What is a LUT? A Complete Guide to Understanding Look-Up Tables in Video Editing and Photography

How Does a LUT Work?

1. Color Space Translation: LUTs help adjust footage shot in different color spaces like LOG, RAW, or Rec. 709 to ensure consistency across different devices and software. (Read more about the difference between RAW, LOG, and Rec. 709 here).
2. Preset Color Grading: Applying a LUT instantly gives footage a specific mood or style, such as a cinematic look, vintage film style, or high-contrast aesthetic.
3. Efficiency in Post-Production: Instead of manually adjusting each frame’s color settings, LUTs provide a one-click solution for color grading, saving time and ensuring consistency.

For example, a filmmaker may use a Rec. 709 LUT to convert LOG footage into a standard HD color profile. This process enhances contrast and saturation, bringing the footage closer to its final look before finer adjustments are made.

Types of LUTs and Their Uses

1. Calibration LUTs – Used to calibrate monitors and ensure accurate color representation across devices.
2. Transform LUTs – Convert footage from one color space to another, such as LOG to Rec. 709 for proper color correction.
3. Creative LUTs – Apply unique color styles, such as Kodak film emulation, cinematic tones, or iPhone LUTs for mobile video editing.

Each LUT type plays a key role in streamlining the color grading process and enhancing the final visual output, whether for a film, a YouTube video, or a social media post.

Why Are LUTs Important in Video Editing?

Key Benefits of Using LUTs:

1. Consistency Across Clips – LUTs ensure that colors remain uniform across multiple shots, even if lighting conditions vary.
2. Time-Saving Workflow – Instead of manually adjusting colors, editors can apply a pre-configured LUT for instant results.
3. Enhancing Visual Aesthetics – LUTs allow editors to achieve professional color grading, such as cinematic, vintage, or film-style looks.
4. Standardizing Color Spaces – Many cameras record in LOG or RAW, requiring LUTs to convert footage to Rec. 709, the industry standard for HD and UHD content. (Learn about Rec. 709 here).

LUTs are widely used in popular video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and even mobile apps like CapCut. If you’re editing in CapCut, you may want to explore CapCut LUTs for quick and professional color grading.

How to Use LUTs in Your Projects

DaVinci Resolve:

1. Import your footage and go to the Color tab.
2. Open the LUTs panel and browse through the available LUTs.
3. Drag and drop a LUT onto your node graph to apply it.
4. Adjust intensity as needed using the Opacity or Curves settings.

Adobe Premiere Pro:

1. Import your clip into the timeline.
2. Select the Color tab and go to the Lumetri Color panel.
3. Under Basic Correction, click Input LUT and select your desired LUT file.
4. Fine-tune color settings for a more customized look.

CapCut:

1. Open your video project and select a clip.
2. Navigate to the Filters or Adjustment section.
3. Choose a pre-installed LUT or import your own.
4. Adjust contrast, brightness, and saturation for refinement.

Pro Tips:

• Use Transform LUTs to convert LOG footage to Rec. 709 for accurate colors.
• Experiment with Creative LUTs to add unique visual styles, such as Kodak film emulation. (Check out Kodak LUTs here).
• Adjust opacity or blend modes to fine-tune the LUT effect.

Where to Find Free and Premium LUTs

Free LUTs:

• Pixflow Blog – Offers free LUTs for filmmakers and photographers.
• DaVinci Resolve & Premiere Pro – Both provide built-in LUTs for color grading.
• Online Creative Marketplaces – Websites like Behance and Gumroad feature free LUT downloads.

Premium LUT Packs:

• Camera-specific LUTs Collection – Professionally crafted LUTs for cinematic look in different cameras like Blackmagic cameras. (Check out premium Blackmagic LUTs here).
• Kodak Film LUTs – Designed to recreate the look of classic Kodak film stock. 
• iPhone LUTs – LUTs optimized for mobile video editing. (Check them out here).

When choosing LUTs, consider the color style you want to achieve and ensure that the LUT is compatible with your editing software.

Advanced Tips for Using LUTs Effectively

1. Always Color Correct Before Applying LUTs

LUTs work best when applied to properly balanced footage. Make sure to adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast before applying a LUT for better accuracy.

2. Use Adjustment Layers for Flexibility

Instead of applying a LUT directly to a clip, use adjustment layers in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. This allows you to fine-tune the LUT’s effect without permanently altering the footage.

3. Blend Multiple LUTs for Unique Looks

You can layer multiple LUTs at different opacities to create a unique look. For example, combining a cinematic LUT with a Kodak film LUT can create a vintage, high-quality film effect.

4. Modify LUT Strength for a Natural Look

Most LUTs apply a strong effect by default. Reduce intensity using the opacity slider or blending modes to get a more subtle, professional-grade look.

5. Match LUTs with the Right Footage Type

Some LUTs are designed specifically for LOG footage, while others are made for Rec. 709 footage. Using the wrong LUT can result in overly dark or oversaturated colors.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways:

• LUTs help convert RAW and LOG footage into vibrant, professional-quality visuals.
• They save time by automating color grading while ensuring color consistency.
  
• You can use Rec. 709 LUTs for standard color grading and creative LUTs for stylized looks.
  
• Find free and premium LUTs online, on pixflow.net/color-luts

If you’re new to LUTs, experiment with different styles and blend multiple LUTs to find the perfect look for your projects.