Guide

How to apply a LUT in DaVinci Resolve.

Updated November 5, 2026

DaVinci Resolve is where many editors finish color. Here is a clean way to apply a .cube LUT on the Color page: own node, right order, controllable strength, and a quick scopes check before you commit.

Before you open Resolve

• Unzip the download. Resolve will not read a .cube still inside a .zip.
• Know your timeline color management. Creative looks for Rec.709 go on after any log-to-Rec.709 conversion. See Log vs Rec.709.
• Prefer 33-point cubes for everyday looks; keep a 65-point copy if you have heavy hue shifts or soft gradients.

Step 1: Open the Color page and select a node

1. Switch to the Color page.
2. Select the clip, then click an empty node (or add one with Alt/Option+S).
3. Keep one node for the creative LUT so you can mute or reorder it without touching exposure or balance nodes.

Step 2: Load the .cube onto that node

1. Right-click the node → LUT.
2. Pick the file from a LUT folder, or choose Browse / the path where you copied the .cube (Resolve LUT directories vary by OS; after copying into the LUT folder, refresh the list or restart Resolve).
3. Confirm the node thumbnail shows the look applied.

If the menu does not list the file, the .cube may still be zipped, in the wrong folder, or named with a non-.cube extension. Format details: What is a .cube file?

Step 3: Node order that usually works

1. Balance first: exposure, white balance, noise as needed.
2. Technical conversion next if the footage is log (CST / camera LUT / conversion node)—not a creative look.
3. Creative .cube on its own node after conversion.
4. Primary and secondary grading around or after the look so skin and highlights stay natural.

Do not stack a creative LUT on unconverted log, and do not stack two creative LUTs. That is the usual path to muddy or neon images. More on roles: LUT vs color grade.

Step 4: Control strength

• Add a Layer or Parallel mixer: put the LUT on one branch and a clean (or lightly graded) branch on the other, then blend.
• Start around 60–80% for cinematic looks; full strength is often too much on mixed lighting.
• Mute the LUT node to A/B against the balanced plate.

Step 5: Check before you export

• Watch the waveform for crushed blacks and clipped highlights.
• Check the vectorscope skin line; pull back if faces go green or magenta.
• Flip through a bright exterior, a dark interior, and a close-up before you apply the same look across a reel.

Preview any .cube on your own still in the free LUT previewer (nothing uploads). App-agnostic loading notes: How to use a LUT in any editor. Premiere steps: How to apply a LUT in Premiere Pro. Final Cut steps: How to apply a LUT in Final Cut Pro.

Where Filmsilk fits

Every Filmsilk look is a standard 3D .cube built for Rec.709, in 33-point with 65-point versions available. You can try every look on your own frame before you buy. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 and adds Studio so you can adjust a look and export your own .cube.