What is a Lut?

What Is a LUT? Shape Your Visual Style

Imagine you're watching a movie. The scene fades from an edgy urban street to a serene, sun-dappled forest. Everything shifts—the colors, the mood, the feel. But how do filmmakers make these transitions seem so flawless, creating emotions with just a change in tone?

Well, enter the world of Look-Up Tables, or LUTs for short.

I reckon the key question would be what is a LUT?—Because if we don’t address that, we might get tangled in a colorful of confusion!

LUT is a common tool used to adjust the colors of a video or image by applying a preset of colors that create a specific atmosphere, such as a cinematic look or any desired aesthetic style like vintage. Think about it as a translator, LUT converts your color-grading ideas into a tangible visual style. You’ll see it used in everything from music videos to marketing materials and even Instagram reels. It’s all about the color filter— the mathematical formula you use to alter the colors of a visual.

They’re not just a technical tool, however they’re an artistic decision-making tool that transforms the look and the feel of footage, influencing how the audience perceives the story and its emotional aspect. Whether you’re a filmmaker, an aspiring artist, or someone just curious about the visual magic that happens in post-production, understanding LUTs can revamp the work in ways you might not expect.

By the end of this blog, you’ll not only know what is a LUT but you’ll also be equipped with various knowledge on how to take your visuals to the next level. Ready to dive in? Because we are all ready!

Types of LUTs

When it comes to what is a LUT, we have to keep in mind that it generally comes in two major types: 1D and 3D LUTs. Each serves a different function in the color-grading process, and both are used widely by professionals depending on the needs of a specific project. Let's start with one by one.

1D LUTs

1D LUT, known as a One-Dimensional Look Up Table adjusts one color parameter at a time, like brightness, contrast, or individual color channels— red, green, and blue which are adjusted independently through linear transformation. These are simpler and more lightweight than 3D LUTs but less versatile when it comes to advanced color grading.1D Luts are generally effective in changing black/white tones or basic color grading, and are useful for tasks like adjusting the exposure, contrast, or color balance.

3D LUTs

The 3D LUT, on the other hand, is a much more powerful tool. It allows filmmakers to adjust combinations of colors across multiple dimensions, resulting in more sophisticated color transformations. Think of a 3D LUT as a three-dimensional grid that can remap the entire color spectrum, providing much greater control over how a final image looks. It is typically ideal for creating specific film looks, matching colors across different shots, and most importantly achieving complex visual styles.

Technical LUTs vs Creative LUTs

Another distinction is between Technical (Conversion) LUTs and Creative (Look) LUTs. Technical LUTs are used to correct or normalize footage, for example, converting log footage (which is typically flat and desaturated) into a more "neutral" starting point, in other words converting footage from one color space to another, such as from RAW to REC. 709.

Creative LUTs, on the other hand, are designed to add artistic color grading. They give your footage a specific look—say, a vintage film vibe or a cool, bluish sci-fi tint. Creative LUTs tend to set the mood or tone of the visuals providing a unique and aesthetic style that aligns with the desired creative vision.

While Technical LUTs mainly focus on accuracy and consistency, Creative LUTs are about adding personality and flair to the video.

Why Do Filmmakers Use LUTs?

Filmmakers use LUTs to save time and keep the visuals consistent across their projects. But it’s more than that—LUTs empower creators to develop a signature visual style. Think of some of the most iconic films—The Matrix, Mad Max: Fury Road, or Blade Runner 2049. What stands out is their unique color palettes, which are essential to their mood and narrative.

Using filmic look LUTs, filmmakers can:

Adjust The Mood

Different color tones evoke different emotions. For example, warm tones such as those with hints of red and orange often can create a feeling of nostalgia or intimacy, while cooler tones such as shades of blue and green can feel eerie or distant making them ideal for conveying a sense of detachment or tension for creating a more distant or unsettling atmosphere.

Speed Up The Editing Process

Rather than tweaking each clip individually, applying a LUT can quickly give all your footage a consistent look across your footage. It allows you to apply the finest color correction and enhancement to multiple clips at once. This not only saves time but supports your footage with a uniform aesthetic, reducing the need for repetitive adjustments. Ready to let the LUT save the day?

Consistent Uniformity Across Shots

Lighting and color can fluctuate from scene to scene, which visibly can disrupt the visual coherence of your project. By applying LUT, you can smooth out these differences and achieve a consistent look throughout the entire visuals. This helps to create a more professional final product, enhancing the overall visual impact of the work.

Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your LUTs

Don’t Overdo It

LUTs can be incredibly powerful tools for color grading but their power often can be a double-edged sword. With that being said, applying them aggressively can lead to unnatural-looking footage that might make your viewers a little uncomfortable and question on what they’re watching. So, while it’s tempting to push the limits, a subtle touch is the key to maintaining a professional look.

Shoot in the Best Conditions Possible

While LUTs can enhance your footage, they aren’t miracle workers. Make sure you capture the highest quality video possible, with proper lighting and exposure, to get the best results. Well-shot base will always allow your LUT to shine and deliver the best possible outcomes!

Test Different LUTs

There’s no harm in continuously experimenting. Don’t settle for the first LUT you try- as different LUTs have varying effects on your footage, some may work better for specific scenes or moods within the same project. Testing the range of options like the Filmic Look Lut will help you to fin the perfect match for each part of your visuals.

Customizing Your Own LUT

For those with a bit more experience, creating custom LUTs can be a game changer. Self-made LUTs give you full control over the color grading process, allowing you to achieve a unique look that perfectly fits the vision of your project. A personalized approach always makes the footage stand out by reflecting your creative intent.

What Is a LUT? It’s a Game Changer!

Understanding what is a LUT and how to use it effectively can elevate your filmmaking and video production, transforming ordinary footage into something visually capturing. By embracing the power of LUTs, you’re not just correcting colors—you’re telling stories through tone and mood.

Whether you’re just starting in video editing or looking to refine your color grading skills, integrating LUTs into your workflow offers endless creative possibilities. So, go ahead—download a few LUTs, experiment with them, and see how they can enhance your next visual project.

Remember, the magic of storytelling isn't just in what’s said, but in how it's seen. The right LUT could make all the difference. Check out our Free Lut and 16mm Abstract Light Leak to get started!