LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are one of the most practical tools for achieving consistent color grades across a project. They can take flat, lifeless footage and instantly apply a mathematical transformation that results in rich, cinematic color. But to use them effectively, you need to understand what a LUT actually is—a mathematical table that maps input color values to output values—and the fundamental difference between technical LUTs and creative LUTs.
1. What Is a LUT?
At its core, a Look-Up Table is a file (usually ending in .cube or .lut) containing a 3D lookup table. This mathematical array defines how a specific color in your source video should be represented in the final output. The complexity of this transformation is often indicated by points. A 17-point cube is faster to process but less precise, while a 33-point cube (or even higher) offers much greater accuracy for detailed color manipulation and smoother gradients, making it ideal for high-end cinematic grading.
2. Technical LUTs vs Creative LUTs
Before applying any LUT, you must determine its purpose. Technical LUTs are designed to convert footage from a camera's specific log format (like Sony S-Log3 or Canon C-Log) into a standard color space, typically Rec.709. These should always be applied before doing any creative work to establish a proper baseline. Creative LUTs, on the other hand, are strictly for styling. They apply a visual look—like teal and orange, or a vintage film emulation—and are applied after your primary color correction.
3. Applying LUTs in Premiere Pro (Lumetri Color)
- Open the Lumetri Color panel via Window > Lumetri Color.
- For a Technical LUT, go to the Basic Correction tab, click the Input LUT dropdown, and select Browse to locate your file.
- For a Creative LUT, navigate to the Creative tab, click the Look dropdown, and select Browse.
4. Applying LUTs in After Effects
In After Effects, the process is quite similar. You can either apply the Lumetri Color effect from your Effects & Presets panel and follow the same steps as Premiere Pro, or you can use the Apply Color LUT effect found under the Utilities category. Simply drag it onto your layer or adjustment layer, and a dialog box will immediately prompt you to select your .cube file.
5. Adjusting LUT Intensity
Applying a creative LUT at 100% intensity is a common mistake that often results in an overly processed look. In the Lumetri Color panel under the Creative tab, use the Intensity slider to dial back the effect. A common range for creative LUTs is between 40% and 80%, allowing the underlying natural colors of your well-balanced footage to shine through while still adopting the stylistic mood.
6. Stacking LUTs Correctly
Order of operations is critical when working with multiple LUTs. The ideal pipeline is: Technical LUT first (to convert log to Rec.709), followed by primary color correction (exposure, white balance, contrast), and finally the Creative LUT. If you apply a creative LUT directly to flat log footage, the mathematical transformations will interpret the colors incorrectly, resulting in muddy contrast and skewed hues.
7. Preparing Your Footage Before Applying a LUT
Pro Tip: A LUT is not a magical fix for poorly shot footage. If your footage is severely overexposed, a LUT will only exacerbate the issue, often resulting in broken, clipping highlights. Always correct your exposure, contrast, and white balance before the creative LUT is applied in your node or effect chain.
8. Common LUT Mistakes
- Applying a creative LUT directly to uncorrected log footage.
- Leaving every creative LUT at 100% intensity regardless of the scene.
- Using random LUTs downloaded from the internet without understanding what camera space they were designed for.
9. Creating Your Own LUT
Once you develop a color grade you love, you can save it as your own LUT. In Premiere Pro, click the hamburger menu next to Lumetri Color and select "Export .cube". This file can now be used across Premiere, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, or even loaded into some external monitors to view your custom look on set.
Conclusion
LUTs are powerful assets that can drastically speed up your color workflow when used correctly. By separating technical conversions from creative grading and always balancing your footage first, you can achieve professional, cinematic results consistently across all your projects.