Filmlexikon.
Support
Look Up Table
Editing · Technique

Look Up Table

Murnau AI illustration
color wheel log footage rec709 davinci resolve

Mathematical transformation table that maps input colors to output colors, for color correction and grading.

Definition

A LUT (Look Up Table) is a mathematical transformation table that maps input color values to output color values. LUTs are used for color correction, grading, and creative looks.

LUT Types

TypeDimensionApplication
1D LUTSingle-AxisBrightness, Contrast
3D LUTRGB CubeComplex Color Transformations
Technical LUTConversionLog → Rec.709
Creative LUTLookFilm Looks, Moods

Common LUT Sizes

  • 17x17x17: Fast, but less precise
  • 33x33x33: Standard for most applications
  • 65x65x65: Highest precision for critical work

Workflow

  1. On-Set: Preview LUT on monitor for Log footage
  2. Offline: Rough LUT for editing preview
  3. Grading: Create custom LUTs as a base
  4. Delivery: Output LUT for final delivery

Software

LUTs are created and applied in:

  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Baselight

Practical Tips

  • Use manufacturer LUTs for technical conversion
  • Develop custom LUTs for individual looks
  • Control LUT strength in post (often 50-80% is enough)
From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

LUTs sind essentiell fuer Set-Kontrolle und Live-Monitoring. Ich verwende 3D-LUTs auf On-Set-Monitoren um das Endresultat beim Drehen zu sehen.

Director

LUTs sind mein Werkzeug zur kreativen Vorschau. Ich beurteile auf Set bereits mit dem geplanten Look und kann sofort reagieren.

Editor

Im Offline-Schnitt verwende ich rough LUTs zur schnellen Log-zu-Rec.709 Vorschau. DaVinci Resolve ermoeglicht LUTs auf Clips oder ganze Timelines.

Producer

Set-LUTs reduzieren Grading-Zeit um 15-25 Prozent und ermoeglichen bessere On-Set-Entscheidungen.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Look Up Table (LUT)"?

2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon