How to Apply LUTs in DaVinci Resolve

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Applying a look-up table (LUT) in Davinci Resolve is an important process for filmmakers and video editors who want to improve the color grading of their videos. Davinci Resolve is known for its professional-level color correction features, and using a LUT is a popular way to quickly achieve a consistent and stylish look. This guide will explain in detail how to apply a LUT in Davinci Resolve, making sure you know every step and understand why it is done.

Understanding LUTs

A look-up table, or LUT, essentially transforms input colors into new output colors. It is much like a filter used to alter the appearance of video footage, providing a way to easily apply complex color grades or looks. LUTs are used in post-production to simulate specific styles, create moods, or correct colors.

Types of LUTs

LUTs come in various forms such as 1D and 3D LUTs.

• 1D LUTs: These are used for simple color changes. They adjust only one color component at a time.
• 3D LUTs: These handle complex color transformations and adjust all three components (red, green, blue) simultaneously.

Most of the time, editors work with 3D LUTs in Davinci Resolve because they provide more flexibility and control over the color grading process.

Preparing to apply LUTs in Davinci Resolve

Before applying LUTs, it's important to properly prepare your video project in DaVinci Resolve, making sure the timeline, color settings, and footage are all ready for color grading. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
2. Import your video clip into the media pool.
3. Drag your clip to the timeline for editing.
4. Go to the 'Color' tab where you will apply the LUTs.

Applying LUTs in Davinci Resolve

Now, let's learn how to implement LUTs step-by-step.

Step 1: Accessing the LUTs in Davinci Resolve

Once you're in the 'Color' tab, you'll see several panels. One of the panels on the left is called 'LUTs' (by default, it may be in a submenu under "Effects" if it's not immediately visible). Here's how you can access it:

1. Click on the 'LUTs' panel to open it.
2. Davinci Resolve comes with a set of built-in LUTs, which you can find in the Default Lookup Table list.
3. You can also load a custom LUT for a specific look or camera profile. To load a custom LUT, click the cogwheel icon in the lower right corner of DaVinci Resolve to open Project Settings, then go to Color Management.
4. Under the Lookup Tables section, click 'Open LUT Folder'. Place your .CUBE or .3DL files in this folder. Click 'Update Lists' to make them available in the LUTs panel.

Step 2: Applying LUTs to the clip

Now that you have access to LUTs, here's how to apply them:

1. In the 'Color' tab, select a clip from the timeline to which you want to apply the LUT. The clip will appear in the viewer.
2. From the 'LUTs' panel, click on the LUT you want to apply it to the selected clip. You can browse the default LUTs or your custom LUTs folder.
3. Simply double-click the LUT to apply it to an existing node in the Node Editor. You should see an immediate change in the color of the clip.

Step 3: Adjusting the intensity of the LUTs

After applying the LUT, you may want to adjust its intensity. DaVinci Resolve provides a method to control how strongly the LUT affects your image:

1. Once the LUT is applied, look at the node editor where the LUT has been applied as a node.
2. To blend the LUT with the original footage, create a new Serial node after your LUT node. To do this, select the node, then right-click and choose 'Add Node' → 'Add Serial'.
3. Use the 'Key' tab in the Node Inspector to adjust the 'Key Output Gain'. This essentially acts as a slider to control the effect of the LUT. Decreasing the Key Output Gain reduces the effect of the LUT, while increasing it intensifies the effect.

Step 4: Balancing and fine-tuning

After applying and adjusting your LUT, additional color grading adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired look:

1. Use the built-in 'color wheels' located just above the timeline to make finer adjustments. You can modify shadows, midtones, highlights, and overall color tint.
2. Use a scope such as a parade, waveform, histogram or vectorscope to accurately measure exposure and color when adjusting color settings. Scopes can be accessed from the 'View' menu under 'Show Scope'.
3. Make additional adjustments using tools like curves, qualifiers, and windows for targeted grading.

Step 5: Saving and exporting your work

Once you’ve applied and fine-tuned your LUTs, you can save your project and export the final video:

1. To store your changes go to the 'File' menu and select 'Save Project'.
2. Go to the 'Deliver' tab to render and export your project. Here, you can configure the export settings, including format, codec, resolution, and file name.
3. After configuring your export settings, click 'Add to Render Queue' and then 'Start Render' to output your video.

Understanding why LUTs are important

LUTs greatly simplify the color grading process, especially when working on projects that require consistency across different scenes or cameras.

• Speed: LUTs allow for quick conversion of footage, saving time in lengthy grading processes.
• Compatibility: Applying the same LUT to multiple clips ensures a consistent look throughout the project.
• Style: Using LUTs helps editors add certain styles or moods to their videos in a consistent way.

Understanding how to apply and adjust LUTs in Davinci Resolve is a vital skill for achieving professional-level color correction and ensuring that the visual impact and consistency of your footage suits your project's needs.

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