Luminist Beta Quick Start

1) Install

  • Download Luminist photo editing software for macOS from the App Store
  • Download Luminist photo editing software for Windows from the Download page
  • Open the app.
  • Windows install note (Beta) – Windows may show a security warning because Luminist is a newer app for Windows. If you see “Windows protected your PC,” click More info → Run anyway to continue installing. This warning is expected while we finish app signing for Windows.

2) Start a Project

  • Click Open (or Import) and choose photos from a folder.
  • Thumbnails appear in the filmstrip at the bottom of Luminist.

3) Basic Editing (single photo)

  • Select a thumbnail to edit it.
  • Use the sliders to adjust exposure/color/contrast/etc.
  • Undo / Redo and history to return to previous edits.

4) Layers + Masking (Photoshop-style, but simpler)

  • Add a new layer (add another photo as a layer).
  • Reorder layers by dragging the handle.
  • Select the layer you want to work on (click the layer in the layer stack).
  • Use Brush / Erase to mask parts of the active layer:
    • Erase hides parts of the active layer to reveal what’s underneath on the layer below.
    • Brush paints those areas back in (undo, if you will.)
  • Use the Opacity slider at the bottom of each layer to control how strong the brush/erase effect is.
  • Rename the photo layer by clicking on the name in the layer and typing.

5) Export

  • Click Export.
  • Choose JPG/PNG (in the save dialog.)
  • Pick a filename/location.
  • The app will show export status while writing the file.
  • Luminist allows one photo or all photos to export at a time.
  • Batch photo rename and watermarking is available during export in the PRO version of Luminist.

What Luminist does

  • Folder-based editing (no forced Apple Photos library.)
  • Layers + masking (stack photos and reveal them with Brush/Erase.)
  • Brush + Erase with Opacity (dial in subtle blends or hard cutouts.)
  • Clean color + light tools (fast, minimal, no clutter.)
  • Export JPG/PNG in the quality of your choice with visible progress/status.
  • Minimal UI built for photographers who just want to edit with speed.

How to use Layers + Masking (simple “instructions” section)

Layer basics

  1. Layers section is found on the right side with the photo editing tools (scrollable column.)
  2. Add a layer (stack another photo on top of the base.)
  3. Drag to reorder layers.
  4. Click a layer to select it (you edit the selected layer.)

Masking controls

  • Hand tool: pan around.
  • Brush tool: bring the active layer back (restore.)
  • Erase tool: hide parts of the active layer (reveal layers underneath.)
  • Opacity slider: controls intensity of Brush/Erase.
  • Brush Size / Hardness: controls edge softness and coverage.
  • You can’t paint on the base layer (bottom layer.) Paint/erase works on layers above the base.

Have a suggestion or question for Luminist? Contact us.

Luminist on YouTube (tutorials)