DaVinci Resolve: How to Create, Import and Export a LUT
In this valuable article, I will explain how to create, export, and import a LUT in DaVinci Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve is one of the most widely used software for video editing, color correction, and color grading. With the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve amazing results.
The use of LUTs makes DaVinci Resolve extremely powerful because a LUT can be used to quickly apply a pre-defined look to an image, such as a vintage look, a cinematic look, or any other specific look, saving valuable time in the post-production phase.
In DaVinci Resolve, you can use LUTs created by other users or purchased from third-party providers, as well as create your own custom LUTs.
Before we begin, I would say that a general understanding of what a LUT is would not hurt.
What is a LUT ?
A LUT (Look-Up Table) is simply a conversion table that maps an input color value to a specific output color value. As simplistic as it may sound, all it does is take an input value X and transform it into an output value Y. That's all!
These input values can come from different sources, such as a camera file, a video file, or a film scan.
In general, there are several categories of LUTs used in the world of color correction and color grading.
The most well-known categories of LUTs are definitely Technical LUTs, Creative LUTs, and Conversion LUTs.
In turn, these categories can be divided and classified into 1D LUTs and 3D LUTs.
At this point, I realize that providing you with additional information could only confuse you. It is certainly better to address the topic "what is a LUT?" in a dedicated article, in order to deal with the topic in a much more in-depth manner.
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How to Create a LUT
To create a LUT, all you have to do is work on your clip, creating a node structure that allows you to make all the necessary changes to achieve the desired result.
However, when working on creating a LUT, it should be kept in mind that many operations cannot be preserved within the LUT: Some OpenFX, Power Windows, Sharpen/Blur, Sizing, Tracking, etc.
Obviously, behind the creation of a LUT, there is a world made of years of color study and experience in the industry. The quality and reliability of the LUT will therefore vary depending on the experience of the colorist who creates it.
A professional colorist is certainly capable of creating high-quality LUTs with artistic depth, not even remotely comparable to those created by an amateur or a colorist with little experience.
If you want to rely on a professional colorist for the creation of your custom LUT, you can send me a message through my contact page.
How to Export a LUT
Exporting a LUT is a very simple operation.
All you have to do is go to the thumbnail of the clip you used to create your LUT, right-click, and select "Generate LUT".
At this point, you can choose to export the LUT in the following formats:
17 point cube
33 point cube
65 point cube
Panasonic VLUT (a LUT format associated with Panasonic VariCam cameras).
The LUT file will be automatically saved in the folder that DaVinci uses to store all its LUTs. Of course, you can choose to change the file path to save the LUT where you prefer.
Attention!
It is highly recommended not to export 17-point LUTs if the ultimate purpose is to use them in color correction and grading on DaVinci Resolve.
On the contrary, 17-point LUTs are extremely useful when it is necessary to export LUTs for monitoring on set, in order to adapt to different display devices, calibration, and signal conversion.
How to Import a LUT in DaVinci Resolve
There are basically 2 methods to import a LUT in DaVinci Resolve:
Method #1
To import your LUT into DaVinci Resolve, simply import the ".cube" file into the folder where DaVinci Resolve stores all its LUTs.
LUTs are then saved in this folder:
On OS X: Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/LUT/
On Windows: C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support\LUT
On Linux: /home/resolve/LUT
Method #2
Click on "Project Settings" (1)
Go to the "Color Management" section (2)
Scroll down to the "Look Up Tables" section
Click on "Open LUT folder" (3)
Copy your LUT or LUT folder inside
Close and click on "Update List"
Conclusion:
I hope that this valuable article has been helpful to you in understanding how to create, export, and import a LUT in DaVinci Resolve. At this point, all that's left is for you to get to work creating your own new LUTs!
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