025, or you have an active membership, then yes, the Photo Restoration tool is included. Any previous users would need to purchase an upgrade.