Guide

How to apply a LUT in After Effects.

Updated November 5, 2026

After Effects can load a .cube with Effect → Color Correction → Apply Color LUT, or with Lumetri Color (the same Creative Look / Input LUT split many editors know from Premiere). Keep technical conversions separate from creative looks, then dial the amount so motion graphics and keyed footage stay natural.

Before you start

• Unzip the download so After Effects sees a real .cube file.
• If the footage is log, convert to Rec.709 first (or reserve Apply Color LUT / Input LUT for that conversion only). See Log vs Rec.709.
• Prefer 33-point cubes for everyday motion work; keep a 65-point copy for soft gradients if you need it.
• Working in 32-bpc / linearized color? Preview the look in your delivery color space before you commit.

Step 1: Select the layer

1. Select the footage layer, precomp, or an adjustment layer above a stack.
2. Open the Effect Controls panel (or Effect Controls workspace).
3. Plan one correction effect for the creative LUT so you can mute or reorder it without undoing exposure work.

Step 2: Apply Color LUT (fast path)

1. Choose Effect → Color Correction → Apply Color LUT.
2. In Effect Controls, click the LUT menu and choose Browse… (or pick a previously used file).
3. Point After Effects at the unzipped .cube and confirm the Comp viewer updates.

If the file will not load, it may still be zipped, have the wrong extension, or use an unsupported lattice size. Format notes: What is a .cube file?

Step 3: Lumetri Color (amount control)

• Add Effect → Color Correction → Lumetri Color when you want Premiere-style Intensity.
• Creative → Look → Browse for cinematic looks such as Filmsilk; dial Intensity (often 60–80% on mixed lighting).
• Basic Correction → Input LUT for camera or log conversions only—usually full strength, never a creative look.
• Do not stack a creative look on unconverted log, and do not stack two creative LUTs.

Role of each tool: LUT vs color grade.

Step 4: Order, precomps, and checks

• Order that usually travels well: exposure / white balance → technical conversion if needed → creative LUT → secondary work (curves, HSL, glow).
• On nested comps, decide whether the LUT lives on the nested layer or on an adjustment layer in the parent—one clear place is easier to mute for A/B.
• Watch for crushed blacks, neon skin, and keyed edges that pick up the look too hard; pull amount back before fighting with secondaries.
• Toggle the effect off to A/B a bright exterior, a dark interior, and a face close-up before you render.

Preview any .cube on your own still in the free LUT previewer (nothing uploads). Premiere steps: How to apply a LUT in Premiere Pro. Final Cut steps: How to apply a LUT in Final Cut Pro. Resolve steps: How to apply a LUT in DaVinci Resolve. General notes: How to use a LUT.

Where Filmsilk fits

Filmsilk ships standard 3D .cube looks for Rec.709 that load the same way in After Effects, Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut, CapCut, and Photoshop. Try every look on your own frame before you buy. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 with Studio export.