Understanding LUTs — A Practical Reference
A practical reference guide to understanding LUTs, detailing technical vs creative LUTs, and proper application in Premiere Pro and After Effects.
About This Resource
Look-Up Tables (LUTs) are mathematical formulas that map input color values to specific output color values. This practical reference guide clarifies the critical technical difference between Conversion / Technical LUTs (LOG to Rec.709) and Creative LUTs (stylistic film emulation), explaining bit-depth precision (17-point vs 33-point vs 65-point) and proper application order.
What's Included
- Technical LUTs vs Creative LUTs: definitions, differences, and proper pipeline order
- 3D LUT grid resolution standards (17x17x17 vs 33x33x33 vs 65x65x65)
- Correct Lumetri Color pipeline placement (Basic Correction vs Creative tab)
- Preventing clipping, crushing, and digital color banding when applying LUTs
How to Use
Always apply technical camera normalization LUTs in the "Basic Correction > Input LUT" slot (or on an initial node in DaVinci Resolve), make primary exposure and white balance adjustments before the LUT, and apply creative film look LUTs in the "Creative > Look" slot with opacity adjusted between 50% and 80%.
License & Permissions
Free personal and commercial