---
title: "LUT"
canonical: "https://blitzreels.com/glossary/lut"
---

# LUT

URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/lut
Markdown URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/lut.md
Category: Video Editing

## Definition

A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a preset color transformation file that maps input color values to output values, used to apply consistent color grades across video footage.

## Extended Definition

LUTs come in two types: technical LUTs (converting between color spaces, like LOG to Rec.709) and creative LUTs (applying artistic color grades like film looks). Creative LUTs are popular for achieving cinematic aesthetics quickly: teal-and-orange blockbuster looks, vintage film grain, desaturated documentary styles, and high-contrast social media looks. LUT formats include .cube (most common), .3dl, and .look. While LUTs provide a starting point, they usually need adjustment for each clip's exposure and white balance. Over-reliance on LUTs without understanding color science can produce inconsistent results across different lighting conditions.

## Related Terms

- color-grading
- export-preset
- video-format

## Search Terms

- LUT
- video LUT
- color LUT
- look-up table
- color grading LUT