Guide

How to apply a LUT in CapCut.

Updated November 5, 2026

On CapCut desktop (Windows or Mac), you load a .cube from the clip's Adjust panel: open LUT, choose Import, pick the unzipped file, then dial intensity. This guide is for the desktop app. CapCut on phone or tablet uses a different Adjust layout and may not import arbitrary .cube files the same way.

Before you start

• Use CapCut desktop, not the mobile app, for this workflow.
• Unzip the download so CapCut sees a real .cube file (not a .zip).
• If the footage is log, convert to Rec.709 first, or reserve a technical LUT only for that conversion. See Log vs Rec.709.
• Prefer 33-point cubes for everyday social and short-form work; keep a 65-point copy if soft gradients matter.

Step 1: Import and select the clip

1. Import your media into the CapCut desktop project.
2. Drag the clip onto the timeline and select it so the properties panels target that clip.
3. If you are grading a stack of clips the same way, apply the LUT on one clip first, confirm it, then copy the Adjust settings to the others.

Step 2: Open Adjust and find LUT

1. With the clip selected, open the Adjust panel (color / adjustment tools for the clip).
2. Scroll to the LUT section.
3. Click Import (or the add / import control next to LUT) and browse to the unzipped .cube.
4. Confirm the viewer updates. If nothing changes, the file may still be zipped, have the wrong extension, or sit on a path CapCut cannot read. Format notes: What is a .cube file?

Step 3: Set intensity and order

• Use the LUT strength / intensity control so mixed lighting and skin stay natural (often start around 60–80% and nudge from there).
• Keep exposure and white balance sensible before the creative LUT; do not stack two creative looks.
• If you needed a log conversion, keep that separate from the creative Filmsilk look.
• Toggle the LUT off to A/B a bright exterior, a dark interior, and a face close-up before you export.

Role of each tool: LUT vs color grade.

Step 4: Export a short test

• Export a few seconds at your delivery resolution and check on a second screen if you have one.
• Watch for crushed blacks, neon skin, and text or graphics that pick up the look too hard; pull intensity back before fighting with secondaries.
• Save the project so the imported LUT path stays with the sequence.

Preview any .cube on your own still in the free LUT previewer (nothing uploads). Premiere steps: How to apply a LUT in Premiere Pro. After Effects steps: How to apply a LUT in After Effects. 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 CapCut desktop, Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut, After Effects, 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.