Guide

How to apply a LUT in OBS Studio.

Updated November 6, 2026

In OBS Studio, you typically load a free-standing .cube with a LUT filter (or a Color Correction path that browses a LUT) on a video source: open Filters, add the LUT filter, and browse to the unzipped file. Exact filter labels shift by OBS version, so search Filters for LUT rather than hunting for a menu that only exists in Resolve or Premiere.

Before you start

• Use a current OBS Studio build (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with Filters available on the source.
• Unzip the download so OBS sees a real .cube file (not a .zip).
• If the footage or camera feed is log, convert to Rec.709 first, or reserve a technical LUT only for that conversion. See Log vs Rec.709 and What is Rec.709?.
• Prefer 33-point cubes for everyday streaming and social work; keep a 65-point copy if soft gradients matter.

Step 1: Select the source

1. Add or select the video source you want to grade (Media Source, VLC, Browser, Game Capture, and similar).
2. Right-click the source (or use the filters gear) so Filters applies to the right item.
3. If several sources need the same look, finish one first, confirm, then copy filters where OBS allows.

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

1. Open Filters for that source.
2. Add a LUT filter / Apply LUT / Color Correction control that browses a .cube (search Filters for LUT if the label differs).
3. Browse to the unzipped .cube and confirm the Program/Preview view updates.
4. If nothing changes, the file may still be zipped, have the wrong extension, amount may be at 0, or the filter may be disabled / on the wrong source. Format notes: What is a .cube file?

Step 3: Amount, order, and Rec.709

• Use amount/opacity 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.
• Disable the filter to A/B a bright exterior, a dark interior, and a face close-up before you go live.

Role of each tool: LUT vs color grade.

Step 4: Record or stream a short test

• Record a few seconds (or a short private stream) at your delivery resolution and check on a second screen if you have one.
• Watch for crushed blacks, neon skin, and overlays that pick up the look too hard; pull amount back before fighting with more filters.
• Save the scene collection so the loaded LUT path stays with the filter.

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

FAQ

Does OBS Studio support .cube LUTs?

Yes. OBS Studio can apply free-standing .cube looks through a LUT filter or Color Correction path on a source (exact filter names move slightly between OBS releases). Search Filters for LUT rather than inventing a Resolve node graph or Premiere Lumetri panel inside OBS.

Where do I add the LUT?

Right-click the source (or open its filters gear), open Filters, add a LUT / Apply LUT / Color Correction filter that browses a .cube, then point it at the unzipped file. If the filter is missing, update OBS or confirm you selected a video source (not an audio-only input).

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. See What is Rec.709? and Log vs Rec.709.

Why does nothing change after I load the file?

The file may still be inside a .zip, may not end in .cube, amount may be at 0, the filter may be muted / disabled, or it may sit on the wrong source. Unzip, confirm the extension, raise amount, enable the filter, and re-browse.

Where Filmsilk fits

Filmsilk ships standard 3D .cube looks for Rec.709 that load wherever your editor or streaming app accepts .cube—including OBS Studio's LUT / Color Correction filters, CapCut, Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut, After Effects, HitFilm, VEGAS Pro, Filmora, Photoshop, Shotcut, Kdenlive, LumaFusion, and Avid Media Composer after Color Management install. Try every look on your own frame before you buy. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 with Studio export.