Mastering Colour Grading with LUTs: A Comprehensive Guide for Filmmakers

Image source: Master Cinematic Colour Grading with LUTs - Paul Handley Colourist

Image source: LUTs Explained | Types of LUTs | Lecture 34 | Colour Grading Tutorial

Image source: What is a LUT? Using LUTs to Color Grade PHOTOS & VIDEOS

A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a mathematically precise file that remaps the color values in your footage to new RGB values, acting like a color-grade preset or “spreadsheet” that tells every possible input color what it should look like output. In colour grading, you use LUTs either to convert flat Log footage to a standard display space (technical) or to impose a stylized cinematic look (creative). ^{1, 2, 3}

Two main types of LUTs

*Left: desaturated Log profile; Right: same footage after applying a Log→Rec.709 technical LUT *

How to use LUTs in your colour-grading workflow

1. Start with proper exposure and colour correction
   LUTs are not a magic wand—apply them after you’ve balanced exposure, white balance, and contrast on each shot. ^{3, 4}

2. Place technical LUTs early (or at the end)

   • If your LUT converts Log → Rec.709, put it at the beginning of your node/tree pipeline to normalize the image before grading. ⁵
   • Some pipelines use an intermediate color space first, then apply the display LUT at the end. ⁵

3. Add creative LUTs as a starting look

   • Apply a creative LUT to establish a base look, then fine-tune with primary/secondary corrections. ^{4, 6}
   • Adjust intensity/mix (often 30–70%) so the look feels natural, not overdone. ⁶

4. Tune per shot
   A single LUT will never look perfect on every shot—adjust exposure, saturation, and hue individually after the LUT is applied. ^{2, 7}

5. Use in your editing/grading software
   Common tools: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop (for photos). ^{8, 1, 6}

   • In Resolve: go to the Color page → LUT panel → import & apply to a node.
   • In Premiere: Effect Controls → Color → LUT dropdown → Import Custom LUT.

*Resolve interface showing the LUT panel, color wheels, and waveforms *

Key limitations to remember

• One LUT ≠ all shots: different lighting, cameras, and exposure require individual adjustments. ²
• Don’t over-rely: LUTs save time and ensure consistency, but professional grading still needs manual tweaking. ^{7, 3}
• Quality matters: cheap bulk LUT packs often produce poor color; prefer LUTs from trusted professionals. ⁵

Do you want a step-by-step for applying LUTs in a specific software (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut)?

References

• What is a LUT? How to Use LUTs for Color Grading

• What is a LUT (and how do you use a LUT for color correction)?

• LUTS IN COLOUR GRADING #mastering #creativecolorgrading #cinematography #davinciresolve19

• How To Apply Color Grading LUTs Professionally + My …

• Master Cinematic Colour Grading with LUTs - Paul Handley Colourist

• LUTs Explained | Types of LUTs | Lecture 34 | Colour Grading Tutorial

• Can someone explain what a “LUT” is and how to use them properly?

• What is a LUT? Using LUTs to Color Grade PHOTOS & VIDEOS

• LUTs Explained.

• What are LUTs and How to Apply Them Correctly?

• What are LUTs? The Ultimate Guide to Color Grading

• How to use LUTs to Color Grade | Tutorial + LUTs

• COLOR GRADING FOR BEGINNERS (How to use LUTS)

• What is a LUT? | A Beginner’s Guide to Color Grading with LUTs

• Color Correction and Grading (LUTs) - Adobe Help Center