Color grading can completely transform a video. A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a simple, portable way to apply a color grade across clips and apps — from Davinci Resolve to the VN mobile editor.
What is a LUT?
LUT stands for Look-Up Table. In video and photo editing, it’s a small file that maps input colors to new output colors — essentially a preset for color grading. Instead of redoing the same adjustments every time (contrast, gamma, hue shifts, etc.), you apply a LUT and the exact color transform is applied to each pixel.
Think of a LUT like a reusable color filter: create the look once, save it, and apply it across projects and apps.
Why use LUTs?
- Speed: Apply a polished grade in one click.
- Consistency: Keep the same look across scenes and cameras.
- Portability: Share the same grade between DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, and supported mobile apps.
- Learning: Analyze professional LUTs to see how colors and contrast are shaped.
How to create LUTs (Desktop — Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut)
Professional editing apps let you build a grade, then export that grade as a LUT file (commonly .cube or .3dl). The workflow is similar across programs:
- Open your software and load a representative clip or a color chart.
- Apply color corrections and creative adjustments (lift/gamma/gain, curves, color wheels, saturation).
- Once satisfied, locate the export function: Export LUT or Generate 3D LUT.
- Save the file (.cube is widely supported).
Quick notes for each app
- DaVinci Resolve: Color page > right-click node > Generate 3D LUT.
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Lumetri panel > three-dot menu > Export .cube.
- Final Cut Pro: Use color board/curves and third-party plugins to export LUTs (or use Compressor workflows).
Can you use LUTs on mobile phones?
Yes. Many mobile editors support LUT files — either directly or via import tools. Popular mobile apps that support LUTs include:
- VN - Video Editor (import .cube files)
- Adobe Premiere Rush (limited support; use mobile-friendly LUT presets or sync from Premiere Pro)
- Filmr / FilmoraGo (import presets and LUT packs)
- InShot / KineMaster (support via plugins or pro versions)
- Node Video (powerful mobile editor with LUT support)
How to import and use a LUT in VN — step-by-step
- Download the LUT (.cube or .lut) to your phone.
- Option A — File manager: Locate the LUT file in your file manager, tap Share > choose VN (if the option appears) to import.
- Option B — From VN: Open VN, load a project, open Filter > tap the + icon > Import from file > locate and select your LUT file.
- Apply the LUT to your clip and fine-tune intensity, exposure, and saturation inside VN to match the footage.
If VN shows many built-in filters, your imported LUT will appear among the custom or user filters — name them clearly so you can reuse them.
Troubleshooting
- If the LUT looks too strong, reduce strength or lower contrast in your base exposure.
- Some LUTs are designed for log footage — if your footage is not log, apply a corrective LUT or adjust exposure/contrast first.
- Make sure the LUT file format is supported (.cube is safest).
Tips & best practices
- Always balance exposure first: Basic correction before applying a LUT prevents clipping and weird color shifts.
- Use 3D LUTs for creative looks: They handle complex color transforms better than simple 1D LUTs.
- Keep a library: Name and organize LUTs by style (cinematic, warm, teal-orange, moody) for quick access.
- Test across devices: A LUT that looks great on a phone may need tweaks for TV or web playback.
If you'd like, I can also prepare:
- A downloadable pack of 10 free LUTs (mobile-ready .cube files).
- A short video tutorial showing the VN import steps.
- An AMP-ready HTML article or a 600-word mobile summary.