Are you tired of relying on pre-made LUTs for your color grading in Davinci Resolve? Do you want to have full control over the color grading process and create your own unique look? Look no further! In this blog, we will guide you through the process of creating your own custom LUTs in Davinci Resolve, allowing you to bring your creative vision to life. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a passionate hobbyist, understanding how to craft your own LUTs will give you the freedom to achieve the perfect color grading for your projects. Get ready to dive into the world of color grading and discover the power of custom LUTs!

Create your OWN custom LUTS for color grading in Davinci Resolve

Hey guys, it’s Mitch here! Look-up tables or LUTs for short have become really popular with filmmakers in the last couple of years as a quick and easy way of applying a look to your footage. It allows you to get to the render stage and put the video out into the world as quickly as possible. However, not everyone knows how to create their own LUTs, and a lot of people are searching for the perfect LUT online. The problem is that we all use different cameras, different picture profile settings, and most importantly, we all have a different look that we are trying to create. This article is for those who want to take control and have a good idea of the final look they want on their video. It’s also for those who want to copy a look they’ve seen, whether it’s from a film or a photograph. Let’s dive into how you can create your own custom LUTs in DaVinci Resolve.

Using DaVinci Resolve

The first method we’ll discuss is using DaVinci Resolve 12.5, the free version. Although you don’t need to buy the upgrade version to create LUTs, you do need to know how to use the tools inside the program. Here’s how:

Step 1: Import your footage

Start by dragging your clips into the timeline area. Make sure to select clips that have different exposure levels and include skin tones to create a uniform and consistent lookup table.

Step 2: Adjust project settings

Go to the project settings and navigate to the color management tab. Uncheck the “use Mac display color for viewers” option. This will ensure your viewer window looks the same as the final rendered video.

Step 3: Create your look

Now, go to the color tab and start creating your look. Adjust the controls in DaVinci Resolve until you’re satisfied with the look.

Step 4: Apply the look to all clips

Once you’re happy with the look, right-click on the current node and hit “grab still” to add a still image to the left pane. Then, right-click on each subsequent clip, select the still you created, and hit “apply grades” to preview the look on each clip.

Step 5: Generate the LUT

After applying the look to all clips, right-click on any of them, and click “generate 3D LUT.” Rename the LUT and save it in the desired folder.

Using Photoshop

The second method involves using Photoshop. This method is not free, as Photoshop is a paid program. Here’s how to create custom LUTs using Photoshop:

Step 1: Import your footage

Import your footage into Photoshop.

Step 2: Adjust the image

Use the tools in Photoshop to adjust the image and create the desired look.

Step 3: Save the LUT

Once you’re satisfied with the look, go to File > Export > Color Lookup Tables. Select the desired options and save the LUT.

Both methods allow you to create your own custom LUTs for color grading in Davinci Resolve. Whether you choose the free option with DaVinci Resolve or the paid option with Photoshop, you’ll have control over the final look of your videos. So go ahead and experiment with different looks and create your own unique LUTs!

What are LUTs?

LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are files used to remap colors in videos or images. They can be applied in post-production to achieve specific visual styles or color grading effects.

Why create custom LUTs?

Creating custom LUTs allows you to have unique and personalized looks for your videos or images. It gives you full control over the color grading process and helps you achieve a consistent visual style across multiple projects.

Why use Davinci Resolve for color grading?

Davinci Resolve is a powerful and professional video editing and color grading software. It offers advanced tools and features specifically designed for color grading, making it an ideal choice for creating and applying custom LUTs.

How can I create my own custom LUTs in Davinci Resolve?

To create your own custom LUTs in Davinci Resolve, follow these steps:
1. Import your video or image into Davinci Resolve.
2. Apply your desired color grading adjustments using the software’s color grading tools.
3. Once you are satisfied with the look, navigate to the File menu and select Export > LUT.
4. Choose the desired export settings, such as format, size, and destination folder.
5. Click on Export to generate your custom LUT file.
6. Your custom LUT is now ready to be applied to other videos or images within Davinci Resolve or any other software that supports LUTs.

Can I share or sell my custom LUTs?

Yes, you can share or sell your custom LUTs. Make sure to check the specific licensing terms and conditions of the software or platform where you plan to distribute them. It is common to find both free and commercial LUTs available online, allowing creators to share their looks with others.

Are there any resources or tutorials for creating custom LUTs in Davinci Resolve?

Yes, there are numerous online resources and tutorials available to help you learn and master the process of creating custom LUTs in Davinci Resolve. Websites, blogs, YouTube channels, and online forums dedicated to video editing and color grading are great places to find valuable tips, techniques, and step-by-step guides.

Can I use custom LUTs in other software besides Davinci Resolve?

Yes, custom LUTs created in Davinci Resolve can be used in other software that supports LUTs. Many editing and color grading software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Photoshop, have the ability to apply LUTs to achieve various color grading effects.

I hope you find useful my article Create your OWN custom LUTS for color grading in Davinci Resolve, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.

If you need help with anything join the community or do not hesitate to contact me.

Best of luck! and follow your passion.

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Create your OWN custom LUTS for color grading in Davinci Resolve