Luminar NEO: How to use GenExpand Tool

luminar neo May 04, 2024

Introducing GenExpand - a revolutionary tool that allows you to break free from traditional aspect ratios and add a new dimension to your original compositions. With GenExpand, you can easily expand the boundaries of your photos to create stunning panoramic landscapes or give your favorite images more space. In this blog, we are telling you all about GenExpand and how to make the most of it.

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What is GenExpand

GenExpand is a groundbreaking tool that empowers users to break free from traditional aspect ratios and add a new dimension to their original compositions. You can effortlessly extend the boundaries of your photos, whether you're creating panoramic landscapes or giving your favorite images more space.

As you expand the image border, GenExpand intelligently analyzes the image and anticipates how the additional space will be populated. For enhanced precision and creative authority, craft a specific prompt outlining your desired content for the new area, and GenExpand will incorporate this guidance into the expansion process. GenExpand does require internet access.

How to get GenExpand

Just like other generative tools, such as GenErase and GenSwap, GenExpand is a tool that is only available to subscribers of Luminar NEO and Creative Journey Pass holders. Once you subscribe to either the monthly, yearly, or 2-year subscription plan, you will have unlimited access to the generative AI tools for as long as you remain subscribed.

Currently, you can subscribe to the Luminar NEO Subscription plan here. The Creative Journey Pass is no longer available for purchase.

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How to install GenExpand

To install GenExpand in Luminar NEO, you need to log in to Luminar NEO with a subscription or a Creative Journey Pass account. GenExpand will then be automatically added to your Catalog.

Introducing GenExpand Controllers

Guidelines recommend by Skylum

To maintain quality: The canvas can be expanded by an additional 25% beyond the original image dimensions.

The prompt: Can assist you in realizing your vision or addressing undesired outcomes.

Effectiveness: It's much more effective to focus on one side rather than expanding two or more at a time.

Smaller expansion is better: It's better to generate about 10% of the pictures instead of going with 25%. this helps keep AI from having to imagine too much.

Reapply: You can expand one photo multiple times

Quality: For optimal results in the generated portion using a higher resolution photo, focus on generating more side-by-side content rather than expanding all four sides of the image.

Prompt Input

Once an expansion is made, the prompt text box labeled "What do you envision here?" will appear. Enter your detailed prompt in the designated text field, using nouns or adjectives plus nouns. Specify precisely what you want to see, such as "blue sky" or "sandy beach," and refrain from using verbs like "change," "erase," "remove," "add," or "create." If no prompt is added, GenExpand will intelligently analyze the image and anticipates how the additional space will be populated.

Undo/Redo

Allows you to reverse or repeat the previous action.

Zoom Feature

Adjust your view using the zoom slider or the left and right bracket keys to magnify or shrink the view of the image.

Expand button

Simply click the expand button to utilize GenExpand and add to the selected area in your image. This innovative tool goes beyond essential expanding the image, it harnessing content-aware AI techniques for a refined result. You can continue to choose the expand button to cycle through different outcomes, fine-tuning your edits until you achieve the desired result.

Cancel Button

If you opt not to implement the alterations, click the cancel button.

Save Button

When content with the GenExpand outcomes, click the save button to confirm the changes. This will generate a new image saved in TIF format, renamed with the GenExpand extension, and added to the Genitive Creations folder.

Getting started with GenExpend

Open Luminar NEO and select the photo you wish to edit from the Catalog. Then, click on GenExpand on the right side of your screen.
Drag the side of the image you wish to expand (top, bottom, left or right). Ensure that the expansion does not exceed 25% and ideally stays within 10-15% of the original size, and focus on one side at a time.
Write a descriptive prompt in the prompt text box using nouns or adjectives plus nouns. Specify precisely what you want to see, and click on Expand.
Click the Undo/Redo icons to view the before and after results.
If you want to regenerate the result, click on the Expand button again
Redo steps 2,3,4 and 5 for the other sides of the images you wish to expand.
Confirm your changes by clicking the save button.
The modified image will be renamed, with "GenExpand" included in the filename, and then saved in the Genitive Creations folder.
From here, you can move your image to the Edit module to continue your edits.

GenExpand video tutorial

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

Luminar Neo: Elevate Your Photo Editing with AI-Powered Tools

Luminar Neo is Skylum's cutting-edge photo editing software powered by advanced AI tools. Since its release, it has become a favourite among photographers for its intuitive interface and powerful features that simplify complex editing tasks while still offering incredible creative control.

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Explore Luminar Neo’s capabilities here.

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