How to add luts to DaVinci Resolve?

How to Add LUTs to DaVinci Resolve: A Step-by-Step Guide

DaVinci Resolve, a professional video editing software, offers a range of features to enhance the color and overall aesthetic of your video productions. One of the most popular ways to do this is by applying LUTs (_look_up_table). LUTs are color grading tools that can be used to quickly and easily change the look of your footage, creating a cinematic or stylized appearance. In this article, we will show you how to add LUTs to DaVinci Resolve.

What are LUTs?

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to understand what LUTs are. A LUT is a formula that is applied to a video signal to alter its color, brightness, and saturation. LUTs are specifically designed to work with video editing software, allowing you to create a consistent look across multiple clips and projects.

How to Add LUTs to DaVinci Resolve?

1. Import LUTs

To add LUTs to DaVinci Resolve, you’ll first need to import them into the software. There are two ways to do this:

• Drag and Drop: Drag and drop the LUT file into the "Color Wheels" panel in theativity Panel.
• Open the LUT Folder: Go to the "File" menu > "Open LUT Folder" and navigate to the location where your LUT files are stored.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Using the Color Wheels Panel

Once you have imported your LUTs, you can access them from the Color Wheels panel. This panel is located in theativity Panel and provides an intuitive way to adjust and apply LUTs.

To apply a LUT from the Color Wheels panel:

• Select a Clip: Select the clip you want to apply the LUT to from the Timeline panel.
• Open Color Wheels: Open the Color Wheels panel by clicking on the "W" icon in theativity panel.
• Select a LUT: From the LUT list, select the one you want to apply to your clip.
• Apply the LUT: Click on the "Apply" button to apply the LUT to your selected clip.

Using the Fusion Page

Alternatively, you can use the Fusion page to apply LUTs to your clips. The Fusion page is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex 3D composites and effects.

To apply a LUT from the Fusion page:

• Open the Fusion Interface: Open the Fusion page by going to "Video" > "Fusion" in the top menu.
• Load a Script: Load a script that contains a LUT. This can be a Fusion script or a LUT that has been saved as a Fusion file.
• Apply the LUT: In the "Node" panel, select the node that contains the LUT and click on the "Update" button to apply it to your selected clip.

Tips and Tricks

• Undo and Redo: Remember to save your project regularly and undo any changes that may have been applied unexpectedly.
• LUT Management: DaVinci Resolve provides a built-in LUT manager, which allows you to create and manage your LUT collections. To access the LUT manager, go to "File" > "LUT Manager."
• Custom LUTs: You can create custom LUTs using third-party software such as DaVinci Resolve’s own Color 2.0 or Fusion. This allows you to create complex, custom color grades that can be applied to your video footage.

Conclusion

Adding LUTs to DaVinci Resolve is a simple process that can greatly enhance the look of your video productions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to import, apply, and manage LUTs like a pro. Remember to take advantage of the Color Wheels panel and Fusion page to get the most out of your LUTs. With practice and experience, you’ll be creating stunning color grades that will set your productions apart from the rest.

LUT Import Options

Here are the LUT import options available in DaVinci Resolve:

• .cube: This is the most common LUT format used in the film and television industry.
• .3dl: A newer format that is gaining popularity, especially among indie filmmakers.
• .arm: A 3D LUT format that allows for more advanced color grading.
• .fli: A Demehler format that is often used in film and television production.

LUT Import Settings

When importing LUTs, you can choose from the following settings:

• Color Space: Choose the color space to apply to your LUT. Common options include Rec. 709, Rec. 2020, and ProRes.
• Bit Depth: Choose the bit depth of your LUT. Options include 8-bit, 10-bit, and 12-bit.
• Format: Choose the output format of your LUT. This can include cubic, 3dl, and arm formats.

By following these steps and taking advantage of the various LUT import options and settings, you’ll be able to add stunning color grades to your video productions and take your color grading skills to the next level.