Key Takeaways
A LUT, or look-up table, is a preset that remaps the colours in your footage to a specific look. It is a fast way to get a consistent style, but it works best when your footage is prepared first.
Correct before you stylise
1. Set exposure so highlights and shadows hold detail.
2. Fix white balance so neutral objects look neutral.
3. Match clips within the same scene.
4. Then apply your LUT.
A LUT applied to poorly exposed footage amplifies the problem. Correction first gives the look something clean to work with.
Choose the right LUT type
Dial it back
Most LUTs look best at 60 to 80 percent opacity. Reduce strength, then adjust contrast and skin tones manually. Skin should look natural even in a stylised grade.
> **Key Tip**: Use only assets you are licensed to use, and check the commercial licence of any pack before publishing client work.
Build a small kit
Keep three looks you trust: one neutral, one warm, one cool. A small set you know well beats a folder of hundreds.
