What Are LUTS And How To Use Them In Your Video Editing in 2025
Written by: Alexa StarrLast updated: 12/23/24
LUTs, or Look-Up Tables, have become an essential tool in video editing.
But what exactly are LUTs, and how can you make the most of them to enhance your videos?
In simple terms, a LUT is a file that maps one set of colors to another.
It serves as a way to apply color grading and adjustments, including color correction, to your footage quickly and efficiently.
LUTs are commonly used in post-production to achieve consistent color values across different shots and scenes.
Think of it as a filter that transforms the look and feel of your video, helping you achieve the desired palette aesthetic.
If you're looking to create a classic, moody atmosphere, consider using a film noir filter for basic adjustments, including adjusting the log footage.
Using LUTs in your video editing workflow is pretty straightforward.
First, you must find and download LUTs that suit your desired look.
There are numerous websites and marketplaces where you can find a wide range of LUTs, from subtle adjustments to bold cinematic styles that cater to different skin tones.
Once you have downloaded the LUTs, you can easily import them into your video editing software to enhance the brightness of your footage.
Most professional editing programs, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, have built-in options for importing and applying LUTs.
Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can also apply LUTs to images for color grading and correction.
What are luts and explanation of LUTs (Look-Up Tables)
LUTs, also known as Look-Up Tables, are a powerful tool used in video editing.
But what exactly are LUTs, and how do they work?
A LUT is a file that acts as a color-grading filter for your videos.
It maps one set of colors to another, allowing you to transform the look and feel of your footage with just a few clicks using a type of lut that adjusts the luminance.
The beauty of LUTs lies in their ability to apply complex color adjustments quickly and efficiently, including color grading.
How LUTs are used in video editing apps and color grading filmmaker footage
Regarding video editing and color grading, LUTs (abbreviation for Look-Up Tables) play a crucial role in achieving your footage's desired look and feel.
Rec LUTs are specifically designed to work with Rec. 709 color space, which is the standard color space for most consumer cameras.
Once you have downloaded the LUTs, importing them into your video editing software in lut format is a breeze.
Most professional programs, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, have built-in options for calibration purposes, including the ability to preview a video clip with different cameras.
To apply a LUT to your footage, navigate to your editing software's color grading or effects panel.
Color grades can be easily applied using LUTs, which can save time and effort in post-production.
One popular type of LUT is the gamma LUT, which adjusts the brightness and contrast of your footage.
Benefits of using LUTs in post-production/pre-production
There are several benefits to using LUTs in post-production.
Firstly, they save you time and effort by providing a quick and efficient way to achieve specific color adjustments.
Instead of manually tweaking each color parameter, you can apply a LUT matching your desired look.
LUTs also ensure consistency across your videos.
Using the same LUT can help maintain a cohesive visual style throughout if you're working on a series or multiple projects.
Different types of LUTs: technical, creative, and camera-specific
In video editing and color grading, LUTs come in different types.
One type is the technical LUT, which is used to correct color imbalances and ensure an accurate representation of the footage.
These LUTs are typically designed for specific cameras or shooting environments.
On the other hand, creative LUTs offer a range of artistic looks and styles that can completely transform the mood and atmosphere of your footage.
Whether you want a vintage film look or a futuristic aesthetic, creative LUTs provide endless possibilities for customization.
Where to find and download filmmaking LUTs
You can find and download LUTs in several places for your video editing and color grading needs.
One option is to search online marketplaces and websites that specialize in selling LUTs.
These platforms often offer a wide range of free and paid options, allowing you to browse through different categories and styles.
Another option is visiting the websites or social media profiles of professional colorists or filmmakers sharing their LUTs.
Many creators are generous enough to provide free LUTs to support the filmmaking community.
Following these individuals or subscribing to their newsletters can keep you updated on the latest LUT releases and give you access to exclusive content.
Some video editing software programs also come with built-in LUT libraries that you can explore.
These libraries usually offer a variety of pre-installed LUTs that you can apply to your footage with just a few clicks.
How to apply LUTs in various video editing software calibration
Using LUTs in different video editing software is a reasonably straightforward process.
Here's a general guide on how to apply LUTs in some commonly used software:
1. Adobe Premiere Pro:
In the Lumetri Color panel, navigate to the Creative tab. Click on the "Look" dropdown menu and select "Browse."
Then, locate and import your desired LUT file.
Once imported, you can apply it to your footage by selecting it from the dropdown menu.
2. Final Cut Pro X:
Select your clip in the timeline, then go to the Effects browser and search for "LUT Utility."
Drag and drop it onto your clip.
In the inspector window, click the LUT dropdown menu and choose "Custom LUT."
From there, you can import your desired LUT file and apply it to your footage.
3. DaVinci Resolve:
In the Color page, navigate to the LUTs tab.
Click on the OpenFX button and select "LUTs."
Locate and import your desired LUT file.
Once imported, you can apply it to your footage by dragging and dropping it onto the node graph.
Tips for using LUTs / Photoshop effectively in your projects
Using LUTs effectively can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your projects.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of LUTs:
1. Understand your footage:
Before applying a LUT, it's essential to understand your footage's characteristics and color profile.
Each LUT is designed for specific color spaces, so matching the correct LUT to your footage is crucial.
2. Use adjustment layers:
Consider using adjustment layers or effects instead of directly applying a LUT to your footage.
This allows you to fine-tune the intensity and effect of the LUT without overpowering your footage.
3. Experiment with different LUTs:
Don't be afraid to try different LUTs and see which works best for your project.
Each LUT can create a unique look and feel, so playing around with different options can help you find the perfect match.
4. Customize LUTs:
If you can't find a pre-made LUT that fits your vision, consider creating your own custom LUT.
This gives you complete control over the color grading and achieves a unique look for your project.
5. Use LUTs as a starting point:
LUTs can be a powerful tool in enhancing the visual appeal of your projects.
Whether you're a filmmaker, photographer, or video editor, understanding how to use LUTs effectively can take your work to the next level.
Before we dive deeper into the tips for using LUTs effectively, let's first understand what exactly LUTs are.
LUT stands for Look-Up Table, and it is essentially a mathematical formula that maps one set of colors to another.
It is like having a preset color grading template that you can apply to your footage.
Common misconceptions about LUTs
LUTs are often misunderstood, so let's clear up some common misconceptions.
Firstly, LUTs are not magic filters that instantly make your footage look amazing.
They are tools that help you achieve a desired look by adjusting color and tone.
Secondly, LUTs are not a substitute for proper color grading.
While they can enhance your footage's overall aesthetic, having a solid foundation of well-exposed and well-shot material is essential.
Finally, LUTs are not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Different footage requires different LUTs, so choosing the correct LUT that complements your specific project is essential.
FAQs
What are video LUTs (lookup tables)?
LUT stands for Look-Up Table. It is a file containing color-grading information that can be applied to videos or images to achieve a specific look or style. LUTs are commonly used in video editing to enhance colors, contrast, and overall visual aesthetics.
What is the purpose of LUTs?
The purpose of LUTs is to apply a specific look or style to your videos or images. They allow you to enhance colors, contrast, and overall visual aesthetics with just a few clicks. LUTs can save you time and effort in the color grading process by providing a pre-defined template that you can apply to your footage. They help create consistency in your projects and give you the ability to achieve a desired look without manually tweaking every color channels setting.
What is a LUT in video editing?
A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a mathematical formula that transforms colors in video footage from one color space to another. It works like a preset filter, modifying the colors, contrast, and mood of footage by remapping RGB values according to predetermined settings. LUTs can be used for:
- Color correction
- Color grading
- Converting between different color spaces
- Matching footage from different cameras
- Creating specific cinematic looks
Types of LUTs:
- Technical LUTs: Convert between color spaces
- Creative LUTs: Add stylistic effects and mood
- 1D LUTs: Adjust single color channels
- 3D LUTs: Modify multiple color parameters simultaneously
LUTs are commonly used in professional video editing, cinematography, and photography to achieve consistent color grading across multiple clips or to quickly apply pre-made looks to footage.
What is the difference between a preset and a LUT?
Presets:
- Complete editing recipes that affect multiple parameters (exposure, contrast, color, effects, etc.)
- Usually format-specific (Lightroom presets work only in Lightroom)
- Can include adjustments to any editing tool within the software
- More comprehensive and customizable
- Larger file sizes
LUTs (Look-Up Tables):
- Focus primarily on color grading and tone mapping
- More universal and can work across different software platforms
- Convert RGB values from one color space to another
- More limited in scope compared to presets
- Smaller file sizes
- Commonly used in video editing and cinema
What is the meaning of LUT?
LUT (Look-Up Table) is a data structure or array that replaces runtime computations with simpler array indexing operations. It stores precalculated values that can be quickly retrieved, trading memory space for faster processing time. LUTs are commonly used in digital image processing, color correction, signal processing, and data conversion applications.
FAQs About LUTs
Q: What is Lumetri Color in Premiere Pro? A: Lumetri Color correction is a powerful color grading and correction tool in Adobe Premiere Pro that allows users to adjust colors, exposure, contrast, and apply LUTs to video clips.
Q: Where can you find the Lumetri Color panel in Premiere Pro? A: The Lumetri Color panel can be accessed by going to Window > Lumetri Color or by selecting the Color workspace in Premiere Pro.
Q: How do you apply a LUT to a video clip using Lumetri Color? A: Select the clip, open the Lumetri Color panel, go to the Creative section, and click the Browse button next to Look to select and apply a LUT file.
Q: Can you apply multiple LUTs to a single video clip? A: Yes, you can stack multiple LUTs by adding additional Lumetri Color effects to the same clip through the Effects Controls panel.
Q: What file formats are supported for LUTs in Premiere Pro? A: Premiere Pro supports .cube and .look file formats for LUTs.
Q: How can you adjust the intensity of an applied LUT? A: Use the Intensity slider in the Creative section of the Lumetri Color panel to adjust how strongly the LUT affects the footage.
Q: Where are the basic color correction tools located in the Lumetri Color panel? A: Basic color correction tools are found in the Basic Correction section, including White Balance, Tone, and Saturation controls.
Q: Can you save custom color adjustments as a LUT in Premiere Pro? A: No, Premiere Pro cannot directly export color adjustments as LUTs, but you can save them as Lumetri Presets (.look files).
Conclusion
In conclusion, LUTs (look-up tables) are powerful tools in video editing that allow you to achieve a specific look or style for your footage.
However, it is essential to understand that they are not magic filters and should not be relied upon as a substitute for proper color grading.
Different footage requires different LUTs, so choosing the right one that complements your project is crucial.
By using LUTs effectively, you can enhance the overall aesthetic of your videos and save time in the color grading process.
