Where Does Luminar Neo Store Catalogs?
Luminar Neo creates catalog folders in Pictures by default, holding the image database, thumbnails, and edit history.
Last updated
Luminar Neo catalogs are folders you can place anywhere, defaulting to Pictures. Each catalog bundles the image database with locations, thumbnails, and full adjustment history. Photos themselves stay where they were; the catalog only references them.
Run one catalog for everything or split clients from personal work with File then Catalog then New. Back up a catalog with its backup command before version jumps. Moved photo folders break links the same way Lightroom loses files, so relink from inside the catalog.
Where Luminar Neo stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures\[Catalog-Name]
Create or move catalogs with File and Catalog and New or Open. Add photo folders with File and Add Folder with Images. Keep catalog and photos on fast local disks for thumbnail speed.
~/Pictures/[Catalog-Name]
Same portable folder model as Windows. Works standalone or as a Lightroom and Photoshop plugin, in which case the host catalog still owns the originals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up a Luminar Neo catalog?
Use the catalog backup command to write a restore point, then copy the whole catalog folder elsewhere. That preserves history and thumbnails; photo files need their own backup alongside.
Can I keep photos and catalog on different drives?
Yes. The catalog stores paths, so external photo drives work fine. Reconnect the same drive letters and paths after moving machines or links show as missing.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.