Guide

How to apply a LUT in HitFilm.

Updated November 6, 2026

In FXhome HitFilm (Express, Pro, and later HitFilm editions), you typically load a free-standing .cube with the LUT effect: add it from the Effects panel, click the folder icon beside LUT File, and browse to the unzipped .cube. Exact panel names shift by version, and some Express installs need the Color: LUT Pack add-on before the effect appears—use the path your build actually shows rather than hunting for a menu that only exists in a tutorial screenshot.

Before you start

• Use HitFilm desktop (Windows or macOS builds that include the LUT effect). Mobile cut-downs may not import arbitrary .cube files the same way.
• Unzip the download so HitFilm 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 YouTube work; keep a 65-point copy if soft gradients matter.
• If Effects search finds no LUT, check whether your Express build needs the Color: LUT Pack before continuing.

Step 1: Import and select the layer

1. Import your media into the HitFilm project.
2. Place the clip on the Editor timeline, or open / create a Composite Shot and select the video layer you want graded.
3. If you are grading several clips the same way, finish one layer first, confirm the look, then copy the effect to the others.

Step 2: Add the LUT effect and load the .cube

1. Open the Effects panel and search for LUT (documented under Color / Color Correction / Effects → LUT depending on edition).
2. Drag the LUT effect onto the selected video layer (or Composite Shot layer).
3. In the effect controls, click the folder icon beside LUT File and browse to the unzipped .cube.
4. Confirm the viewer updates. If nothing changes, the file may still be zipped, have the wrong extension, sit on an unreadable path, Strength may be at 0, or the effect may be on the wrong layer. Format notes: What is a .cube file?
5. Do not invent a missing Resolve node tree or Premiere Lumetri panel inside HitFilm—stick to the LUT effect for that version.

Step 3: Strength, order, and Rec.709

• Use the LUT Strength 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 heavy creative looks.
• Order of operations that usually stays honest: technical log→Rec.709 (if needed) first, then the creative Filmsilk look, then light secondary polish—not the reverse.
• Toggle the LUT effect 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 titles or graphics that pick up the look too hard; pull Strength back before fighting with secondaries.
• Save the project so the loaded LUT path stays with the layer effects.

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

FAQ

Does HitFilm support .cube LUTs?

Yes. FXhome HitFilm (Express and Pro / HitFilm editions) loads creative .cube looks through the LUT effect. Official docs describe adding the LUT effect from the Effects panel, clicking the folder icon beside LUT File, and browsing to a .cube. On some Express builds the LUT effect ships in the Color: LUT Pack add-on rather than in every default install—confirm the effect is present in your Effects list before hunting for a missing menu.

Where is the LUT effect in my version?

Labels move between HitFilm Express, Pro, and later FXhome branded builds. The documented path is: open Effects, find LUT (often under Color / Color Correction / Effects → LUT), drag it onto the video layer or Composite Shot layer, then use the folder control next to LUT File. If LUT is missing, check whether your build needs the Color: LUT Pack and search the Effects panel for LUT rather than inventing a Resolve-style node graph or Premiere Lumetri panel inside HitFilm.

Should I apply a creative LUT on log footage?

No. Convert log to Rec.709 first (or use a technical conversion LUT only for that step), then apply a creative Rec.709 look. Filmsilk looks expect Rec.709 input.

Why does nothing change after I load the file?

The file may still be inside a .zip, may not end in .cube, may sit on a path HitFilm cannot read, Strength may be at 0, or the effect may be bypassed / on the wrong layer. Unzip, confirm the extension, re-browse from LUT File, raise Strength, and toggle the effect off and on.

Where Filmsilk fits

Filmsilk ships standard 3D .cube looks for Rec.709 that load wherever your editor accepts .cube—including HitFilm's LUT effect, VEGAS Pro, Filmora, CapCut, 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.