How to use AirLuts
WHAT'S A LUT? HOW DO I USE A LUT?
I. LUTs – Color Grading 101
What is a LUT?
A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a color transformation profile that takes the color information from your original footage, analyzes it through a predefined matrix, and outputs updated color values for every pixel. It’s essentially a precise mathematical system that remaps colors to achieve a specific look or style. Our LUTs have been refined over time to produce especially flattering skin tones and rich, natural earth hues, ensuring a balanced and cinematic result without heavy manual adjustments.
The standard file format for LUTs is .CUBE. These are the files you’ll find in your download package. Importing them into your editing software is quick and effortless—usually under 30 seconds—allowing you to apply professional-grade color grading with just a few clicks.
II. Using Color Lookup Tables
How to use a LUT?
Almost all modern video-editing software supports the use of LUTs, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Sony Vegas, Filmora, HitFilm, and many others. Since most programs can read .CUBE files (the standard LUT format), you simply need to locate the LUT import section within your software to begin applying them to your clips.
PROS
Using LUTs can dramatically elevate the visual quality, mood, and consistency of your videos. They make color grading faster and more efficient, allowing you to achieve polished, cinematic results with minimal effort. By working with LUTs, you’ll also gain a better understanding of color science and grading techniques — knowledge that becomes invaluable as your editing skills grow.
CONS
LUTs are powerful, but they are not a fix for poorly shot footage. If your video is overexposed, underexposed, grainy, or incorrectly white-balanced, a LUT cannot fully repair those issues. Good results start with proper camera settings and solid shooting techniques, so it’s important to understand your camera before relying on LUTs.
TIPS
-Expose your footage properly. Most cameras include a histogram — use it to monitor whether your video is too bright or too dark.
-Shoot at your camera’s Native ISO. For many DSLRs and action cameras, this is the lowest ISO setting. Sticking to the Native ISO ensures cleaner, more accurate colors. Only increase ISO when shooting in low-light conditions.
-Avoid automatic settings. Manual control over exposure, shutter speed, and ISO will always give you the best results — and will help your LUTs look their best.
III. VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
Compatibility
Our LUTs are compatible with nearly all modern video-editing applications. If you're using beginner-focused software like iMovie, you may need a simple third-party plugin to enable LUT support. Wondershare provides an easy add-on that allows iMovie users to import and apply our LUTs without any hassle.
Our LUTs integrate seamlessly with a wide range of editing programs, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X (FCPX), Apple Motion, DaVinci Resolve, Sony Vegas, After Effects, Photoshop/ACR, Filmora, HitFilm, Blackmagic Fusion, Movavi, Blender, VSDC, LumaFusion, Kdenlive, and many other popular tools used by creators today.
They are also fully compatible with all major operating systems — macOS, Windows, Linux, and more — ensuring that no matter what setup you work with, our LUTs will fit right into your workflow.
We transformed color grading into a simple, intuitive process.
Using LUTs in Final Cut Pro X
Open FCPX and import your footage. In the effects panel search for the effectCustom LUTand apply it to your timeline footage. Next, navigate to the top right side of FCPX window and this is where you will apply the LUT in theInspector Window. Our .cube LUTs that you installed into FCPX will be perfectly organized within theLUT tab. Choose a desired look and if needed, adjust the level of intensity with themixslider.
Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import your footage. Select the video in your timeline that you want to add a LUT and then click theColortab from the top menu. This opens upLumetri Coloron the right side of the program. Click theCreative Taband then click theLookmenu. Simply navigate the .cube files and you're ready to go!