How to Use LUTs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Major Video Editor

Want that cinematic color grade in seconds? LUTs are your best friend. Whether you’re editing in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid, or DaVinci Resolve, this guide will walk you through how to use LUTs like a pro—no fluff, just clear steps.

???? What’s a LUT?

A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a preset that applies a specific color grade or style to your footage. Think of it as an Instagram filter for your video—but way more powerful and customizable.

????️ Before You Start

Make sure you have:

Your video footage imported
A LUT file (usually .cube or .look)
Basic color correction done (white balance, exposure)

???? Pro Tip: You can download free and premium LUTs from our Video Templates Library.

???? How to Use LUTs in Each Editing Software

???? Adobe Premiere Pro

Import your footage and drag it to the timeline.
Open the Lumetri Color panel (Window > Lumetri Color).
In Basic Correction, find the Input LUT dropdown.
Click “Browse” and load your .cube file.
Tweak the Intensity slider if needed.
Optional: Use other Lumetri panels (Creative, Curves, etc.) to fine-tune.

✅ That’s it—LUT applied!

???? Adobe After Effects

Select your clip or adjustment layer.
Go to Effects > Utility > Apply Color LUT.
Load your .cube file.
To apply the LUT to multiple clips, use an Adjustment Layer on top.

???? Use LUTs with Adjustment Layers for non-destructive editing and more control.

???? DaVinci Resolve

Open the Color tab.
Right-click in the Nodes window and choose “Add Node > Add Serial.”
Right-click the node and select LUT > Your LUT Folder > LUT Name.
Adjust the intensity using the Key Output Gain slider.

???? You can also preview multiple LUTs in real-time using the Gallery view.

???? Final Cut Pro

Select your clip in the timeline.
Open the Inspector, then go to the Effects section.
Search for “Custom LUT” and apply it to your clip.
In the Custom LUT effect panel, click “Choose LUT.”
Load your LUT and adjust the Mix slider as needed.

???? Pro Tip: Organize your LUTs inside the Final Cut Pro LUT folder for easier access.

???? Avid Media Composer

Go to File > Input > Source Browser.
Import your clip and go to the Color Correction workspace.
Click on the Color LUTs tab.
Click “Import LUT,” then apply it via the Source Settings.
You can also bake the LUT during AMA Link/Transcode process.

????️ LUTs in Avid are more technical—always double-check your LUT format (.cube preferred).

✅ Best Practices for Using LUTs

Use LUTs as a starting point, not the final look.
Always color correct before applying a LUT.
Use adjustment layers or nodes for flexibility.
Match LUTs to your camera profile (LOG, Rec.709, etc.)
Don’t overdo it—subtle is often better.

???? Wrap-Up

Whether you’re in Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut, Avid, or DaVinci Resolve, using LUTs can speed up your workflow and instantly elevate your visuals.

???? Want pro-level LUTs built for motion designers? Browse our growing library of color grading packs and unlock the cinematic magic in seconds.

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