LUTs: How to Use Them Effectively for Color Grading

What is a LUT

A LUT is a Look Up Table. LUTs are used extensively in color grading. A LUT is a file that contains input numbers and output numbers that transform footage from one color space to another; from basic look to a color grade and many uses in between. It’s basically a pre-set for your color grade.

It is my opinion that, much like any pre-set, using creative LUTs too much weaken your ability to develop as a colorist.

LUTs can be helpful if you’re just starting out. You can create looks quickly and generate ideas quickly.

But relying on LUTs too much can quickly become a creative dead end. Often you’ll end up having to fight against them.

LUTS: The Starting Point for Color Grading

LUTs can be a helpful starting point when converting a camera color space to a more aesthetically pleasing color space as a starting point for color grading.

Using a film LUT at the beginning of your color grading chain can sometimes get you to a better starting point more quickly than trying to create that look from scratch.

However, learn to use your LUTs wisely. Most LUTs sold or given away today are not good starting points. They tend to heavily manipulate the images towards a specific look.

LUTs sold online can lead to the problems listed below:

1. You are locked into a certain look that is difficult to adjust
2. The LUT is manipulating the image in ways that you can’t control
3. The style becomes more obvious
4. It looks pre-set and cheap
5. Imperfections in the source footage can become more pronounced

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning color grading is a craft. Doing it well requires practice, learning and experimenting with software tools, and refining your own aesthetic choices. This means that there isn’t a shortcut to having a clear identity and perspective.

I understand that not everyone wants to be a full-time colorist or have a career in the field. But quick fixes like heavy, creative LUTs won’t save you time or effort in the end.

In addition, it can require a lot more work to make client changes, to find the right LUT for your camera, and to match footage when working with creative LUTs.

Learning the basics of color grading will set your looks apart from those who are primarily using creative LUTs.

Once you know how to do the basics; exposure, color balance, contrast, hues, saturation, your videos will stand out far more than content made using LUTs.

In my forthcoming guide, I’ll show you how to start grading quickly and set base grades that won’t require the use of a LUT. All you need is your own eyes and a sense of adventure.

Thanks for reading!