Luminar NEO: How to use the Black & White Tool (2025 Update)

luminar neo Dec 02, 2022

🔄 2025 Update: This post has been updated with a brand-new video tutorial using the latest version of Luminar NEO. Watch the updated video below to learn how the B&W tool works today.

The Black & White tool is the main hub for Black & White photography. It not only allows you to convert colored photos to B&W, but it also contains several other controls to manipulate the monochrome look.

TIP: The Black & White tool allows you to create a popular Selective Color effect with the help of masking.

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What is the Black & White Tool?

The Black & White tool converts a color photo to black and white. It also contains a number of controls to manipulate the monochrome look.

Introducing the Black & White Tool sliders

Convert to B&W

Click this button to convert between color and black & white.

Luminance

When the Luminance button is selected, the Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, and Magenta color sliders control the brightness of each respective color as it’s converted to black and white.

Saturation

When the Saturation button is selected, each color slider introduces the respective color into the black and white image where it was present in the original color image.

TIP: If you want to create a spot color effect, be sure to explore the Edit Mask for the Black & White tool.

Getting started with the Black & White Tool

Depending on your photo-editing workflow, some photographers use the Black & White tool at the beginning of their edits. However, if you work with RAW files, we would always recommend you develop your photo with the RAW development tools like Develop RAW and Noiseless RAW. To turn your photo into Black & White, use the Convert to BNW button and continue adjusting the final effect with the help of additional tools.

Black & White Tool:

Open the image in Luminar NEO using the Add Photos button (Cmd/Ctrl + O) in the Catalog module (L).
Move to the Edit module (E).
Open the Black & White tool in the Essentials section of the main toolbar.
Start by converting your image with the Convert to BNW button.
Use the Luminance sliders to adjust the brightness of individual sliders.
Add additional effects with the use of saturation sliders.
Continue the edit with other available tools like Dramatic Matte or Film Grain.

Black & White video tutorial

Watch the full video tutorial covering all sliders in this tool.

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