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Color LUTs • Video & PhotoUpdated for practical editor workflows

What is a LUT?

A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a list of values used to replace computation with a simple look-up. In color workflows, a Color LUT is a mapping that tells your software how to transform colors: it takes an input color and outputs a new one in a consistent, repeatable way.

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LUTs in computer science (the simple definition)

In computer science, a Look-Up Table is a precomputed list of values. Instead of recalculating results every time, software can retrieve the correct output from memory. This can be faster and more predictable than repeatedly running the same calculations.

Color LUTs (how they work)

A color LUT is a set of rules that maps one color to another. Your editor applies the mapping across the image, pixel by pixel. In practical terms, it’s a reusable transform: the same input colors will always produce the same output colors.

Example mappings
  • “Pure black becomes lifted dark gray.”
  • “Reds shift slightly toward orange.”
  • “Midtones cool down while highlights stay neutral.”
  • “Contrast increases in shadows, softer roll-off in highlights.”

Most creators export 3D LUTs (commonly .cube) because they can represent complex color changes across shadows, midtones, and highlights in a way that’s widely supported across editing software.

What are LUTs used for?

1) Technical transforms
Used for predictable conversions like Log to Rec.709 or color space/gamma transforms. Great for monitoring and consistent baselines.
2) Creative looks
Stylized looks (contrast, tone, color shifts) applied consistently across a project. Useful for fast iteration and consistency.
3) Matching cameras
A starting point to bring multiple cameras closer together (A-cam/B-cam), before doing shot-by-shot balancing.

LUTs became especially popular as mobile and lightweight workflows grew: they’re fast to apply, easy to share, and help keep a consistent look across many clips.

How to create LUTs

There are many ways to create LUTs. A practical approach is to build a look, export it as a 3D LUT (.cube), and test it in your target editor. For a simple, portable workflow, you can create LUTs online and keep them tied to your account.

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Best practice (quick)
  • Build LUTs on a neutral base (avoid stacking random looks).
  • Test on different scenes (skin tones, shadows, highlights).
  • Keep names descriptive (camera / lighting / intent).

FAQ

What does LUT stand for?+
LUT stands for Look-Up Table. In color workflows, it describes a mapping from input colors to output colors.
Technical LUT vs creative LUT — what’s the difference?+
Technical LUTs are meant for transforms (for example: Log to Rec.709). Creative LUTs are designed to stylize the image (contrast and color shaping) and are often used as a starting point for a look.
Where can I use .cube LUT files?+
The .cube format is widely supported across popular video tools and many apps. If you’re unsure, check the tutorials section for app-specific steps.
Do LUTs replace color grading?+
Not usually. LUTs are a fast, repeatable transform. Many workflows use a LUT as a base, then do shot-by-shot balancing and refinements on top.

Ready to try it?

Create a LUT online, save it to your account, and download a .cube file. Or go straight to the tutorials to learn how to apply LUTs in your editor.

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