What Are LUTs?
LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are mathematical transforms that remap color and luminance values in an image or video. In simple terms, they take input colors and convert them into new output colors based on a predefined table.
Core Functions
Color correction: Normalize footage (e.g. convert LOG footage to Rec.709).
Color grading / creative looks: Apply stylistic color treatments (cinematic, vintage, teal/orange, etc).
Consistency: Ensure uniform color across multiple clips, camera types & media, or projects.
Speed: Apply complex color transformations instantly without manual grading each time.
Two Kinds
Technical/Conversion LUTs
Technical/Conversion LUTs are functional tools used to normalize footage, acting as a baseline correction to what comes directly out of the camera. They map raw or log footage to a standard color space (such as Rec. 709). Some cameras even possess the ability to bake in LUTs at the shooting stage, such as Blackmagic Cinema Cameras.
Creative LUTs
Creative LUTs are generally applied after initial grading (achieved with Camera LUTs) and are used to dial in creative color grade looks/styles to your project. They alter color, contrast, and saturation to achieve a specific mood. These can range from a film-like emulation to stylized color palettes after the normalization provided by the Technical LUT.
LUTs in Adobe Creative Cloud
In apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects (via Lumetri Color):
LUTs are primarily used through the Lumetri Color panel.
Two main use cases:
Technical/Conversion LUT: normalizing footage (e.g., LOG → Rec.709).
Creative LUT: Stylized look applied after correction.
LUTs can be saved into presets for repeatable workflows across projects and teams.
LUT formats include .cube (3D LUTs - industry standard) and .look (specialized format tailored for Premiere Pro's Lumetri Color panel).
LUTs in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve uses LUTs more deeply within its color pipeline:
Applied at multiple stages:
Node-based grading (very flexible, allows grading before and after the Conversion Node).
Timeline LUTs
Output LUTs
Camera LUTs are typically unnecessary as the Resolve Color Management tool allows you to choose the specific camera used in the input color space.
Often used alongside Resolve’s advanced color tools rather than as a one-click solution.
Supports both .cube LUTs and custom LUT generation from grades, as well as .3DL format.
Key Difference between Adobe CC and DaVinci Resolve
Adobe CC: LUTs are often part of a broader “quick grading” workflow using Lumetri.
DaVinci Resolve: LUTs are one tool within a highly granular, professional color grading system.