An intro to LUTs

Written By Matteo Bertoli

What Are LUTs?

In the world of filmmaking, videography, and photography, LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are essential tools that make color grading more efficient, consistent, and creative. But what exactly are LUTs, and how do they work? Let’s break it down.

A LUT is essentially a mathematical formula that maps one set of colors to another. Think of it as a color translator that takes the colors in your footage and shifts them according to a pre-defined set of rules. This transformation allows filmmakers to achieve consistent and specific color effects quickly.

Types of LUTs

1. Technical LUTs

These are used for accurate color transformations. For example, when shooting in a flat log profile (like Blackmagic’s Film Log or Sony’s S-Log), technical LUTs help convert the footage to a standard color space, such as Rec.709, which is commonly used for video displays. Technical LUTs ensure a neutral, corrected starting point for further grading.

2. Creative LUTs

These are designed to add artistic flair to your footage. Whether you want a warm vintage look, a dramatic teal-orange vibe, or a cinematic film style, creative LUTs make it easy to apply complex color grading presets with a few clicks.

How LUTs Work

A LUT takes the RGB values from your source footage and shifts them based on its formula to create a specific effect. For instance:

  • If your footage has a dull, flat appearance (as in log profiles), a LUT can bring back contrast and saturation.

  • Creative LUTs can shift hues and tones to emulate popular styles, such as the golden hues of a sunset or the cold tones of a thriller (BUTTERY Crunchy Gold or BUTTERY Eterna from the creative collection are a great example)

Common Uses of LUTs

1. Log to Rec.709 Conversion (BUTTERY Natural)

Cameras shooting in log profiles capture a wide dynamic range, but the footage looks flat and unsaturated. A conversion LUT is applied to bring the footage into a standard, visually pleasing color space.

2. Stylized Looks

Want your project to have a unique identity? Creative LUTs can instantly add a “look” to your footage, whether that’s a retro vibe, a bright and vibrant palette, or the desaturated tones of a noir film.

3. Matching Footage

If you’re using multiple cameras, LUTs can help harmonize the color profiles, ensuring that all clips look cohesive, even if they were shot with different brands or models. In this regard, our BUTTERY LUTs are not an instant match, but they will bring two different cameras very close and you will be able to color match them in a few steps.

Why Use LUTs?

1. Efficiency

LUTs save time by providing a baseline look or a finished grade with minimal effort. Instead of manually tweaking every color, you can apply a LUT to transform your footage instantly. Clearly, you need a LUT you can trust and that it’s used by professionals.

2. Consistency

By applying the same LUT across multiple clips or scenes, you can maintain a uniform aesthetic throughout your project. Keep in mind to do your basic adjustments in order to match different white balance and contrast levels.

3. Creativity

LUTs encourage experimentation. They allow you to try different styles and looks quickly, helping you discover what works best for your story or brand.

Where you can use LUTs?

Most post-production software supports LUTs, including:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

  • DaVinci Resolve

  • Final Cut Pro

  • Blackmagic Camera App

  • Any software that supports cube files

To use a LUT, simply import it into your software, apply it to your footage, and adjust its intensity to suit your vision.

Where to Find LUTs

You can find LUTs from various sources, including professional filmmakers, LUT marketplaces, and software providers. Some companies, like BUTTERY LUTS, offer high-quality LUTs designed for different camera models, ensuring cinematic results no matter your setup.

Conclusion

LUTs are invaluable tools for anyone working with video or photography. Whether you’re a beginner looking for quick enhancements or a seasoned colorist seeking consistency and creativity, LUTs can elevate your projects to the next level. Dive in, experiment, and let your footage shine with the power of LUTs!

Matteo Bertoli