Chapter 15: Using Filters
Filters are how you can adjust the exposure, color, contrast, and style of your image in Luminar. The proper use of filters can significantly improve your image. Each filter is designed to solve specific problems or enhance an image in a particular way. Be sure to click the Info (i button) in the Filters Catalog to see helpful descriptions.
Applying a Filter
In order to adjust an image in Luminar, you’ll need to apply a filter. There are several ways to do this for an image. You can choose the workflow that fits your personal style.
With an image selected in the Library view, switch to the Edit view. Here you will find the Filters Control Menu.
Using the Filter Catalog
Use a Workspace. Located in the Filters control menu is the Workspace Switcher. There you will find eight workspaces that ship with Luminar and contain suggested filters that you can use to adjust your images. Choose the workspace that best matches your style of photography from the Workspace pop-up menu. Some of these include; Professional, Quick and Awesome, Essentials, Landscape, and Portrait.
Click the Add Filter Button. At the top of the Filters area is the Add Filter button. This opens a pop-up list of filters. Use the Categories at the top to sort the list or the Search box at the top to look for a specific effect. You can also hover over each filter’s name to see a description and sample image for that filter.
Syncing Adjustments to Multiple Images
Luminar makes it easy to apply all of your filters and their adjustments to multiple images. All you need to do is edit one image then apply those edits to your other images.
To Sync Adjustments:
- Edit an image with Luminar Looks, Filters, etc. to get the look that you want to apply to other similar images.
- Click on the Library tab and to view your images
- Hold down the Command key and select the image that you made the adjustments to and then click to select other similar Images.
- Go to the Image Menu > Adjustments > Sync Adjustments
Your images will have the same effect applied to them. Make adjustments if needed to each image.
Single View Mode for Filters
Working with several filters can get a little bit crowded (especially if working on a smaller screen like a laptop). There is a useful mode to help you see just the filter you’re working with. It’s called Single View mode and you can find it under the Edit menu.
- Make sure you are in the Edit View.
- Enable Single View mode by choosing Edit> Filters > Single View Mode. It’s active if there’s a checkbox next to its name.
- Alternatively, you can click on the word Filters in the Side Panel. From the drop-down menu choose Single View Mode.
- Now click on the disclosure triangle located to the left of the filter’s name. All of the adjustment sliders for that filter will be revealed.
- Click on the disclosure triangle on another filter. The previous filter’s controls should close and the controls for the new filters should open.
Single View Mode makes it easy to just see the controls you’re actively using in the side panel. Consider using this mode to reduce clutter on the screen.
