DaVinci Resolve terms

Custom LUT

A file that can be imported into DaVinci Resolve to apply a specific color grade to footage.

What is a custom LUT (Look-Up Table) in DaVinci Resolve?

A custom LUT (Look-Up Table) in DaVinci Resolve is a mathematical formula that modifies the colors in an image or video. It is used to map one color space to another, which can be useful for color grading, correcting, and stylizing footage. LUTs are often used to achieve a specific visual aesthetic or to match the color grading of different shots or cameras.

In DaVinci Resolve, a custom LUT is a user-created LUT that is tailored to meet specific needs or preferences. Users can create their own LUTs in DaVinci Resolve by adjusting the color grading settings to their liking, and then saving those settings as a custom LUT. This custom LUT can then be applied to other footage to quickly and easily replicate the same color grading. This is particularly useful for maintaining a consistent look and feel across multiple shots or projects.

How to create a custom LUT in DaVinci Resolve?

Creating a custom LUT (Look-Up Table) in DaVinci Resolve involves a few steps. First, you need to import your footage into the software and then proceed to color grade it according to your preference. This can be done in the Color workspace, where you can adjust parameters like contrast, saturation, color balance, and more. You can use the color wheels, curves, and other tools to achieve the desired look.

Once you are satisfied with the color grading, you can create the LUT. To do this, right-click on the thumbnail of the clip in the Color workspace, then select 'Generate 3D LUT'. You will be prompted to name and save your LUT. After saving, your custom LUT will be available in the LUTs folder in the DaVinci Resolve database. You can apply this LUT to other clips or projects by going to the LUTs folder, right-clicking on the LUT, and selecting 'Apply LUT'.

How to import a custom LUT in DaVinci Resolve?

To import a custom LUT in DaVinci Resolve, you first need to open the software and navigate to the project settings. This can be done by clicking on the gear icon located at the bottom right corner of the interface. Once the project settings window is open, go to the 'Color Management' tab. Here, you will find the 'Lookup Tables' section. Click on the 'Open LUT Folder' button, which will open the folder where DaVinci Resolve stores its LUTs.

Once the LUT folder is open, you can copy your custom LUT files into this folder. Make sure that your LUT files are in .cube format, as this is the format that DaVinci Resolve supports. After copying the LUT files, go back to the DaVinci Resolve software. In the 'Lookup Tables' section, click on the 'Update Lists' button. This will refresh the list of LUTs and your custom LUTs should now be available for use. You can apply them by going to the 'Color' page, right-clicking on a node, and selecting '3D LUT' from the context menu.

How to use a custom LUT in DaVinci Resolve?

To use a custom LUT in DaVinci Resolve, you first need to import it into the software. To do this, go to the "Project Settings" menu, which is located at the bottom right of the interface. In the project settings window, navigate to the "Color Management" tab. Here, you will find the "Lookup Tables" section. Click on the "Open LUT Folder" button, which will open the folder where DaVinci Resolve stores its LUTs. Copy your custom LUT into this folder, then click the "Update Lists" button in the project settings window. Your custom LUT should now be available in the LUTs list.

To apply the custom LUT, go to the "Color" workspace, select a clip in the timeline, and then open the "LUTs" panel. This is usually located on the left side of the interface. In the LUTs panel, navigate to the "3D LUT" section, where you should find your custom LUT. Click on it to apply it to the selected clip. You can adjust the intensity of the LUT using the "Key Output" slider in the "Key" panel. Remember to save your project to keep the changes.

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